Injecting peptides requires a subcutaneous injection which is into the fat layer between skin and muscle. It’s the same method used for insulin.

The supplies you’ll need are your peptide vial, alcohol prep pads, and a sterile, single-use insulin syringe, usually 31-gauge with a 5/16" needle. Learn more about syringes.

1. Preparation

Focus on cleanliness!

• Wash your hands: Use hot water and soap.
• Wipe the rubber stopper of the peptide vial with an alcohol prep pad. Let it air dry–don’t blow on it.
• Choose an appropriate syringe for the volume of your dose—30-unit for very small doses, 50-unit for most protocols, 100-unit for large doses.
• Remove the cap from the syringe and draw an amount of air equal to your dose. Inject that air into the air pocket of the vial to equalize the pressure.

2. Draw the dose

Know the number of units!

• Turn the vial upside down with the needle still inside.
• Pull back the plunger to draw the peptide to the number of units for your dose.
• Check for bubbles. Tap the side of the syringe so any air bubbles rise to the top, then gently push the plunger just enough to push them out.

3. Choose the spot

Pick a place with some fat!

• Abdomen: From your belly button and below, at least two inches away from your belly button. Since it’s so easy to see what you’re doing, this is the best spot to start with.
• Thighs: The outer fleshy parts of the upper thigh. Thighs are also easy access but you may get a bruise if you’re a little too high or too low.
• Upper buttock: Virtually painless and even the slimmest people will have at least a little “flab.”
• Back of the upper arm: If you have enough fat in this area, bend your arm and point your elbow up. Obviously, this is strictly one-handed!

4. Inject

Aim & shoot!

• Wipe the chosen site with a fresh alcohol prep pad and let it dry.
• Use your free hand to pinch some fatty tissue.
• Hold the syringe with your thumb and middle finger. You’ll use your index finger to press the plunger. Insert the needle into your skin at a 90-degree angle–straight in.
• Insert the needle all the way. At 5/16", it will go in just far enough and won’t reach muscle.
• Push the plunger slowly and steadily until the syringe is empty. Hold it for a few seconds.
• Pull the needle straight out and apply light pressure with a cotton ball if needed. Do not rub the area.

5. Finish up

Be mindful!

• Note where you are injecting so you can consistently rotate injection sites.
• Destroy the syringe before discarding it. You might use the cap to bend the needle.
• Use an empty plastic detergent jug to make your own Sharps Container! You should still destroy a syringe before discarding it.