Frequently Asked Questions
67 results
Getting Started
What is Peptide 101 (FAQ)?
What does U-100 mean?
What is the difference between mg, mcg, mL, and syringe units?
What does concentration mean after reconstitution?
Why should I record reconstitution and injection dates?
Storage & Handling
How should an unreconstituted peptide vial be stored?
How should a reconstituted peptide vial be stored?
Why do some peptides need protection from light?
My vial was left out of the refrigerator. What should I do?
What if my vial or pen accidentally froze?
How should I travel with refrigerated peptide products?
How long is a reconstituted peptide good for?
When should I throw a vial away?
What if the vial seal or rubber stopper looks damaged?
BAC Water & Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water vs sterile water — what's the difference?
Why does bacteriostatic water contain benzyl alcohol?
How long can bacteriostatic water be used after first puncture?
My bacteriostatic water looks cloudy, crystallized, or gelled. Should I use it?
Does bacteriostatic water need to be refrigerated?
What if the peptide powder does not dissolve right away?
Should I swirl or shake a vial after reconstitution?
Are bubbles or foam after reconstitution a problem?
Why does a vial sometimes pull the diluent in by itself?
Should a reconstituted peptide solution be clear?
Why can lyophilized powder look different from vial to vial?
Pens, Syringes & Needles
Why use a peptide pen instead of an insulin syringe?
What are the tradeoffs of using a pen or cartridge?
What do needle gauge and needle length mean?
What needle sizes are commonly used for subcutaneous injections?
Does needle gauge affect comfort or flow?
Can I reuse a needle or syringe?
Why are there air bubbles in my pen or cartridge?
Can reconstituted peptide be transferred into a pen cartridge?
How should a filled pen or cartridge be stored?
Injections & Routes
What is a subcutaneous (SubQ) injection?
What is an intramuscular (IM) injection?
What is the difference between SubQ and IM injections?
Can a product intended for SubQ use be given IM instead?
What are common subcutaneous injection sites?
Why should injection sites be rotated?
Is a small drop of blood after an injection normal?
Why does a small amount of liquid sometimes leak back out after an injection?
Why did I bruise after an injection?
Why can an injection burn or sting?
Side Effects & Reactions
My injection site is red or swollen. When should I worry?
Why did I get a welt or raised bump after an injection?
What do itching, rash, or hives after an injection mean?
How is a local injection reaction different from possible cellulitis?
What is allodynia?
What is dysesthesia?
When are numbness, tingling, or weakness more concerning?
What should I know about nausea and vomiting with peptide medications?
Can peptide medications cause constipation or diarrhea?
Can fatigue, headache, or dizziness be related to a peptide?
What can cause flushing after an injection?
What should I know about palpitations or heart-rate changes?
Can swelling or fluid retention be related to some peptide therapies?
Safety & When to Get Help
When should I call 911 after an injection or medication reaction?
When should I contact my doctor about a new symptom?
What are warning signs of a severe allergic reaction?
What signs can suggest an injection-site infection?
What should I do if I suspect a vial or product may be contaminated or damaged?
Troubleshooting
Why might I react differently after starting a new vial?
What should I do if the calculated injection volume looks wrong?
Why can a lyophilized vial look almost empty?
What if the solution changes color after reconstitution?
Can two compounds be drawn into the same syringe?
