What's included in your shipment
Everything you need arrives in one temperature-controlled package. Here's what's inside and what each item is for.
Medication Vial
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder. White or off-white cake/powder at the bottom of the vial. Check the label for total mg content.
Bacteriostatic Water (BAC)
Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Used to dissolve the peptide powder. Typically 10 mL or 30 mL vial.
Insulin Syringes
1 mL (100 unit) insulin syringes with fine-gauge needles (29-31G). Used for both reconstitution and injection. Individually sealed.
Alcohol Swabs
70% isopropyl alcohol wipes. Used to sterilize vial tops and injection site before every use. Use a fresh swab each time.
Sharps Container
FDA-approved container for safe disposal of used needles and syringes. Never throw syringes in regular trash.
Dosing Card
Quick-reference card with your personalized dosing instructions, concentration, and the amount to draw for each dose.
How to reconstitute your medication
Reconstitution means dissolving the freeze-dried powder with bacteriostatic water to create an injectable solution. You only do this once per vial - after mixing, the vial is ready for multiple doses.
Wash your hands thoroughly
Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel. Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Gather all supplies before starting.
Sterilize both vial tops
Use a fresh alcohol swab to wipe the rubber stopper on both the medication vial and the bacteriostatic water vial. Let the alcohol air dry completely - about 10-15 seconds. Do not blow on them.
Draw bacteriostatic water into the syringe
Using a new insulin syringe, draw the amount of bacteriostatic water specified on your dosing card. Push the needle through the center of the BAC water vial's rubber stopper, invert the vial, and slowly draw the water into the syringe. Remove air bubbles by gently flicking the syringe and pushing them out.
Add water to the medication vial - gently
Insert the needle into the medication vial through the rubber stopper. Aim the needle at the inside wall of the vial, not directly at the powder. Slowly depress the plunger to let the water trickle down the glass wall and onto the powder. Do NOT squirt water directly onto the powder - this can damage the peptide.
Let it dissolve - do NOT shake
Remove the syringe. The powder will begin dissolving on its own. Never shake the vial - shaking denatures the peptide and reduces potency. You can gently roll the vial between your palms or tilt it slowly back and forth if needed. Most peptides dissolve completely within 5-10 minutes.
Label the vial
Write the date of reconstitution and the concentration (e.g., "5mg/2mL = 2.5mg/mL") on the vial or on a piece of tape attached to it. This helps you track potency and expiration. Reconstituted medication must be used within 28 days.
Store in the refrigerator
Place the reconstituted vial in your refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze. Keep away from light. Do not store in the refrigerator door (temperature fluctuates). The center shelf is ideal.
How much to draw
Use this calculator to determine how many units to draw on your insulin syringe for your prescribed dose. Your dosing card has these numbers, but this tool helps you double-check.
Dose Calculator
Example: 5 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 2.5 mg/mL concentration. For a 0.25 mg dose, draw 0.10 mL (10 units on an insulin syringe).
How to inject
Subcutaneous injection - just under the skin. It's simpler than it sounds, and the needles are very fine (29-31 gauge). Most patients report minimal to no pain.
Draw your dose from the reconstituted vial
Swab the vial top with alcohol. Using a new syringe, draw the number of units indicated on your dosing card (or calculated above). Remove air bubbles by gently flicking the syringe barrel and pushing the plunger until a tiny drop appears at the needle tip.
Choose and clean your injection site
Rotate between three areas each week: abdomen (at least 2 inches from your navel), front of thigh (middle third), or back of upper arm. Clean the area with an alcohol swab in a circular motion. Let it air dry.
Pinch and inject
With your non-dominant hand, gently pinch a fold of skin at the injection site. With your dominant hand, insert the needle at a 90-degree angle (straight in) - the needles are short enough for subcutaneous depth. Push the plunger slowly and steadily until the syringe is empty. Wait 5-10 seconds before removing the needle.
Dispose of the syringe safely
Immediately place the used syringe into your sharps container. Do not recap the needle - this is the most common cause of accidental needle sticks. Never throw syringes in regular trash or recycling. When your sharps container is ¾ full, seal it and dispose at a pharmacy or local drop-off point.
Storage guidelines
Before Reconstitution
Store in refrigerator (36-46°F / 2-8°C). Can be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C) for up to 30 days. Keep away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.
After Reconstitution
Must be refrigerated. Use within 28 days of mixing. Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Label with the date you mixed it. Discard any remaining solution after 28 days.
Important Safety Information
- Never shake the vial - this destroys the peptide. Gently roll or tilt only.
- Use bacteriostatic water only - regular sterile water lacks preservative and allows bacterial growth.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles after reconstitution.
- Discard reconstituted medication after 28 days, even if solution remains.
- Always use a new syringe for each injection - never reuse needles.
- Store reconstituted vials upright in the refrigerator - not the freezer, not the door.
- Contact your care team immediately if you experience severe injection site reactions, allergic symptoms, or persistent nausea/vomiting.
- Keep all medication out of reach of children and pets.
Preparation FAQ
Related pages
Questions about your medication?
Your care team is available 7 days a week to answer preparation, dosing, and injection questions.