Peptide Injection Techniques: SubQ Guide

Peptides can be administered through several routes:

Subcutaneous (SubQ) - Most common for peptides

• Injected into fat layer under the skin
• Slow, steady absorption
• Easy to self-administer
• Used for: BPC-157, GH peptides, GLP-1 agonists

Intramuscular (IM) - Less common for peptides

• Injected into muscle tissue
• Faster absorption
• Requires longer needles
• Used for: Some MGF protocols

Intranasal - For certain peptides

• Absorbed through nasal mucosa
• No injection required
• Used for: Selank, Semax, some others

This guide focuses on subcutaneous injection, the most common method.

For each injection:

• Insulin syringe - U-100, typically 29-31 gauge
• Alcohol swabs - For site preparation
• Reconstituted peptide - Properly stored
• Sharps container - For safe needle disposal

Syringe recommendations:

• 29-31 gauge needles (thinner = less discomfort)
• 0.3mL or 0.5mL syringes for small doses
• 1mL syringes for larger doses
• Use a NEW syringe for each injection

Never reuse syringes - even for yourself. This introduces bacteria and dulls the needle.

Common subcutaneous injection sites:

1. Abdomen (most common)

   • 2+ inches from navel
   • Avoid belt line
   • Large area, easy access

2. Thigh (outer, upper area)

   • Front/outer upper thigh
   • Good for self-injection
   • Alternate legs

3. Back of upper arm (tricep area)

   • Requires help or flexibility
   • Good rotation site

4. Love handles (flanks)

   • Side of abdomen above hip
   • Good fat layer

Site rotation is essential:

• Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps)
• Don't inject in the same spot twice in a row
• Keep a mental or written rotation schedule

Preparation:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap
2. Gather supplies on clean surface
3. Allow peptide to reach room temperature (5-10 min)
4. Check solution is clear, no particles

Drawing the dose:
5. Wipe peptide vial top with alcohol swab
6. Draw air into syringe equal to your dose
7. Insert needle, inject air, invert vial
8. Draw slightly more than needed
9. Tap syringe to move bubbles up, push out excess
10. Final dose should be exact, no large air bubbles

Injection:
11. Clean injection site with alcohol, let dry
12. Pinch 1-2 inches of skin/fat between fingers
13. Insert needle at 45-90° angle (90° if adequate fat)
14. Release pinch (optional, some prefer to hold)
15. Inject slowly over 5-10 seconds
16. Wait 5 seconds, then withdraw needle
17. Apply light pressure with cotton/gauze (no rubbing)

Aftercare:
18. Dispose of syringe in sharps container
19. Note injection site for rotation
20. Monitor for any unusual reactions

To minimize discomfort:

• Use thin needles - 29-31 gauge cause less pain
• Let peptide warm up - Cold solution can sting
• Inject slowly - Fast injection causes more sensation
• Relax the area - Tense muscles increase pain
• Don't hesitate - Quick, confident insertion hurts less
• Ice beforehand - Numbs area (optional)

Signs of proper injection:

• Minimal to no blood
• Small bump that dissipates (normal for SubQ)
• No significant pain

When to be concerned:

• Significant swelling, redness, warmth (infection signs)
• Hard lumps that don't resolve
• Severe pain or allergic reaction
• Fever after injection

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience concerning symptoms.

Safe needle disposal is required by law in most areas:

Do:

• Use an FDA-cleared sharps container
• Use a sturdy household container if no sharps container (laundry detergent bottle)
• Seal container when 3/4 full
• Follow local disposal regulations

Don't:

• Throw loose needles in regular trash
• Flush needles down toilet
• Recap needles (risk of needle stick)
• Overfill sharps containers

Check local regulations:

• Some pharmacies accept sharps containers
• Community hazardous waste programs
• Mail-back programs available

Proper disposal protects you, waste workers, and the community.