[LOCKED - reference] FAQ compendium: the top 20 beginner questions, answered

Thread is locked to keep the reference clean. If you have a question not on here, open a new thread. Will update this occasionally.

1. Do I need a prescription? For research peptides — generally no in the US. Not FDA-approved for human use. YMMV by jurisdiction.

2. SubQ or IM? SubQ for almost everything. Belly fat pad, insulin needle (29-31G x 5/16").

3. How do I do reconstitution math? Concentration (mg/mL) = mg on vial / mL of bac water added. Then dose in mcg / concentration in mcg/mL = mL per dose. Units on a U-100 syringe = mL × 100.

4. How long does a reconstituted vial last? 30 days fridge for most. 2-3 weeks for fragile ones (GHK-Cu, some thymosins). Label with date.

5. Do I have to inject in the morning? Only if it's a GH secretagogue (night), a stimulant-ish peptide (morning), or you care. Otherwise, consistency > timing.

6. BPC-157 dose for beginners? 250mcg 2x/day SubQ is a common, safe starting dose. Site-specific injection helps for local injuries.

7. TB500 dose? Typical loading: 2-2.5mg/week in 2-3 divided doses for 4-6 weeks, then maintenance at lower dose if continuing.

8. Tirz/sema starting dose? Tirz: 2.5mg/week x 4 weeks. Sema: 0.25mg/week x 4 weeks. Titrate up slowly. Don't skip titration.

9. Do peptides show on drug tests? Standard panels: no. WADA / elite sport panels: yes for some (GH secretagogues, GLP-1s, others). Know your testing program.

10. Can I mix peptides in one syringe? Usually yes for water-soluble compatible peptides (BPC + TB500 is classic). Don't mix GHK-Cu with others.

11. Shake or swirl? Swirl. Shake won't destroy small peptides but can foam and you lose dose.

12. Freeze or fridge? Fridge for active use. Freeze aliquots for long-term storage of most peptides. Not all freeze well.

13. Bruising normal? Yes, occasional bruising from capillary hits is normal. Fish oil + aspirin worsen it.

14. Lump at injection site? Usually subcutaneous infiltrate, resolves in days. Red + hot + worsening = possible infection, seek care.

15. Do I need to cycle? Conservative default: 6-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off for growth-adjacent peptides. GLP-1s are more commonly run continuously.

16. Injection anxiety — how do I get past it? 3-2-1 and commit. Warm solution. Pinch firmly. First week is hardest.

17. Does bac water expire? 28 days after opening per manufacturer. $3/bottle, replace regularly.

18. What's a COA? Certificate of Analysis. Shows purity/identity of a batch. Reputable suppliers provide them.

19. How do I store syringes / needles? Dry, room temp, out of direct sun. Sealed packs are fine until expiry (usually 5 years).

20. How do I dispose of syringes? Sharps container. Empty laundry jug labeled SHARPS works meanwhile. Free drop-off at most pharmacies.

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