What you’ll need
Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready. Your PeRx shipment includes all supplies except a sharps container, which is available at any pharmacy.
Included in your PeRx kit
- Your prescribed peptide vial (fully reconstituted, ready to use)
- Insulin syringes (29–31 gauge, ½ inch)
- Alcohol swabs
You’ll also need
- A clean, flat workspace
- An FDA-cleared sharps container
- Optional: cotton ball or small bandage
Step 1
Wash your hands
Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel.
Why this matters
Hand-washing is the single most effective way to prevent infection at the injection site. Even hands that look clean carry skin bacteria that can be introduced through the needle.
Step 2
Prepare your workspace
Choose a clean, well-lit, flat surface — a kitchen counter or bathroom vanity works well. Lay everything out within easy reach: vial, sealed syringe, alcohol swabs, and your sharps container.
Why this matters
A calm, focused setup reduces errors and makes the process much easier — especially in your first few weeks of self-injection.
Step 3
Clean the vial top
Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab using firm, circular motions. Let it air-dry for a few seconds.
Why this matters
The rubber stopper is a potential entry point for bacteria. Cleaning it before every draw keeps the medication sterile.
Step 4
Draw the medication
Pull the plunger to draw air equal to your prescribed dose, insert the needle into the stopper, and push the air in. Invert the vial, draw slightly past your dose line, then tap out any air bubbles and push back to your exact mark.
Why this matters
Equalizing the pressure makes drawing smooth. Removing bubbles ensures you receive the full prescribed dose.
Step 5
Choose & clean your site
Subcutaneous injections go into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. The abdomen (at least 2 inches from the belly button) is preferred; the outer middle third of the upper thigh is a great alternative. Wipe the area with a fresh alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
Why this matters
Rotating between sides and varying the exact spot prevents tissue hardening (lipodystrophy), which reduces absorption and can be uncomfortable.
Step 6
Inject
Pinch a 1–2 inch fold of skin. Insert the needle at a 45–90° angle (90° is fine for most ½-inch needles). Push the plunger slowly over 5–10 seconds, hold for another 5–10 seconds, then withdraw straight out and release the pinch.
Why this matters
A slow push reduces sting and improves absorption. Holding briefly ensures the full dose is delivered with minimal leakage.
Step 7
After the injection
Drop the syringe needle-first into your sharps container immediately — never recap. Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball if needed. Note the date, time, and site so you can rotate properly.
Why this matters
Consistent tracking helps your provider optimize your protocol and ensures you’re rotating sites properly.
Storage & handling
Keep your peptides at peak potency.
PeRx ships every peptide fully reconstituted and ready to use. A few simple habits keep them stable from delivery to last dose.
Refrigerate, never freeze
Store your vials at 36–46°F (2–8°C). They ship fully reconstituted and remain stable through the beyond-use date on the label when properly refrigerated.
Protect from light
Keep vials in their original box or a dark area of the fridge. UV exposure degrades peptides over time.
Inspect before use
The solution should be clear and colorless. Don’t use anything cloudy, discolored, or with visible particles.
Never share supplies
No vials, syringes, or needles — even between household members on the same peptide. Each patient gets their own labeled supplies.
When to contact your provider
Most injections are uneventful — but if something feels off, reach out.
At the injection site
- Redness, swelling, or warmth that increases over 24–48 hours
- A hard lump that doesn’t resolve within a few days
- Signs of infection: pus, spreading redness, or red streaks
Systemic reactions
- Unusual dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness after injection
- Rash, hives, or itching away from the injection site
- Difficulty breathing or facial/throat swelling — seek emergency care immediately
Dose concerns
- Unsure whether you administered the correct dose
- Accidentally injected into muscle instead of subcutaneous tissue
- Missed a scheduled dose and unsure how to adjust
Ready to start your protocol?
A licensed provider reviews your goals and screening, then builds the right protocol — peptides arrive ready to inject.
Medical disclaimer. The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Peptide therapy should only be pursued under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results may vary.