VALEN LABS — Deep Dosing Reference: Reconstitution & Protocols

Version: 1.0 — 2026-08-09 Intended use: Website knowledge base for VALEN LABS (research-peptide brand, EU + Serbia, Research-Use-Only positioning). Audience: Researchers and experienced protocol users. This document is a dosing reference, not medical advice. No peptide in this document is approved for human use by EMA, MHRA, or any EU/Serbian authority except where explicitly noted (GLP-1 drugs and tesamorelin are approved pharmaceuticals — that does not make research-grade vials medical products).

0. How to use this document

1. Pick your vial → look up the recommended reconstitution volume in the quick-reference table (§1). The chosen BAC volume is a recommendation; any volume works mathematically, but the table picks volumes that land typical doses on clean syringe tick marks.
2. Verify the math — never trust a chart blindly. Recompute with the three formulas in §2 before your first injection. Every row in §1 is verified against those formulas.
3. Choose a protocol → per-peptide sections (§3) give clinical data first, then community protocols, clearly labeled.
4. Where clinical and community protocols conflict, both are shown and labeled. Clinical = human trial / approved-label data. Community = forums (r/Peptides, r/PeptideForum, MesoRx), clinic blogs and vendor guides — real-world practice, weaker evidence.
5. Always check the errors section (§5) for the mistakes that actually cause harm.

Source labeling convention

• [CLINICAL] — human clinical trial, FDA/EMA label, or PubMed-indexed human PK/PD study.
• [COMMUNITY] — reddit/forum threads, clinic blogs, vendor dosing guides, peptide calculators. Widely practiced, not trial-validated.
• [PRECLINICAL] — animal/cell data (included only where human data are absent, e.g. BPC-157, TB-500).

1. Reconstitution quick-reference — all 14 SKUs

Assumptions: U-100 insulin syringe (1 mL = 100 units); bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol); "units" = syringe tick marks. Doses are shown at the recommended reconstitution volume; alternatives are noted where common.

| # | Vial | BAC water | Concentration | Per 0.1 mL | Per 1 unit | Common dose → draw | Notes | |---|------|-----------|---------------|------------|------------|--------------------|-------| | 1 | GLOW 70mg (50mg GHK-Cu + 10mg BPC-157 + 10mg TB-500) | 3 mL | 23.33 mg/mL total (16.67 GHK / 3.33 BPC / 3.33 TB) | 1.67mg GHK + 333mcg BPC + 333mcg TB | 167mcg GHK + 33mcg BPC + 33mcg TB | 6 u = 1mg GHK + 200mcg BPC + 200mcg TB; 12 u = 2mg GHK + 400mcg BPC + 400mcg TB | Blend is 5:1:1 by mass. 2 mL gives 250/50/50 mcg per unit | | 2 | SS-31 10mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 500 mcg | 50 mcg | 1mg = 20 u; 2mg = 40 u; 5mg = 100 u (full syringe) | 1 mL → 10 mg/mL (1mg = 10 u) if you want smaller volume | | 3 | Kisspeptin-10 5mg | 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 250 mcg | 25 mcg | 100mcg = 4 u; 200mcg = 8 u | Do NOT use 1 mL — 100mcg would be 2 u, too imprecise | | 4 | NAD+ 500mg | 10 mL | 50 mg/mL | 5 mg | 0.5 mg | 25mg = 50 u; 50mg = 100 u (1 mL) | 5 mL → 100 mg/mL (25mg = 25 u). Large volumes are normal for NAD+ | | 5 | MOTS-c 40mg | 2 mL | 20 mg/mL | 2 mg | 200 mcg | 5mg = 25 u; 10mg = 50 u | 4 mL → 10 mg/mL (10mg = 100 u) | | 6 | Tesamorelin 10mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 500 mcg | 50 mcg | 2mg = 40 u (0.4 mL) | 1 mL → 10 mg/mL (2mg = 20 u). 2mg/day ≈ 5 days per vial | | 7 | CJC-1295 no DAC 10mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 500 mcg | 50 mcg | 100mcg = 2 u; 200mcg = 4 u; 300mcg = 6 u | Never 1 mL here — 100mcg = 1 u | | 8 | Ipamorelin 10mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 500 mcg | 50 mcg | 200mcg = 4 u; 250mcg = 5 u; 300mcg = 6 u | 1 mL → 10 mg/mL (200mcg = 2 u) — 2 mL strongly preferred | | 9 | GHK-Cu 100mg | 4 mL | 25 mg/mL | 2.5 mg | 250 mcg | 1mg = 4 u; 1.5mg = 6 u; 2mg = 8 u | 3 mL → 33.3 mg/mL (1mg = 3 u); 2 mL → 50 mg/mL (1mg = 2 u) | | 10 | Tirzepatide 30mg | 3 mL | 10 mg/mL | 1 mg | 100 mcg | 2.5mg = 25 u; 5mg = 50 u; 10mg = 100 u; 15mg = 150 u | Industry-standard 10 mg/mL. 2 mL → 15 mg/mL (2.5mg = 16.7 u) — avoid | | 11 | TB-500 10mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 500 mcg | 50 mcg | 2.5mg = 50 u; 5mg = 100 u | Matches community "50 units = 2.5mg" convention | | 12 | Semaglutide 20mg | 2 mL | 10 mg/mL | 1 mg | 100 mcg | 0.25mg = 2.5 u; 0.5mg = 5 u; 1mg = 10 u; 2.4mg = 24 u | 1 unit = 100mcg makes the Wegovy ladder trivial | | 13 | BPC-157 10mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 500 mcg | 50 mcg | 250mcg = 5 u; 500mcg = 10 u | 1 mL → 10 mg/mL (250mcg = 2.5 u) if you prefer | | 14 | Retatrutide 30mg | 3 mL | 10 mg/mL | 1 mg | 100 mcg | 2mg = 20 u; 4mg = 40 u; 8mg = 80 u; 12mg = 120 u | 1 unit = 100mcg. 2 mL → 15 mg/mL (2mg = 13.3 u) — avoid |

Worked examples (verify your own math)

Example A — GLOW 70mg + 3 mL BAC. Concentration = 70 mg ÷ 3 mL = 23.33 mg/mL. Per 0.1 mL = 2.333 mg. Component split (5:1:1): GHK-Cu = 2.333 × (5/7) = 1.67 mg; BPC-157 = TB-500 = 2.333 × (1/7) = 0.333 mg. Dose 12 units → 0.12 mL → 2.0 mg GHK-Cu + 400 mcg BPC-157 + 400 mcg TB-500.

Example B — Semaglutide 20mg + 2 mL BAC. Concentration = 20 mg ÷ 2 mL = 10 mg/mL = 10,000 mcg/mL → 100 mcg per unit. Wegovy week-1 dose 0.25 mg = 250 mcg = 2.5 units. Draw 2.5 units (use a 0.3 mL / half-unit-marked syringe or round to 3 units — see §5).

Example C — Ipamorelin 10mg + 2 mL BAC. Concentration = 10 mg ÷ 2 mL = 5 mg/mL = 5,000 mcg/mL → 50 mcg/unit. Dose 250 mcg = 5 units. Pre-bed standard.

Example D — NAD+ 500mg + 10 mL BAC. Concentration = 500 mg ÷ 10 mL = 50 mg/mL → 0.5 mg/unit. Dose 50 mg = 100 units = 1.0 mL full syringe (subQ 1 mL is at the upper practical limit — see §5).

2. The three formulas (memorize these)

1. Concentration: C (mg/mL) = vial dose (mg) ÷ BAC volume (mL)
2. mcg per unit: mcg/unit = C (mg/mL) × 1,000 ÷ 100 = C × 10 (for U-100 syringe)
3. Draw volume: Volume (mL) = target dose (mg) ÷ C (mg/mL); then units = mL × 100

Universal shortcut: units = (target mcg ÷ vial mcg) × BAC mL × 100

Example: 10 mg vial, 2 mL BAC, want 250 mcg → (250 ÷ 10,000) × 2 × 100 = 5 units. ✓

Syringe reading: on a U-100 syringe, 10 units = 0.1 mL, 50 units = 0.5 mL, 100 units = 1.0 mL. Half-unit syringes (0.3 mL barrel) exist for doses < 5 units — use them for semaglutide 0.25 mg and low-dose GHRH/GHRP work.

Reconstitution procedure (correct order, all peptides)

1. Sanitize both stoppers with 70% alcohol; let dry.
2. Draw BAC water (use 3 mL syringe for volumes > 1 mL).
3. Inject water slowly down the vial wall — never directly onto the powder cake.
4. Roll/swirl gently. Never shake (denatures peptides; foaming damages structure).
5. Wait for full dissolution (2–10 min; NAD+ and GHK-Cu may take longer; a blue color for GHK-Cu is normal).
6. Refrigerate 2–8 °C. Most reconstituted peptides are stable ~28 days with BAC; NAD+ and some others degrade faster — label the vial with date + concentration.
7. Draw with an insulin syringe. Vent the vial (equalize pressure) if draws get hard.

3. Per-peptide deep dives

3.1 GLOW — GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 blend (70 mg, 5:1:1)

Overview. GLOW is a "stack-in-a-vial" combining the three most popular regenerative peptides: GHK-Cu (collagen synthesis, copper transport), BPC-157 (angiogenesis, tendon/gut healing) and TB-500 (actin-based cell migration, systemic tissue repair). The 70 mg label with 5:1:1 ratio = 50 mg GHK-Cu + 10 mg BPC-157 + 10 mg TB-500. It is a community-created product format (popularized ~2024–2025), not a studied pharmaceutical.

Mechanism (one paragraph). GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-tripeptide that modulates gene expression (~4,000 genes), upregulating collagen/elastin synthesis and matrix remodeling while downregulating inflammation; BPC-157 (body protection compound, a gastric pentadecapeptide) accelerates healing via VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS signaling and nitric-oxide pathways, promoting angiogenesis and tendon/ligament repair; TB-500 (a fragment of thymosin β4) sequesters G-actin, driving cell migration and angiogenesis needed for tissue reconstruction. Combined, they cover the wound-healing cascade from matrix synthesis (GHK-Cu) through angiogenesis (BPC-157) to cell migration (TB-500).

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose per injection | Frequency | Draw @3 mL recon | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Standard GLOW | ~2 mg GHK + 400 mcg BPC + 400 mcg TB (3.3 mg blend) | 1×/day | 12–13 units | [COMMUNITY] r/PeptideGuide, r/Peptidesource | | Moderate | ~1 mg GHK + 200 mcg BPC + 200 mcg TB | 1×/day | 6 units | [COMMUNITY] r/PeptidePathways | | Skin/beauty focus | 1–2 mg GHK-equivalent | 1×/day, 5 on / 2 off | 6–12 units | [COMMUNITY] vendor guides |

Protocols. [COMMUNITY] The most-cited "Glow 70" protocol: reconstitute with 3 mL BAC, inject once daily, target 1.75–2 mg GHK-Cu per day (i.e. 11–12 units), minimum 6 weeks, then 2–4 weeks off. Reddit's "Ultimate GLOW" thread specifies GHK-Cu 2 mg (0.2 mL) SC once daily as the anchor dose with BPC-157 and TB-500 at their standard daily ranges. Some run 5 days on / 2 off to reduce injection-site load. Half-life rationale: the three components have short plasma half-lives (see individual sections) so daily dosing is standard; the blend's fixed 5:1:1 ratio means you cannot independently titrate — if you need to adjust one component separately, buy singles.

Half-life: GHK-Cu ~0.5–2 h plasma (source-dependent), BPC-157 < 30 min (rodent), TB-500 ~2–3 h SC. Onset: 1–3 weeks for measurable skin/tendon changes; 6+ weeks for full effect. Injection: subQ abdomen/thigh; GHK-Cu is notorious for injection-site irritation — rotate sites, dilute more if needed.

Stacking notes: pairs well with growth-hormone secretagogues (Ipamorelin/CJC) for recovery; often alternated with a "GLOW vs singles" decision — singles give titration freedom, the blend gives convenience.

Sources: r/PeptideGuide GLOW protocol (https://www.reddit.com/r/PeptideGuide/comments/1h1gxzp/), r/Peptidesource Glow-70 visual guide (https://www.reddit.com/r/Peptidesource/comments/1nrn7l2/), r/PeptidePathways beginner kit (https://www.reddit.com/r/PeptidePathways/comments/1s2eygm/), PeptidesExplorer blend guide (https://peptidesexplorer.com/blog/ghk-cu-bpc-157-tb-500-blend-dosage), ParaHealth blend math (https://parahealth.de/en/blogs/blog/glow-stack-blend-ghk-cu-tb500-bpc157), Jay Campbell GLOW overview (https://jaycampbell.com/blog/glow-peptide-protocol-bpc-157-tb-500-ghk-cu).

3.2 SS-31 (Elamipretide) 10 mg

Overview. SS-31 (Szeto-Schiller peptide 31, elamipretide) is a synthetic cell-penetrating tetrapeptide that targets the inner mitochondrial membrane. It is the most clinically validated "mitochondrial peptide": a full phase 2/3 program in Barth syndrome (TAZPOWER) and phase 2/3 mitochondrial myopathy trials (MMPOWER), with an FDA accelerated approval (2025) for Barth syndrome under the brand FORZINITY. The research-grade 10 mg vial is a tiny fraction of the clinical dose — dosing reflects that.

Mechanism (one paragraph). SS-31 binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing electron-transport-chain supercomplexes and cristae architecture. This reduces reactive-oxygen-species production, restores redox homeostasis and improves ATP synthesis efficiency — the basis for its effects on exercise tolerance, cardiac function and age-related mitochondrial decline, without increasing mitochondrial content (Campbell et al., 2018).

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Draw @2 mL recon | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Community starting | 1 mg | 1×/day subQ | 20 units | [COMMUNITY] PeptideProtocolWiki, WPA | | Community standard | 2–3 mg | 1×/day subQ | 40–60 units | [COMMUNITY] calculator usage data | | Community upper | 5–10 mg | 1×/day subQ | 100–200 units (1–2 mL) | [COMMUNITY] PeptideDosages educational protocol | | Clinical (Barth syndrome) | 40 mg | 1×/day subQ | n/a (pharma vial) | [CLINICAL] TAZPOWER NCT03098797 | | Clinical (PMM trials) | 40 mg | 1×/day subQ | n/a | [CLINICAL] MMPOWER-2/3 |

Protocols. [CLINICAL] All registered elamipretide trials use 40 mg SC once daily — that is the human-trial dose (TAZPOWER part 1: 12 weeks on/off crossover, then open-label extension up to 168 weeks; MMPOWER-2: 4-week crossover; injection-site reactions were the dominant AE). [COMMUNITY] Wellness clinics translate this to 2–10 mg daily (allometric scaling down from 40 mg by body-weight is not standard — it's practitioner preference). Most common community dose per calculator telemetry: 2–3 mg/day. A 10 mg vial at 2–3 mg/day lasts 3–5 days.

Half-life: short (minutes in circulation after IV; no formal SC half-life in healthy humans — trial PK shows rapid clearance, supporting daily dosing). Onset: energy/exercise-tolerance changes typically reported within 2–4 weeks. Injection: subQ abdomen/thigh; rotate; injection-site reactions are the most-reported side effect even at 40 mg clinical dosing — expect mild redness at research doses too.

Stacking: commonly paired with MOTS-c and NAD+ in "mitochondrial stacks" [COMMUNITY]. Safety notes: clinically it was studied for up to 3+ years (OLE) with no systemic SAEs attributable to drug; the dominant issue is injection-site reactions.

Sources: TAZPOWER trial (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03098797), Barth Syndrome Foundation TAZPOWER summary (https://www.barthsyndrome.org/research/clinicaltrials/tazpower.html), long-term OLE (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38602181/), Campbell 2018 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9794587/ — see also "Improving mitochondrial function with SS-31 reverses age-related bioenergetic decline", Aging Cell 2018), PeptideProtocolWiki SS-31 calculator (https://www.peptideprotocolwiki.com/tools/dosing-calculator/ss-31), WPA SS-31 calculator (https://worldpeptideassociation.com/ss-31-calculator), PeptideDosages SS-31 (https://peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/ss-31-10-mg-vial-dosage-protocol), Injectco SS-31 guide (https://injectco.com/ss-31-peptide-guide-2026-benefits-dosage-injection-sites-protocols-results).

3.3 Kisspeptin-10 5 mg

Overview. Kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10, residues 45–54 of the KISS1 gene product) is the minimal active fragment of kisspeptin, the hypothalamic neuropeptide that gates puberty and reproductive function by stimulating GnRH neurons via the KISS1R (GPR54) receptor. It is the most-studied "upstream" reproductive peptide, with a substantial human experimental dataset from the Imperial College London group.

Mechanism (one paragraph). Kisspeptin-10 binds KISS1R on hypothalamic GnRH neurons, triggering GnRH release, which drives pituitary LH and FSH secretion, which in turn stimulates gonadal testosterone/estradiol production and gametogenesis. Crucially, kisspeptin cannot work if GnRH signaling is blocked — it is an upstream trigger, not a direct gonadal stimulus, and continuous exposure causes receptor desensitization with paradoxical suppression of LH/testosterone (a key reason daily high-frequency dosing is discouraged).

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Draw @2 mL recon | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Research single-bolus (IV) | 1 mcg/kg (optimal; max LH at 1 mcg/kg) | single dose | n/a (IV) | [CLINICAL] PMC3380939 | | Community subQ standard | 100–200 mcg | 1×/day, 2–3×/week, or as needed | 4–8 units | [COMMUNITY] Peptides.org, clinic guides | | Community w/ TRT | 100–200 mcg | 2–3×/week alongside TRT | 4–8 units | [COMMUNITY] Houston Men's Clinic | | Clinical pulsatile (SC) | ~4 nmol/kg (~0.4–1 mg for 70–90 kg) | every 8–12 h short protocols | n/a | [CLINICAL] HealthRX review of trials |

Protocols. [CLINICAL] Human data: IV bolus dose-response (0.01–3 mcg/kg; LH peak ~30–45 min; maximal stimulation at 1 mcg/kg; 3 mcg/kg was less effective — an inverted U), 22.5-h IV infusions (4 mcg/kg/h) raised LH ~4-fold and testosterone from ~16.6 to 24.0 nmol/L, and continuous infusion increases LH pulse frequency without tachyphylaxis at that dose. [COMMUNITY] The practical subQ protocol is 100–200 mcg per injection, 2–3×/week (often synchronized with TRT injections), on an empty stomach; fasted state was associated with dramatically larger LH responses in one research review (50–60× vs 9–10× LH increase, fasted vs fed). Daily dosing is discouraged — desensitization risk.

Half-life: ~4 min IV in humans (PMC3232613); SC absorption extends receptor stimulation to ~30–60 min. Onset: LH peaks 30–45 min post-dose; testosterone effects accumulate over days–weeks with repeated dosing. Injection: subQ abdomen; tiny volumes. Cycle: community protocols run 4–8 weeks with re-assessment; bloodwork (LH/FSH/total T) is strongly advised before/after.

Safety notes: watch for desensitization (dose ≤ 3×/week), and expect highly variable individual responses. Kisspeptin-10 degrades fast even in solution (decomposition t½ ~7 min at 4 °C in one stability study — reconstitute fresh, use quickly, keep cold).

Sources: Dose-response study PMC3380939 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3380939), half-life & IV data PMC3232613 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3232613), stability study (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S157002321300130X), Peptides.org dosage calculator (https://www.peptides.org/kisspeptin-10-dosage-calculator), Houston Men's Clinic (https://houstonmensclinic.com/boost-your-sex-drive-with-the-peptide-kisspeptin-theres-more-to-it-than-that), HealthRX profile (https://healthrx.com/peptides-specialty/kisspeptin-10), RedFox PCT guide (https://www.redfoxpeptides.is/kisspeptin-10-pct-guide-restart-natural-testosterone), Kisspeptin review (https://e-enm.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.3803%2Fenm.2015.30.2.124).

3.4 NAD+ 500 mg

Overview. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is the universal cellular redox coenzyme and the substrate for sirtuins, PARPs and CD38. Circulating NAD+ levels fall roughly 50% by age 50, and NAD+ therapy (IV, IM, subQ) is one of the most common "longevity" protocols in wellness clinics. The 500 mg research vial is a multi-dose format for subQ/IM self-administration.

Mechanism (one paragraph). NAD+ is not a signaling peptide — it is a coenzyme shuttling electrons in redox reactions and a consumed substrate for DNA repair (PARP), epigenetic regulation (sirtuins) and immune signaling (CD38). Extracellular NAD+ is rapidly degraded by ectoenzymes (CD38, pyrophosphatases) within minutes; injected NAD+ is cleaved to NMN/NR/NAM at the cell surface and re-assembled intracellularly, so plasma half-life is short but downstream NAD+ pools rise for many hours. This is why protocols use repeated dosing rather than single mega-doses.

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Draw @10 mL recon (50 mg/mL) | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Community start | 25 mg | 2×/week | 50 units (0.5 mL) | [COMMUNITY] Reddit r/Peptides-style protocol (PeachIV) | | Community standard | 50–100 mg | 2–3×/week | 100–200 units (1–2 mL) | [COMMUNITY] PeptIQ, RWA Center, clinics | | Community titration ladder | 25 → 50 → 100 mg | 2×/week, +2 weeks per step | see above | [COMMUNITY] PeachIV reddit-derived protocol | | Clinical IV | 500–1,000 mg | per session, supervised | n/a | [CLINICAL]/clinic practice, Frontiers pilot | | Clinic subQ SOP | 50 mg start, titrate to 100 mg | 1×/week × 4 wk then reassess | 100–200 units | [COMMUNITY] Walnut Creek SOP |

Protocols. [COMMUNITY] The circulating subQ regimen (heavily shared from r/Peptides and clinic blogs): weeks 1–2: 25 mg 2×/week; weeks 3–4: 50 mg 2×/week; weeks 5–6: 100 mg 2×/week; week 7+: 100 mg up to 3×/week; maintenance often 50–100 mg weekly. [CLINICAL] IV infusion data (500 mg over 6 h) shows plasma NAD+ and all metabolites (NMA, ADPR, meNAM, NMN) significantly elevated at 2–6 h — the pharmacodynamic basis for the "infusion" model; subQ/IM absorb over 1–3 h with fewer flushing reactions. Loading phase: some clinics do daily subQ 100–200 mg for 7–14 days ("fill the tank").

Half-life: extracellular NAD+/precursors degrade in minutes (NMN ~2–3 min plasma in preclinical models); cellular NAD+ elevation persists 12–24 h. Onset: energy effects often felt within days to 2 weeks; subjective. Injection: subQ or IM; NAD+ solutions are acidic — injection-site pain/burning is common (see §5).

Safety notes: dose- and rate-dependent side effects (headache, nausea, flushing, dizziness) — titrate slowly; avoid huge single subQ volumes; some protocols buffer with sodium bicarbonate (clinic practice, not trial-validated). Vial lasts 28 days max after reconstitution — 500 mg at 50 mg 2×/week ≈ 20 weeks, so most users will NOT finish a 500 mg vial before expiry; plan doses accordingly or use 5 mL recon (100 mg/mL) and accept smaller volumes.

Sources: Frontiers NAD+ infusion pilot (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00257/full), NMN/NR PK review (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5842119), PeachIV dosing guide (https://www.peachiv.com/blog-post/nad-dosage-frequency-guide), PeptIQ reconstitution guide (https://peptiq.io/blog/nad-plus-reconstitution-guide), RWA Center NAD+ guide (https://rwacenter.com/blog/nad-dosage-guide), Testing.com NAD+ (https://www.testing.com/treatments/nad), Walnut Creek SOP (https://walnutcreekaesthetics.com/nad-injection-standard-operating-procedure-sop), Regenics (https://regenics.com/the-correct-nad-injection-dosage-per-day).

3.5 MOTS-c 40 mg

Overview. MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA that acts as a "mitokine" — a retrograde signal from mitochondria to the nucleus. It regulates metabolic adaptation, glucose handling, AMPK activation and exercise endurance, and endogenous levels decline with age. Human trial data are thin (the closest human exposure is the CohBar CB4211 analog program); community use is driven by strong rodent data.

Mechanism (one paragraph). MOTS-c activates AMPK and AICAR-like pathways, sensitizing the insulin receptor and shifting metabolism toward fatty-acid oxidation and glucose disposal; it also influences the folate/one-carbon cycle and reduces age-related metabolic decline. Because it works inside cells via gene-expression programs, its biological effects outlast its short plasma residence time.

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Draw @2 mL recon (20 mg/mL) | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Community start | 5 mg | 1×/week × 2 wk, then reassess | 25 units | [COMMUNITY] PeptIQ, Swolverine | | Community standard | 5–10 mg | 2–3×/week (10–20 mg/week) | 25–50 units | [COMMUNITY] multiple guides | | Educational protocol | 5–10 mg | 1×/day or 5×/week | 25–50 units | [COMMUNITY] Healthspan, PeptideDosages | | Clinic "4-injection" protocol | ~10 mg | 4 injections over 20 days (every 5 days), then 4 months off | 50 units | [COMMUNITY] Perfect B | | Preclinical (rodent) | 0.3–1 mg/kg | daily 2–8 weeks | n/a | [PRECLINICAL] |

Protocols. [CLINICAL] No registered trials of native MOTS-c in humans. CB4211 (a stabilized analog) phase 1a was safe in healthy adults; phase 1b in NAFLD used 25 mg/day SC for 4 weeks with significant ALT (−25%), AST (−17%) and fasting glucose (−6%) improvements vs placebo. This is the only human dose anchor available: 25 mg/day SC was well tolerated. [COMMUNITY] Protocols cluster at 5–10 mg per injection, 2–3×/week (some daily at 5 mg), cycles of 8–12 weeks on / 4–8 weeks off. A distinctive clinic protocol (Perfect B) uses only 4 injections over 20 days with a 4-month rest — deliberately low-frequency, based on the idea that mitochondrial signaling needs time to propagate. 40 mg vial at 10 mg 2×/week ≈ 2 weeks/vial; at 5 mg 3×/week ≈ 2.7 weeks.

Half-life: ~1–4 h plasma (estimates vary; ADDF lists "N/A"), with tissue uptake and persistent downstream effects permitting daily or EOD dosing. Onset: 2–4 weeks for metabolic/energy changes. Injection: subQ (80% bioavailability estimate) abdomen/thigh, or IM; morning/early afternoon preferred [COMMUNITY]. Stacking: with SS-31 and NAD+ in mitochondrial stacks; with Epitalon in "longevity stacks" [COMMUNITY].

Safety notes: CB4211 phase 1 was paused once for persistent mild injection-site reactions (painless bumps) — expect and rotate sites. No serious AEs in human data to date. Do not stack blindly with other AMPK-activating agents without monitoring.

Sources: ADDF MOTS-c monograph (https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/MOTS-c.pdf), MOTS-c review PMC9570330 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9570330), Healthspan MOTS-c dosage (https://gethealthspan.com/research/article/mots-c-dosage-chart-protocol-guide-y170), PeptIQ dosing guide (https://peptiq.io/blog/mots-c-dosing-guide-recommended-dose-protocol), Perfect B protocol (https://www.perfectb.com/mots-c-dosage-protocol), Swolverine beginner guide (https://swolverine.com/blogs/blog/mots-c-for-beginners-benefits-dosage-stacking-and-side-effects), PeptidesExplorer dosage (https://peptidesexplorer.com/blog/mots-c-peptide-dosage), Peptides Lab UK PK notes (https://peptideslabuk.com/mots-c-uk-complete-research-guide-2026).

3.6 Tesamorelin 10 mg

Overview. Tesamorelin is a synthetic 44-amino-acid GHRH analog — the only GHRH-class molecule with a full phase 3 dossier and an active FDA approval (Egrifta/Egrifta SV/Egrifta WR) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral fat reduction). Unlike the "research-only" GH peptides in this list, tesamorelin has a well-characterized clinical dose. It is frequently used by bodybuilders for its GH/IGF-1 pulse and visceral-fat effects.

Mechanism (one paragraph). Tesamorelin is a GHRH receptor agonist with a hexenoyl modification at the N-terminus (position 2) that improves stability vs native GHRH(1-44). It stimulates pituitary GH synthesis/release, raising GH pulse amplitude and IGF-1, driving lipolysis (especially visceral fat) while being weight-neutral overall. Its absolute subQ bioavailability is <4%, which is why the registered dose is high (2 mg) relative to other GHRH analogs.

Dosing table.

| Formulation | Dose | Frequency | Draw @2 mL recon (5 mg/mL) | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Legacy Egrifta (1 mg/vial) | 2 mg | 1×/day SC abdomen | 40 units (0.4 mL) | [CLINICAL] FDA label / PDR | | Egrifta SV (2 mg/vial) | 1.4 mg | 1×/day SC abdomen | n/a (0.35 mL of its own dilution) | [CLINICAL] FDA label | | Egrifta WR (11.6 mg/vial) | 1.28 mg | 1×/day SC abdomen | n/a | [CLINICAL] FDA label | | Research-vial community | 2 mg | 1×/day, pre-bed, fasted ≥2 h | 40 units | [COMMUNITY] clinic/vendor guides |

Protocols. [CLINICAL] The registered protocol is fixed: 2 mg SC once daily (1 mg/vial formulation) or 1.4 mg (SV) / 1.28 mg (WR), abdomen only, rotating sites, no titration ramp. Registration trials (LIPO-010, CTR-1011) ran 26 weeks; effects on visceral fat reverse on discontinuation. [COMMUNITY] Research-vial users mirror the legacy 2 mg/day dose, injected pre-bed, at least 2 hours after the last meal, to synchronize with the nocturnal GH pulse; cycles of 12–26 weeks. Some clinics offer tesamorelin + ipamorelin combos (e.g. 1 mg + 200 mcg pre-bed); note the reconstitution volume changes with combo vials. A 10 mg vial at 2 mg/day = 5 days per vial — budget accordingly.

Half-life: very short plasma t½ (~26–30 min IV in clinical PK); effect is driven by the GH pulse it triggers. Onset: IGF-1 rises within days–weeks; visceral fat changes measurable over months (trials showed MRI-visualized VAT reduction from ~month 3). Injection: subQ abdomen only (per label). Side effects (clinical): injection-site reactions, joint pain, peripheral edema, glucose changes; rarely, pituitary enlargement (monitor IGF-1).

Safety notes: do not use if active malignancy or during pregnancy; monitor IGF-1 on long cycles (community practice); the <4% bioavailability means the 2 mg dose is intentional, not "wasteful."

Sources: FDA Egrifta WR/SV prescribing info (https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/022505s020lbl.pdf), PDR Egrifta summary (https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Egrifta-tesamorelin-3656), Drugs.com tesamorelin (https://www.drugs.com/tesamorelin.html), LiverTox monograph (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548730), Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tesamorelin-subcutaneous-route/description/drg-20074632), PeptideDosingProtocols (https://www.peptidedosingprotocols.com/protocol/tesamorelin), Perfect B timing notes (https://www.perfectb.com/tesamorelin-dosage-protocol), ParaHealth dosing guide (https://parahealth.de/en/blogs/blog/tesamorelin-dosing-guide).

3.7 CJC-1295 no DAC 10 mg

Overview. CJC-1295 no DAC — the non-DAC variant, functionally identical to Modified GRF(1-29) / Mod GRF 1-29 — is a 29-amino-acid GHRH analog that amplifies endogenous GH pulses. "No DAC" means it lacks the Drug Affinity Complex (an albumin-binding modification) that gives the DAC version its ~6–8 day half-life; no-DAC clears in ~30 minutes and is the version paired with GHRPs like Ipamorelin for pulsatile protocols.

Mechanism (one paragraph). CJC-1295 (no DAC) activates pituitary GHRH receptors, stimulating GH synthesis and release; because it is a GHRH analog, its effects are pulse-shaped and depend on timing relative to meals/sleep. It is roughly 4× more potent than sermorelin (the other short GHRH analog) per microgram, which drives the community dose of ~100–200 mcg vs sermorelin's 300–500 mcg.

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Draw @2 mL recon (5 mg/mL) | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Community minimal | 100 mcg | 1×/day pre-bed | 2 units | [COMMUNITY] multiple | | Community standard | 100–200 mcg | 2–3×/day (fasted AM, post-workout, pre-bed) | 2–4 units | [COMMUNITY] PeptidesExplorer, PeptIQ | | Matched blend (w/ Ipamorelin) | 100 mcg CJC + 100–300 mcg Ipa | 1–3×/day in same syringe | 2 units + 2–6 units | [COMMUNITY] PeptideMind, PSPeptides | | Higher (cost-efficient max) | 200–250 mcg | per injection | 4–5 units | [COMMUNITY] YouTube MD analysis (start CJC alone before adding Ipa) |

Protocols. [COMMUNITY] Standard stack: 100–200 mcg CJC-1295 no DAC + 200–300 mcg Ipamorelin per injection, 1–3×/day, always fasted (30–60 min before food; never after meals — insulin blunts GH). Common schedules: 1× pre-bed (minimum), 2× (AM fasted + pre-bed), 3× (AM + post-workout + pre-bed). Cycles: 8–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off; some run 5 days on / 2 off. Why no DAC with Ipamorelin: the ~30-min GHRH pulse aligns with Ipamorelin's ~2-h secretagogue pulse; the DAC version creates a sustained GHRH "bleed" that mismatches GHRP timing and is associated with more water retention [COMMUNITY]. A 10 mg vial at 200 mcg/day = 50 days; at 600 mcg/day (3×200) ≈ 16 days.

Half-life: ~20–50 min (no DAC; commonly cited ~30 min). Onset: first GH-pulse effects (sleep quality, recovery) within 1–2 weeks; body-composition changes 8–12 weeks. Injection: subQ; tiny volumes — use 2 mL recon and a half-unit syringe for precision. Stacking: gold-standard pair is Ipamorelin; also used with Tesamorelin (both GHRH — redundant, some still stack), and with BPC-157 for recovery stacks.

Safety notes: GH peptides are WADA-prohibited and carry theoretical IGF-1/cortisol monitoring needs; no-DAC avoids the prolactin/cortisol spikes of older GHRPs but is not "side-effect-free." Monitor fasting glucose on high-frequency protocols.

Sources: PeptidesExplorer CJC guide (https://peptidesexplorer.com/blog/cjc-1295-dosage-guide), PeptIQ stack guide (https://peptiq.io/blog/ipamorelin-cjc1295-growth-hormone-stack-guide), PeptideMind blend calculator (https://peptidemind.com/peptides/cjc-ipa-protocol), PSPeptides DAC vs no-DAC (https://pspeptides.com/blog/cjc-1295-ipamorelin-dosage-guide), Perfect B protocol (https://www.perfectb.com/cjc-1295-ipamorelin-dosage-protocol), Rite Aid CJC page (https://riteaid.com/peptides/cjc-1295).

3.8 Ipamorelin 10 mg

Overview. Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide growth-hormone secretagogue (GHS-R1a / ghrelin-receptor agonist) developed by Novo Nordisk, uniquely "clean" among GHRPs: it releases GH without significant cortisol, prolactin or ACTH elevation, with a ~2-hour half-life. It is the most popular GHRP in modern protocols, usually stacked with a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 no DAC) to amplify the pulse.

Mechanism (one paragraph). Ipamorelin activates GHS-R1a on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering Gq/11-mediated phospholipase C signaling, IP3 generation and calcium release that drives GH granule exocytosis. Unlike GHRP-6 or hexarelin, it does not meaningfully stimulate ACTH/cortisol or prolactin pathways — the reason it dominates community use for anti-aging and recovery protocols.

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Draw @2 mL recon (5 mg/mL) | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Beginner | 100–200 mcg | 1×/day pre-bed | 2–4 units | [COMMUNITY] PeptidesExplorer, PathToPeptides | | Standard | 200–300 mcg | 1–3×/day (AM, post-workout, pre-bed) | 4–6 units | [COMMUNITY] consensus | | Advanced stack | 200–300 mcg | 2–3×/day with 100–200 mcg CJC | 4–6 + 2–4 units | [COMMUNITY] consensus | | 5-on/2-off | 200–300 mcg | daily, 5 days on / 2 off | 4–6 units | [COMMUNITY] PeptideHub |

Protocols. [COMMUNITY] Standard: 200–300 mcg per injection, 1–3×/day, subQ, fasted (insulin suppresses the GH response); the canonical schedule is pre-bed (primary), with optional fasted AM and post-workout doses. GH release plateaus around 300 mcg — more is not more (Swolverine, citing the dose-response literature). Cycles: 8–16 weeks on, 4–6 weeks off. A 10 mg vial: 200 mcg 1×/day = 50 days; 600 mcg/day = ~16 days. [CLINICAL anchor] The 1999 human PK/PD study (PMID 10496658) documented ~2 h plasma half-life, GH peak 30–40 min post-SC, GH effect lasting 2–3 h — the basis for multi-daily dosing.

Half-life: ~2 h (human PK). Onset: sleep quality/recovery in 2–4 weeks; body-composition shifts 8–12 weeks. Injection: subQ abdomen; rotate. Stacking: CJC-1295 no DAC (classic), Tesamorelin (redundant GHRH but popular in clinics), BPC-157 (recovery), GHRP-2/6 (older, harsher alternatives).

Safety notes: watch for hunger increase (ghrelin agonism), transient water retention, and carpal-tunnel-type tingling at high frequency — common GHRP class effects. GH secretagogues are banned in sport.

Sources: PMID 10496658 (Ipamorelin PK/PD 1999, European Journal of Endocrinology — referenced via https://peptpedia.org/peptide/ipamorelin), PeptidesExplorer Ipamorelin (https://peptidesexplorer.com/peptides/ipamorelin), PathToPeptides protocol (https://www.pathtopeptides.com/ipamorelin-protocol.html), PeptideInitiative (https://peptideinitiative.com/peptides/protocols/ipamorelin-protocol), Swolverine cycle guide (https://swolverine.com/blogs/blog/ipamorelin-cycle-guide-optimal-dosage-timing-and-best-peptide-stacks), Huddle Men's Health (https://huddlemenshealth.com/blog/medical-treatments/ipamorelin), PeptideHub dosing guide (https://peptidehub.bio/dosing-guide).

3.9 GHK-Cu 100 mg

Overview. GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine + Cu²⁺) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with one of the largest gene-expression footprints of any peptide (~4,000 genes modulated; up/downregulation of collagen, elastin, TIMPs, anti-inflammatory pathways). Plasma GHK falls from ~200 ng/mL (age 20) to ~80 ng/mL (age 60). The 100 mg vial is a multi-month supply for injectable protocols.

Mechanism (one paragraph). GHK-Cu chelates copper (giving its characteristic blue solution) and delivers it intracellularly while acting on transcription: it upregulates collagen/elastin synthesis and remodeling enzymes, suppresses TGF-β-driven fibrosis and inflammatory cytokines, and supports antioxidant defense. Systemic (injectable) use distributes the peptide body-wide; topical use is limited by very poor stratum-corneum penetration (microneedling studies showed ~134 nmol peptide penetrating vs near-zero without disruption — PMID 25690343).

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Draw @4 mL recon (25 mg/mL) | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Beginner/anti-aging | 0.5–1 mg | 1×/day subQ | 2–4 units | [COMMUNITY] TheSculptique, SeekPeptides | | Standard skin/anti-aging | 1–2 mg | 1×/day, 5 on/2 off or daily | 4–8 units | [COMMUNITY] consensus | | Intensive/wound | 2–3 mg | 1×/day | 8–12 units | [COMMUNITY] TheSculptique | | Upper research range | 4 mg | 1×/day | 16 units | [COMMUNITY] rare | | Educational 100 mg protocol | 1 → 1.5 → 2 mg | 1×/day 5×/week, escalating | 3 → 4.5 → 6 units @33.3 mg/mL | [COMMUNITY] PeptideDosages | | Clinical (topical only) | 1–3% serum/cream | 1–2×/day topical | n/a | [CLINICAL] cosmetic literature |

Protocols. [COMMUNITY] Standard injectable: 1–2 mg/day subQ, cycled 30 days on / 14–30 days off (or 8 weeks on / 4 weeks off), often 5 days on / 2 off. A widely-shared 100 mg protocol: weeks 1–4 at 1 mg/day, weeks 5–8 at 1.5 mg/day, weeks 9–12 at 2 mg/day (at 3 mL recon: 3 / 4.5 / 6 units). A 100 mg vial at 2 mg/day = 50 days; at 1 mg/day = 100 days. [CLINICAL] Human clinical data are dominated by topical/wound-care formulations; systemic dosing is practice convention, not trial-validated. Injecting pre-bed ≥2 h after the last meal is a common clinic protocol (Perfect B: phase 1 1 mg/day days 1–15, phase 2 2 mg/day days 16–30).

Half-life: ~30 min (plasma turnover estimates) to ~105 min (PK modeling); effects persist via gene-expression changes for days–weeks. Onset: skin changes measurable from ~4 weeks; 8–12 weeks for full visible effect. Injection: subQ; GHK-Cu is the most injection-site-irritating peptide in this catalog — expect stinging, transient redness and occasional nodules; rotate sites, use larger dilution (4 mL) to reduce irritation.

Safety notes: do not exceed ~2–4 mg/day community range; theoretical copper-accumulation concern with long-term high-dose use (discussed in longevity circles, unresolved); GHK-Cu in solution is pH/light-sensitive — keep refrigerated, protected from light, use within 28 days.

Sources: PeptideDosages GHK-Cu 100 mg protocol (https://peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/ghk-cu-100-mg-vial-dosage-protocol), Perfect B 30-day protocol (https://www.perfectb.com/ghk-cu-dosage-protocol), SeekPeptides guide (https://www.seekpeptides.com/blog/articles/ghk-cu-peptide-dosage-guide), TheSculptique (https://www.thesculptique.com/blog/how-much-ghk-cu-inject-daily-dosing-safety-mumbai), PlexusDx (https://plexusdx.com/blogs/learn/ghk-cu-dosage), Peptpedia PK (https://peptpedia.org/peptide/ghk-cu), microneedling penetration study PMID 25690343 (via https://peptpedia.org/peptide/ghk-cu), FormBlends half-life (https://formblends.com/articles/peptide-hub/peptides-ghk-cu-timeline).

3.10 Tirzepatide 30 mg

Overview. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is the first dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity, and the current community gold standard for weight loss — consistently outperforming semaglutide head-to-head (SURMOUNT-5: −20.2% vs −13.7% at 72 weeks). The 30 mg research vial is the most common gray-market/compounding format and reconstitutes to the industry-standard 10 mg/mL.

Mechanism (one paragraph). Tirzepatide is a synthetic 39-amino-acid peptide with a fatty-diacid moiety that binds and activates both the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 receptors with balanced potency. Dual agonism enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, delays gastric emptying and — critically for weight loss — amplifies central satiety signaling; the GIP component is thought to explain the larger weight loss vs pure GLP-1 agonists.

Dosing table (community reconstitution + clinical titration).

| Trial week (label) | Dose | Draw @3 mL recon (10 mg/mL) | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | 1–4 | 2.5 mg | 25 units | Starting/tolerability dose — NOT therapeutic | | 5–8 | 5 mg | 50 units | First maintenance option | | 9–12 | 7.5 mg | 75 units | Escalate only if needed/tolerated | | 13–16 | 10 mg | 100 units (1.0 mL) | Maintenance option | | 17–20 | 12.5 mg | 125 units | Escalate only if needed | | 21+ | 15 mg | 150 units (1.5 mL) | Maximum; split if volume-sensitive |

Protocols. [CLINICAL] FDA label (Zepbound/Mounjaro): start 2.5 mg SC once weekly; increase by 2.5 mg every ≥4 weeks based on tolerability/response; maintenance 5, 10 or 15 mg weekly; max 15 mg. SURMOUNT-1 (72 wk): −15.0% (5 mg), −19.5% (10 mg), −20.9% (15 mg) vs −3.1% placebo. [COMMUNITY] r/tirzepatidecompound and r/GLP1microdosing practices: (1) split dosing — 2.5 mg Mon + 2.5 mg Thu halves the peak and blunts the day-5–6 hunger rebound; (2) every-5-days dosing to flatten the trough (same total mg, recalculated per injection); (3) micro-titration — 0.5–1 mg steps and slower ramps for the GI-sensitive; (4) maintenance at the lowest effective dose rather than pushing to 15 mg. A 30 mg vial at 2.5 mg/wk = 12 weeks; at 5 mg/wk = 6 weeks; at 15 mg/wk = 2 weeks.

Half-life: ~5 days (4.83 days mean terminal, label). Onset: appetite suppression within 24–72 h of first dose; weight loss ramps weeks 4–20 as dose escalates. Injection: subQ abdomen/thigh/upper arm, weekly, rotate sites; any time of day, with or without food. Side effects (clinical): nausea (most common), diarrhea, constipation, vomiting; dose-dependent; rare pancreatitis, gallbladder events, thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents.

Safety notes: never re-use a "used" pen/vial from a clinic; if a dose is missed >4 days, skip and restart schedule (do not double); tirzepatide suppresses appetite hard — ensure protein/electrolyte intake; stop before surgery/contrast studies per label. Gray-market vials are unverified — test or at minimum check clarity/particulates.

Sources: SURMOUNT-1 NEJM (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038), MedCentral Zepbound guide (https://www.medcentral.com/drugs/guide/tirzepatide), PlexusDx schedule (https://plexusdx.com/blogs/learn/tirzepatide-dosing-schedule-plexusdx), MedVidi chart (https://medvidi.com/blog/tirzepatide-dosage), Fella Health escalation guide (https://www.fellahealth.com/guide/how-to-know-when-to-increase-tirzepatide), Harmony Aesthetics (https://harmonyaestheticsspa.com/tirzepatide-dosing-weight-loss-units), reconstitution guides (https://freemedicaljournals.com/blog/tirzepatide-bac-water-calculator, https://www.glunovabio.com/guides/how-to-reconstitute-tirzepatide-mixing-guide), r/tirzepatidecompound split-dose threads (https://www.reddit.com/r/tirzepatidecompound/comments/1l97fnm/split_dose, /comments/1e0sbpo/do_you_do_every_5_days_or_7), r/GLP1ResearchTalk reconstitution (https://www.reddit.com/r/GLP1ResearchTalk/comments/1rq21m3/reconstitution_how_much_bac_water).

3.11 TB-500 10 mg

Overview. TB-500 is the research-world name for a synthetic fragment of thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a 43-amino-acid actin-regulating protein present in virtually all cells; the marketed "TB-500" fragment (typically 17 aa, MW ~1.9 kDa, though some vendors supply full-length Tβ4 at ~4.9 kDa) covers the actin-binding domain. It is the systemic partner in the classic "Wolverine stack" with BPC-157.

Mechanism (one paragraph). TB-500 sequesters G-actin monomers, shifting the actin pool toward F-actin and promoting cell motility, endothelial migration and angiogenesis; it also downregulates inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and stimulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Its biological effects (tissue remodeling, flexibility, wound repair) persist well beyond its short plasma half-life because the actin-binding action occurs intracellularly and downstream gene programs continue for days.

Dosing table.

| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Draw @2 mL recon (5 mg/mL) | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Loading | 2.5 mg | 2×/week (Mon+Thu) = 5 mg/week | 50 units | [COMMUNITY] Perfect B, PathToPeptides | | Loading (acute/aggressive) | 5 mg | 2×/week = 10 mg/week | 100 units | [COMMUNITY] clinic YouTube protocol | | Maintenance | 2.5 mg | 1×/week | 50 units | [COMMUNITY] consensus | | Conservative | 1–1.5 mg | 2×/week | 20–30 units | [COMMUNITY] Peptidepedia | | Full-length Tβ4 (if vendor ships 43-aa) | 5–10 mg | per week | n/a | [COMMUNITY] PeptideCatalog |

Protocols. [COMMUNITY] Standard: loading 2.5 mg twice weekly for 4–6 weeks, then 2.5 mg weekly maintenance, total cycle 6–12 weeks. Some clinics double the loading (5 mg 2×/week) for acute injuries. Because the plasma half-life is short (~2–3 h SC) but tissue effects long, weekly-ish dosing is the norm — total weekly dose matters more than injection frequency. A 10 mg vial = 2 weeks of loading (2.5 mg 2×/week) or 4 weeks of maintenance. [PRECLINICAL/CLINICAL] Human efficacy trials exist for full-length thymosin β4 (corneal wounds, venous ulcers) — not for the TB-500 fragment; all fragment dosing is extrapolation. Stacking: BPC-157 (250–500 mcg/day) is the canonical partner; also stacked with GHK-Cu in GLOW.

Half-life: ~2–3 h SC (estimates 110 min–3 h). Onset: tissue-level effects 3–7 days; subjective flexibility/recovery changes within 1–2 weeks. Injection: subQ or IM; near-injury-site injection common but unnecessary (systemic distribution). Safety: mild injection-site reactions, transient lightheadedness; no long-term human safety data; WADA-prohibited; 503A compounding banned in the US (2026 FDA Category 2 status).

Sources: Perfect B protocol (https://www.perfectb.com/tb-500-dosage-protocol), PathToPeptides protocol (https://www.pathtopeptides.com/tb-500-protocol.html), PeptIQ (https://peptiq.io/peptides/tb-500), Peptidepedia (https://peptidepedia.org/recovery/tb-500), Peptpedia PK (https://peptpedia.org/peptide/tb-500), TheSculptique (https://www.thesculptique.com/blog/tb-500-peptide-dosage-guide-loading-maintenance-healing-mumbai), Superpower TB-500 vs Tβ4 (https://superpower.com/guides/tb-500), Rite Aid (https://riteaid.com/peptides/tb-500).

3.12 Semaglutide 20 mg

Overview. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (Wegovy/Ozempic/Rybelsus) engineered with an albumin-binding fatty-acid chain that extends its half-life to ~1 week. It is the reference obesity drug (STEP program) and the most counterfeited/gray-marketed GLP-1 — the 20 mg research vial is ubiquitous. Note the research-vial 20 mg is not the same product as a Wegovy pen; dosing mirrors Wegovy but users are responsible for their own reconstitution.

Mechanism (one paragraph). Semaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor in pancreas (glucose-dependent insulin release, glucagon suppression) and brain (hypothalamic satiety centers), plus gastric emptying delay. The 94% sequence homology to human GLP-1 and the C18 fatty-diacid modification make it highly potent and long-acting; its weight-loss effect is centrally driven, which is why titration is slow — tolerance to GI effects must build before therapeutic doses.

Dosing table (Wegovy clinical titration; draws @2 mL recon = 10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 100 mcg).

| Weeks | Wegovy dose | Draw | Ozempic (T2D) dose | Draw | |---|---|---|---|---| | 1–4 | 0.25 mg | 2.5 units | 0.25 mg | 2.5 units | | 5–8 | 0.5 mg | 5 units | 0.5 mg | 5 units | | 9–12 | 1.0 mg | 10 units | 1.0 mg | 10 units | | 13–16 | 1.7 mg | 17 units | 2.0 mg (max) | 20 units | | 17+ | 2.4 mg (max) | 24 units | — | — |

Protocols. [CLINICAL] Wegovy: 0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg, each step 4 weeks, maintenance 1.7 or 2.4 mg (2.4 recommended; a 7.2 mg maintenance dose is now FDA-approved for additional weight reduction). Ozempic tops at 2.0 mg weekly for T2D. STEP-1: −14.9% vs −2.4% placebo at 68 weeks. [COMMUNITY] Research-vial users follow the same ladder; the 20 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL makes every clinical dose a clean unit count. Community deviations: (1) slower ramps (stay at 0.25 mg 6–8 weeks) for GI sensitivity; (2) "splitting" weekly doses into 2× half-doses; (3) lower maintenance caps (0.5–1 mg) for maintenance-only users. A 20 mg vial: at 0.25 mg/wk = 80 weeks (!); at 2.4 mg/wk = 8.3 weeks.

Half-life: ~1 week (7 days). Onset: appetite suppression from first week; full effect over 4–20 weeks of escalation. Injection: subQ abdomen/thigh/upper arm once weekly; any time, with/without food (per label). Side effects: nausea/vomiting/diarrhea/constipation (dose-dependent, peak during escalation); gallbladder disease; pancreatitis; thyroid C-cell tumors (rodents); muscle loss without resistance training.

Safety notes: the #1 community error is dose math — 2.5 units for 0.25 mg is half a tick on most syringes; use a 0.3 mL half-unit syringe. Never combine with other GLP-1s. Grey-market semaglutide is heavily faked — if the lyophilized cake doesn't match, discard. Stop 1 week before general anesthesia (gastroparesis risk).

Sources: Wegovy label/dosing via Drugs.com (https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html), GoodRx Wegovy dosage (https://www.goodrx.com/wegovy/dosage), FDA OCP review PDF (https://www.fda.gov/media/185422/download), STEP program review PMC9272494 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9272494), STEP 4 JAMA (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.3224), ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03548987 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03548987), mypeptidematch 20 mg chart (https://www.mypeptidematch.com/protocols/semaglutide-dosing-20mg), glunovabio reconstitution (https://www.glunovabio.com/guides/how-to-reconstitute-semaglutide-mixing-guide), r/SemaglutideFreeSpeech reconstitution (https://www.reddit.com/r/SemaglutideFreeSpeech/comments/1dqo26s/easy_reconstitution_for_semaglutide_maximum_dose), Core Primary Care (https://www.coreprimarycare.com/blog/primary-care/glp-1-semaglutide-dosage-for-weight-loss).

3.13 BPC-157 10 mg

Overview. BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from a protein in human gastric juice. It is the most widely used "healing" peptide in the research community — tendons, ligaments, muscle, gut — and the local component of the Wolverine/GLOW stacks. Human safety data remain thin; nearly all evidence is rodent or anecdotal, so protocol numbers are community conventions.

Mechanism (one paragraph). BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis via VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS signaling and nitric-oxide pathways, accelerates fibroblast migration and collagen organization through FAK/paxillin signaling, and downregulates inflammatory cascades; in the gut it modulates the NO system to protect the mucosa and promote ulcer healing (its origin as a gastric-juice cytoprotective peptide). Its tissue effects persist for days–weeks despite a plasma half-life under 30 minutes (the "PK–PD disconnect").

Dosing table.

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Draw @2 mL recon (5 mg/mL) | Source | |---|---|---|---|---| | Standard injury | 250–500 mcg | 1–2×/day | 5–10 units | [COMMUNITY] consensus | | Up-titrated | up to 500 mcg | 2×/day | 10 units per dose | [COMMUNITY] Nulevel, Swolverine | | Aggressive/IM | 1 mg | 1×/day | 20 units | [COMMUNITY] clinic protocol (mdbiologix) | | Gut focus | 250–500 mcg | 1×/day | 5–10 units | [COMMUNITY] Perfect B | | Preclinical anchor | 10 mcg–10 mg/kg | various, animal | n/a | [PRECLINICAL] |

Protocols. [COMMUNITY] Standard: 250–500 mcg, 1–2×/day, subQ (or IM near injury), cycles 4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off (the off period is for receptor sensitivity, not toxicity — continuous use shows diminishing returns per clinics). Post-op/severe injuries: up to 8 weeks. Some practitioners do 500 mcg 2×/day for the first 2 weeks then drop to 1×/day. A 10 mg vial: 500 mcg/day = 20 days; 1 mg/day = 10 days. [CLINICAL/PRECLINICAL] No completed human efficacy trials; rodent PK (PMC9794587) shows t½ <30 min with linear PK, peak ~9 min after IM. Stacking: TB-500 (systemic partner), GHK-Cu (GLOW), CJC/Ipa (recovery/GH), KPV (gut anti-inflammatory, "KLOW").

Half-life: <30 min (rodent, IV/IM). Onset: injury-pain reduction often reported within days; structural healing over weeks. Injection: subQ near injury when possible (or systemic); IM peritendinous in some protocols; oral forms exist but absorption is questionable. Safety: mild injection-site reactions; theoretical concerns about over-angiogenesis in cancer contexts (no human data); WADA-prohibited; FDA 503A Category 2.

Sources: BPC-157 PK in rats/dogs PMC9794587 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9794587), Swolverine guide (https://swolverine.com/blogs/blog/bpc-157-dosage-guide-how-much-should-you-take-for-recovery-and-injury-healing), Tucson Wellness (https://tucsonwellnessmd.com/bpc-157-dosage-guide), Nulevel (https://nulevelwellnessmedspa.com/bpc-157-dosage), Perfect B (https://www.perfectb.com/bpc-157-dosage-protocol), DripHydration Wolverine stack (https://driphydration.com/blog/wolverine-stack-injury-recovery), Gwyer et al. 2017 reference (via DripHydration).

3.14 Retatrutide 30 mg

Overview. Retatrutide (LY3437943) is Eli Lilly's investigational triple agonist (GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon receptors) — the most potent weight-loss molecule ever trialed, approaching bariatric-surgery outcomes (up to ~30% weight loss at 2 years in TRIUMPH-1 extension). It is not FDA-approved (as of this writing); the 30 mg research vial circulates widely in the gray market.

Mechanism (one paragraph). Retatrutide simultaneously agonizes GLP-1 (satiety, insulin), GIP (incretin potentiation, fat-tissue signaling) and glucagon receptors (hepatic energy expenditure, lipolysis, increased resting energy expenditure). The glucagon component is the differentiator: it raises energy expenditure, which is why weight loss exceeds dual agonists at equivalent GLP-1 receptor coverage — and why titration matters (heart-rate increase is dose-dependent).

Dosing table (phase 2 NEJM titration + TRIUMPH ladder; draws @3 mL recon = 10 mg/mL).

| Step | Phase 2 (NEJM 2023) | TRIUMPH phase 3 | Draw | |---|---|---|---| | Start | 2 mg (or 4 mg arm start) | 2 mg | 20 units | | +4 wk | 4 mg | 4 mg | 40 units | | +8 wk | 8 mg | 6 mg | 60 units | | +12 wk | 12 mg | 9 mg | 90 units | | +16 wk | — | 12 mg | 120 units (1.2 mL) |

Protocols. [CLINICAL] Phase 2 (Jastreboff, NEJM 2023): once-weekly SC, 48 weeks; dose-dependent loss at week 48: −8.7% (1 mg), −17.1% (4 mg), −22.8% (8 mg), −24.2% (12 mg) vs −2.1% placebo; starting at 2 mg produced significantly fewer GI side effects than starting at 4 mg with equal efficacy — driving the 2 mg start in phase 3. TRIUMPH-1 (80 wk): −19.0% (4 mg), −25.9% (9 mg), −28.3% (12 mg); 104-week extension subset: −30.3% at 12 mg. TRIUMPH-4 (obesity + knee OA): −28.7% at 12 mg / 68 wk. [COMMUNITY] Research users run the trial ladder (2→4→6→8→9→12 mg, 4 weeks per step), or a conservative 2→4→8→12; some micro-titrate with 0.5–1 mg steps for the heart-rate increase and GI effects. A 30 mg vial at 2 mg/wk = 15 weeks; at 12 mg/wk = 2.5 weeks — 12 mg weekly burns vials fast; budget 4+ vials for a real trial-length protocol.

Half-life: ~6 days. Onset: appetite suppression day 1–3; weight loss continues through 48–104 weeks. Injection: subQ once weekly; same site rotation rules as other GLP-1s. Side effects (clinical): nausea (42% at 12 mg in TRIUMPH-1), diarrhea, constipation, vomiting; dose-dependent resting heart-rate increase (~5–10 bpm) — the signature retatrutide AE; rare gallbladder/pancreatic events.

Safety notes: heart-rate monitoring is strongly advised [COMMUNITY + trial signal]; retatrutide is unapproved — gray-market vials are untested; follow the 2 mg start; do not stack with other GLP-1s; if you have arrhythmia history, this is the wrong molecule.

Sources: Phase 2 NEJM 2023 (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2301972), Lilly TRIUMPH-1 press release (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lillys-triple-agonist-retatrutide-delivered-powerful-weight-loss-in-pivotal-phase-3-obesity-trial-302778859.html), Pharmaceutical Journal TRIUMPH-1 (https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/phase-iii-retatrutide-study-demonstrates-30-weight-loss), Cardiology Advisor TRIUMPH-2/3 (https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com/news/retatrutide-phase-3-triumph-2-triumph-3-trial-results), Ro dosing review (https://ro.co/weight-loss/retatrutide-dosing), LolaHealth escalation chart (https://lolahealth.com/blogs/longevity/retatrutide-dose-escalation-chart), FreeMedicalJournals clinician guide (https://freemedicaljournals.com/blog/retatrutide-dosing), PSPeptides reconstitution table (https://pspeptides.com/blog/retatrutide-dosage-guide), RedFox beginner guide (https://www.redfoxpeptides.is/beginners-guide-to-retatrutide), PeptideUniv calculator (https://peptideuniv.com/calculators/retatrutide-dosage-calculator), PeptIQ beginner guide (https://peptiq.io/blog/retatrutide-beginners-guide-reconstitution-dosing).

4. GLP-1 titration master tables (clinical + community)

4.1 Tirzepatide — clinical (Zepbound/Mounjaro label) vs community

| Week | Clinical (FDA label) | Community practice (r/tirzepatidecompound) | |---|---|---| | 1–4 | 2.5 mg weekly — tolerability dose | Same start; some begin at 1.25–2.0 mg if GI-sensitive (micro-titration) | | 5–8 | 5 mg weekly | 5 mg weekly, or split 2.5 + 2.5 mg (Mon/Thu); some stay at 2.5 mg if losing well | | 9–12 | 7.5 mg weekly | 5–7.5 mg; or every-5-day dosing (e.g. 5 mg every 5 days ≈ 7 mg/wk) to flatten trough | | 13–16 | 10 mg weekly | 7.5–10 mg; split-dose advocates cap here | | 17–20 | 12.5 mg weekly | Rarely used in community unless on 15 mg path | | 21+ | 15 mg weekly (max) | 10–15 mg; many maintain at 5–10 mg long-term instead of pushing to max |

Key trial numbers: SURMOUNT-1 (72 wk, no T2D): −15.0% / −19.5% / −20.9% (5/10/15 mg) vs −3.1% placebo (NEJM 2022, NCT04184622). SURMOUNT-2 (T2D): −12.8% / −14.7% (10/15 mg) vs −3.2%. SURMOUNT-5 (head-to-head vs semaglutide 2.4 mg, 72 wk): −20.2% vs −13.7%.

Half-life: ~5 days. Steady state: ~4 weeks at a given dose — never judge a dose before 4 weeks.

4.2 Semaglutide — clinical (Wegovy/Ozempic) vs community

| Week | Wegovy (weight mgmt) | Ozempic (T2D) | Community notes | |---|---|---|---| | 1–4 | 0.25 mg | 0.25 mg | Many stay at 0.25 mg 6–8 weeks (GI tolerance) | | 5–8 | 0.5 mg | 0.5 mg | Community may micro-ramp 0.25 → 0.375 mg | | 9–12 | 1.0 mg | 1.0 mg | 1 mg = 10 units @10 mg/mL — the community sweet spot | | 13–16 | 1.7 mg | 2.0 mg (max) | — | | 17+ | 2.4 mg (max; 7.2 mg new option) | — | Most community users cap at 1.0–2.4 mg |

Key trial numbers: STEP-1 (68 wk): −14.9% vs −2.4% placebo. STEP-4 (maintenance): stopping → regain; continuing → sustained. STEP-5 (104 wk): −15.2%. STEP-8 (vs liraglutide 3 mg): sema 2.4 mg superior.

Half-life: ~7 days. Steady state: ~4–5 weeks.

4.3 Retatrutide — phase 2 vs phase 3 vs community

| Step (4-wk intervals) | Phase 2 (NEJM 2023) | TRIUMPH-1 (phase 3) | Community standard | Community conservative | |---|---|---|---|---| | Start | 2 mg (or 4 mg in some arms) | 2 mg | 2 mg | 1–2 mg | | +4 wk | 4 mg | 4 mg | 4 mg | 2 mg | | +8 wk | 8 mg | 6 mg | 6 mg | 4 mg | | +12 wk | 12 mg | 9 mg | 9 mg | 6 mg | | +16 wk | — | 12 mg | 12 mg | 8–12 mg |

Key trial numbers: Phase 2 week 48: −8.7% (1 mg) / −17.1% (4) / −22.8% (8) / −24.2% (12) vs −2.1%. TRIUMPH-1 week 80: −19.0% (4) / −25.9% (9) / −28.3% (12). TRIUMPH-1 104-wk extension (BMI ≥35 subset): −30.3% at 12 mg. TRIUMPH-4 (obesity + knee OA, 68 wk): −28.7% at 12 mg. TRANSCEND-T2D-1 (T2D, 40 wk): −16.8% at 12 mg.

Half-life: ~6 days. Steady state: ~4 weeks. Signature AE: dose-dependent resting HR increase (~5–10 bpm) — monitor.

4.4 Cross-molecule comparison (maintenance doses)

| Drug | Mechanism | Start | Maintenance | Max studied | t½ | Efficacy (72–80 wk) | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Semaglutide | GLP-1 RA | 0.25 mg/wk | 1.7–2.4 mg/wk | 2.4 mg (7.2 mg new) | ~7 d | −15% (STEP-1) | | Tirzepatide | GIP/GLP-1 RA | 2.5 mg/wk | 5–15 mg/wk | 15 mg | ~5 d | −20.9% (SURMOUNT-1) | | Retatrutide | GLP-1/GIP/GCG RA | 2 mg/wk | 4–12 mg/wk | 12 mg | ~6 d | −28.3% (TRIUMPH-1) |

5. Common mistakes & safety notes (per peptide + general)

5.1 General reconstitution/dosing errors (the ones that actually hurt)

1. Unit confusion: "units" are syringe tick marks (0.01 mL), not milligrams or micrograms. 10 units ≠ 10 mg. This is the #1 fatal error across all peptide forums.
2. Wrong BAC volume vs the chart: every chart assumes a specific reconstitution volume. If you add 1 mL where the chart assumed 2 mL, every dose is 2× what you think. Recompute with the §2 formulas every single vial.
3. Drawing before powder fully dissolves: GHK-Cu and NAD+ need longer dissolution; dosing a cloudy suspension underdoses the first shots and overdoses the last.
4. Shaking the vial — denatures peptides; always swirl/roll.
5. Reusing syringes / not swabbing stoppers — the benzyl alcohol in BAC is a preservative, not a sterilizer. Contaminated vials are the most common real-world "side effect" source.
6. Ignoring the 28-day clock: most reconstituted peptides are labeled good ~28 days refrigerated. NAD+ (500 mg vial especially) will outlive its shelf life if you dose 50 mg 2×/week — split purchases or accept waste.
7. SubQ volume limits: keep single subQ injections ≤ 1 mL (comfort/practice), ≤ 2 mL absolute max. NAD+ 100 mg at 50 mg/mL = 2 mL — split the dose or use 100 mg/mL concentration.
8. No half-unit syringe for low doses: semaglutide 0.25 mg (2.5 units) and CJC 100 mcg (2 units) need a 0.3 mL barrel with half-unit marks. Rounding to 3 units on a 1 mL syringe = +20% dose error per shot.
9. Stacking GLP-1s (e.g. sema + tirz, or reta + tirz) — additive GI risk with zero evidence of benefit. Don't.
10. Dose math for blends: GLOW's 5:1:1 ratio means per-unit values for each component differ — calculate per-component doses, not just "total mg."

5.2 Per-peptide safety flags

| Peptide | Key mistake | Safety note | |---|---|---| | GLOW 70 | Treating "2 mg" as 2 mg of each component (it's 2 mg total GHK + 400 mcg each of BPC/TB at 12 units) | GHK-Cu site irritation is the norm — dilute more if severe; never exceed ~4 mg GHK-Cu/day | | SS-31 | Comparing research doses (1–5 mg) to the clinical 40 mg and "underdosing" — different products, different contexts | Injection-site reactions dominate even at clinical doses; rotate aggressively | | Kisspeptin-10 | Daily dosing → receptor desensitization → suppressed LH/T (paradox) | Keep to 2–3×/week; fasted state markedly amplifies LH response | | NAD+ | Big single subQ volumes and fast titration → headache/nausea/dizziness | Titrate 25→50→100 mg over weeks; buffer or dilute if burning; 2–3×/week max for subQ | | MOTS-c | Expecting linear dose-response with more frequent injections | 4-injection/20-day protocols are a deliberate design (Perfect B); 8–12 wk cycles with 4–8 wk off | | Tesamorelin | Morning dosing (kills the nocturnal GH-pulse alignment) | Pre-bed, ≥2 h fasted; monitor IGF-1 on long cycles; 2 mg/day = 5 days per 10 mg vial — plan supply | | CJC-1295 no DAC | Buying the DAC version by mistake — completely different dosing (1–2 mg 1–2×/wk vs 100–200 mcg 1–3×/day) | Never dose after meals (insulin blunts GH); tiny volumes — use half-unit syringe | | Ipamorelin | Escalating past ~300 mcg (GH release plateaus; more = side effects, not more GH) | Fasted dosing mandatory; watch hunger increase; 5-on/2-off schedules reduce tolerance | | GHK-Cu | Ignoring reconstitution volume → wrong concentration on a 100 mg vial (100 mg is a LOT of peptide; 1 mL = 100 mg/mL!) | Keep ≤2–4 mg/day; refrigerate, protect from light; expect blue color; cycle 30/30 | | Tirzepatide | Jumping to 5 mg in week 2 (GI blowout); or re-dosing after missed week | 4 weeks minimum per step; skip missed dose if >4 days; never double; ensure protein intake | | TB-500 | Skipping the loading phase → weak results | 2.5 mg 2×/wk loading for 4–6 wk is the convention; weekly total matters more than frequency | | Semaglutide | 0.25 mg = 2.5 units at 10 mg/mL — drawing 25 units is a 10× overdose | Half-unit syringe mandatory for the start dose; heavily counterfeited molecule — verify source | | BPC-157 | Running >8 weeks without a break (diminishing returns) | 4–8 wk on / 2–4 wk off; subQ near injury when possible | | Retatrutide | Ignoring the heart-rate signal; starting at 4 mg | Start 2 mg (phase-2 data: equal efficacy, fewer GI events); monitor resting HR; 12 mg/wk burns a 30 mg vial in 2.5 weeks |

5.3 Storage & handling summary

• Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C for long-term (years); refrigerate short-term. Protect from light and humidity.
• Reconstituted: 2–8 °C; ~28 days (BAC); never freeze; label with date + concentration.
• GHK-Cu: light- and pH-sensitive; keep amber/opaque if possible.
• NAD+: degrades faster than most; use within 2–4 weeks; pain/burn at injection → dilute or buffer (clinic practice).
• Kisspeptin-10: very unstable in solution (decomposition t½ ~7 min at 4 °C in one assay) — reconstitute small, use quickly, keep cold.
• Travel/transit: insulated cold packs; reconstituted vials must not exceed room temperature for extended periods.

5.4 Research-Use-Only framing (VALEN LABS policy notes)

• All 14 SKUs are sold for in-vitro/in-vivo research and educational purposes only, not for human administration.
• GLP-1s (tirzepatide, semaglutide, retatrutide) and tesamorelin are approved pharmaceuticals in other contexts — that does not make research-grade lyophilized vials medical products; EU/Serbia regulations (and 503A-status discussions in the US) treat them distinctly.
• GH secretagogues (CJC, Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin) and repair peptides (BPC-157, TB-500) are WADA-prohibited in sport.
• Purity: recommend third-party HPLC/MS testing (e.g., Janoshik-style services) for gray-market material; document lot numbers.

6. Source bibliography

Clinical trials & human data (primary)

1. Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). N Engl J Med 2022; 387:205–216. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038 (NCT04184622)
2. Jastreboff AM, et al. Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity (phase 2). N Engl J Med 2023; 389:514–526. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2301972
3. Lilly press release — TRIUMPH-1 phase 3 top-line (May 2026). https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lillys-triple-agonist-retatrutide-delivered-powerful-weight-loss-in-pivotal-phase-3-obesity-trial-302778859.html
4. Pharmaceutical Journal — TRIUMPH-1 analysis. https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/news/phase-iii-retatrutide-study-demonstrates-30-weight-loss
5. Cardiology Advisor — TRIUMPH-2/3 results. https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com/news/retatrutide-phase-3-triumph-2-triumph-3-trial-results
6. Rubino D, et al. STEP 4 (semaglutide weight maintenance). JAMA 2021;325(14):1414–1425. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.3224
7. Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Management: A Clinical Review (STEP program). PMC9272494. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9272494
8. FDA OCP review — Wegovy dose escalation table. https://www.fda.gov/media/185422/download
9. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03548987 (semaglutide 2.4 mg run-in + maintenance). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03548987
10. Wegovy prescribing/dosing summary. https://www.drugs.com/wegovy.html
11. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) treatment guide — MedCentral. https://www.medcentral.com/drugs/guide/tirzepatide
12. FDA Egrifta SV/WR prescribing information (tesamorelin). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2025/022505s020lbl.pdf
13. PDR — Egrifta (tesamorelin) dosing. https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Egrifta-tesamorelin-3656
14. Tesamorelin monograph — LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548730
15. Thompson WR, et al. TAZPOWER elamipretide in Barth syndrome. https://www.gimjournal.org/article/S1098-3600(21)04946-7/fulltext (also https://www.nature.com/articles/s41436-020-01006-8)
16. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03098797 (elamipretide 40 mg SC daily, Barth syndrome). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03098797
17. Thompson WR, et al. 168-week OLE of TAZPOWER. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38602181/
18. Campbell MD, et al. SS-31 reverses age-related decline. Aging Cell 2018 (cited by 149). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9794587/ (secondary)
19. Jayasena CN, et al. Kisspeptin-10 dose-response in men. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3380939
20. Jayasena CN, et al. Kisspeptin-10 effects on reproductive hormones (IV half-life ~4 min). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3232613
21. Kisspeptin-10 stability study. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S157002321300130X
22. BPC-157 pharmacokinetics in rats and dogs. PMC9794587. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9794587
23. Ipamorelin human PK/PD 1999 (PMID 10496658), summarized at https://peptpedia.org/peptide/ipamorelin
24. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience — 6-h IV NAD+ infusion pilot. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00257/full
25. NAD+ intermediates (NMN/NR) review. PMC5842119. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5842119
26. MOTS-c review — aging and age-related disease. PMC9570330. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9570330
27. ADDF Cognitive Vitality — MOTS-c monograph. https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/MOTS-c.pdf
28. Barth Syndrome Foundation — TAZPOWER/MMPOWER program. https://www.barthsyndrome.org/research/clinicaltrials/tazpower.html

Community, clinic & vendor protocol sources (label as [COMMUNITY] on site)

29. r/PeptideGuide — "The Ultimate GLOW Peptide Protocol". https://www.reddit.com/r/PeptideGuide/comments/1h1gxzp/
30. r/Peptidesource — "A Visual Guide to the Glow 70 Protocol". https://www.reddit.com/r/Peptidesource/comments/1nrn7l2/
31. r/PeptidePathways — GLOW beginner kit dosing. https://www.reddit.com/r/PeptidePathways/comments/1s2eygm/
32. PeptidesExplorer — GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500 blend dosage. https://peptidesexplorer.com/blog/ghk-cu-bpc-157-tb-500-blend-dosage
33. ParaHealth — GLOW blend per-IU math. https://parahealth.de/en/blogs/blog/glow-stack-blend-ghk-cu-tb500-bpc157
34. Jay Campbell — GLOW protocol. https://jaycampbell.com/blog/glow-peptide-protocol-bpc-157-tb-500-ghk-cu
35. PeptideDosages — GHK-Cu 100 mg protocol. https://peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/ghk-cu-100-mg-vial-dosage-protocol
36. PeptideDosages — SS-31 10 mg protocol. https://peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/ss-31-10-mg-vial-dosage-protocol
37. PeptideDosages — Kisspeptin 10 mg protocol. https://peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/kisspeptin-10-mg-vial-dosage-protocol
38. PeptideDosages — Tirzepatide 30 mg protocol. https://peptidedosages.com/single-peptide-dosages/tirzepatide-30-mg-vial-dosage-protocol
39. PeptideProtocolWiki — SS-31 dosing calculator. https://www.peptideprotocolwiki.com/tools/dosing-calculator/ss-31
40. World Peptide Association — SS-31 calculator. https://worldpeptideassociation.com/ss-31-calculator
41. Peptides.org — Kisspeptin-10 dosage calculator. https://www.peptides.org/kisspeptin-10-dosage-calculator
42. Houston Men's Clinic — kisspeptin dosing. https://houstonmensclinic.com/boost-your-sex-drive-with-the-peptide-kisspeptin-theres-more-to-it-than-that
43. HealthRX — Kisspeptin-10 profile. https://healthrx.com/peptides-specialty/kisspeptin-10
44. RedFox Peptides — Kisspeptin-10 PCT guide. https://www.redfoxpeptides.is/kisspeptin-10-pct-guide-restart-natural-testosterone
45. PeachIV — NAD+ dosing/frequency guide (reddit-derived protocol). https://www.peachiv.com/blog-post/nad-dosage-frequency-guide
46. PeptIQ — NAD+ reconstitution guide. https://peptiq.io/blog/nad-plus-reconstitution-guide
47. RWA Center — NAD+ dosage guide. https://rwacenter.com/blog/nad-dosage-guide
48. Testing.com — NAD+ injections overview. https://www.testing.com/treatments/nad
49. Walnut Creek Aesthetics — NAD+ injection SOP. https://walnutcreekaesthetics.com/nad-injection-standard-operating-procedure-sop
50. Regenics — NAD+ daily dosage. https://regenics.com/the-correct-nad-injection-dosage-per-day
51. Healthspan — MOTS-c dosage chart. https://gethealthspan.com/research/article/mots-c-dosage-chart-protocol-guide-y170
52. PeptIQ — MOTS-c dosing guide. https://peptiq.io/blog/mots-c-dosing-guide-recommended-dose-protocol
53. Perfect B — MOTS-c 4-injection protocol. https://www.perfectb.com/mots-c-dosage-protocol
54. Swolverine — MOTS-c beginner guide. https://swolverine.com/blogs/blog/mots-c-for-beginners-benefits-dosage-stacking-and-side-effects
55. PeptidesExplorer — MOTS-c dosage & timing. https://peptidesexplorer.com/blog/mots-c-peptide-dosage
56. Peptides Lab UK — MOTS-c PK notes. https://peptideslabuk.com/mots-c-uk-complete-research-guide-2026
57. PeptideDosingProtocols — Tesamorelin. https://www.peptidedosingprotocols.com/protocol/tesamorelin
58. Perfect B — Tesamorelin timing/units. https://www.perfectb.com/tesamorelin-dosage-protocol
59. ParaHealth — Tesamorelin dosing guide. https://parahealth.de/en/blogs/blog/tesamorelin-dosing-guide
60. PeptidesExplorer — CJC-1295 dosage guide. https://peptidesexplorer.com/blog/cjc-1295-dosage-guide
61. PeptIQ — Ipamorelin + CJC stack guide. https://peptiq.io/blog/ipamorelin-cjc1295-growth-hormone-stack-guide
62. PeptideMind — CJC/Ipa blend calculator. https://peptidemind.com/peptides/cjc-ipa-protocol
63. PSPeptides — CJC-1295/Ipamorelin DAC vs no-DAC. https://pspeptides.com/blog/cjc-1295-ipamorelin-dosage-guide
64. Perfect B — CJC-1295/Ipamorelin protocol. https://www.perfectb.com/cjc-1295-ipamorelin-dosage-protocol
65. Rite Aid — CJC-1295 overview. https://riteaid.com/peptides/cjc-1295
66. PathToPeptides — Ipamorelin protocol. https://www.pathtopeptides.com/ipamorelin-protocol.html
67. PeptideInitiative — Ipamorelin protocol. https://peptideinitiative.com/peptides/protocols/ipamorelin-protocol
68. Swolverine — Ipamorelin cycle guide. https://swolverine.com/blogs/blog/ipamorelin-cycle-guide-optimal-dosage-timing-and-best-peptide-stacks
69. Huddle Men's Health — Ipamorelin. https://huddlemenshealth.com/blog/medical-treatments/ipamorelin
70. PeptideHub — dosing guide (Ipamorelin 5-on/2-off). https://peptidehub.bio/dosing-guide
71. Perfect B — GHK-Cu 30-day protocol. https://www.perfectb.com/ghk-cu-dosage-protocol
72. SeekPeptides — GHK-Cu dosage guide. https://www.seekpeptides.com/blog/articles/ghk-cu-peptide-dosage-guide
73. TheSculptique — GHK-Cu daily dosing. https://www.thesculptique.com/blog/how-much-ghk-cu-inject-daily-dosing-safety-mumbai
74. PlexusDx — GHK-Cu clinical guidance. https://plexusdx.com/blogs/learn/ghk-cu-dosage
75. Peptpedia — GHK-Cu PK. https://peptpedia.org/peptide/ghk-cu
76. FormBlends — GHK-Cu half-life. https://formblends.com/articles/peptide-hub/peptides-ghk-cu-timeline
77. Delta Peptides — GHK-Cu clinical profile. https://deltapeptides.com/ghk-cu.html
78. PlexusDx — Tirzepatide dosing schedule. https://plexusdx.com/blogs/learn/tirzepatide-dosing-schedule-plexusdx
79. MedVidi — Tirzepatide dosage chart. https://medvidi.com/blog/tirzepatide-dosage
80. Fella Health — when to increase tirzepatide. https://www.fellahealth.com/guide/how-to-know-when-to-increase-tirzepatide
81. Harmony Aesthetics — tirzepatide units guide. https://harmonyaestheticsspa.com/tirzepatide-dosing-weight-loss-units
82. FreeMedicalJournals — tirzepatide BAC calculator. https://freemedicaljournals.com/blog/tirzepatide-bac-water-calculator
83. glunovabio — tirzepatide reconstitution guide. https://www.glunovabio.com/guides/how-to-reconstitute-tirzepatide-mixing-guide
84. r/tirzepatidecompound — split dosing. https://www.reddit.com/r/tirzepatidecompound/comments/1l97fnm/split_dose
85. r/tirzepatidecompound — every-5-days. https://www.reddit.com/r/tirzepatidecompound/comments/1e0sbpo/do_you_do_every_5_days_or_7
86. r/GLP1ResearchTalk — reconstitution volume. https://www.reddit.com/r/GLP1ResearchTalk/comments/1rq21m3/reconstitution_how_much_bac_water
87. Perfect B — TB-500 protocol. https://www.perfectb.com/tb-500-dosage-protocol
88. PathToPeptides — TB-500 protocol. https://www.pathtopeptides.com/tb-500-protocol.html
89. PeptIQ — TB-500. https://peptiq.io/peptides/tb-500
90. Peptidepedia — TB-500. https://peptidepedia.org/recovery/tb-500
91. Peptpedia — TB-500 PK. https://peptpedia.org/peptide/tb-500
92. TheSculptique — TB-500 loading/maintenance. https://www.thesculptique.com/blog/tb-500-peptide-dosage-guide-loading-maintenance-healing-mumbai
93. Superpower — TB-500 vs thymosin β4. https://superpower.com/guides/tb-500
94. mypeptidematch — Semaglutide 20 mg chart. https://www.mypeptidematch.com/protocols/semaglutide-dosing-20mg
95. glunovabio — semaglutide reconstitution. https://www.glunovabio.com/guides/how-to-reconstitute-semaglutide-mixing-guide
96. r/SemaglutideFreeSpeech — reconstitution thread. https://www.reddit.com/r/SemaglutideFreeSpeech/comments/1dqo26s/easy_reconstitution_for_semaglutide_maximum_dose
97. Core Primary Care — semaglutide dosing. https://www.coreprimarycare.com/blog/primary-care/glp-1-semaglutide-dosage-for-weight-loss
98. GoodRx — Wegovy dosage. https://www.goodrx.com/wegovy/dosage
99. Swolverine — BPC-157 dosage guide. https://swolverine.com/blogs/blog/bpc-157-dosage-guide-how-much-should-you-take-for-recovery-and-injury-healing
100. Tucson Wellness MD — BPC-157 guide. https://tucsonwellnessmd.com/bpc-157-dosage-guide
101. Nulevel Wellness — BPC-157 dosage. https://nulevelwellnessmedspa.com/bpc-157-dosage
102. Perfect B — BPC-157 protocol. https://www.perfectb.com/bpc-157-dosage-protocol
103. DripHydration — Wolverine stack. https://driphydration.com/blog/wolverine-stack-injury-recovery
104. Ro — Retatrutide dosing. https://ro.co/weight-loss/retatrutide-dosing
105. LolaHealth — Retatrutide escalation chart. https://lolahealth.com/blogs/longevity/retatrutide-dose-escalation-chart
106. FreeMedicalJournals — retatrutide clinician guide. https://freemedicaljournals.com/blog/retatrutide-dosing
107. PSPeptides — retatrutide reconstitution table. https://pspeptides.com/blog/retatrutide-dosage-guide
108. RedFox Peptides — retatrutide beginner guide. https://www.redfoxpeptides.is/beginners-guide-to-retatrutide
109. PeptideUniv — retatrutide calculator. https://peptideuniv.com/calculators/retatrutide-dosage-calculator
110. PeptIQ — retatrutide beginner guide. https://peptiq.io/blog/retatrutide-beginners-guide-reconstitution-dosing
111. FreeMedicalJournals — BAC water for 30 mg retatrutide. https://freemedicaljournals.com/blog/how-much-bac-water-for-30mg-retatrutide

Calculators & tools (for user-facing link-out)

• Rite Aid peptide calculator (formula reference). https://riteaid.com/tools/peptide-dosage-calculator
• PeptideMind calculator. https://peptidemind.com/peptide-dosage-calculator
• PeptideFox calculator (blend presets incl. GLOW). https://peptidefox.com/tools/calculator
• Palmetto Peptides — reconstitution guide (C1V1=C2V2). https://palmettopeptides.com/blogs/news/peptide-reconstitution-calculator-guide
• Durham Peptides — reconstitution calculator guide. https://www.durhampeptides.ca/post/peptide-reconstitution-calculator-guide

Document generated for VALEN LABS knowledge base. All community-sourced protocols are marked [COMMUNITY] and must be labeled as such on the site. Re-verify any dose with the §2 formulas before publishing or injecting. RUO — not medical advice.

7. Master kinetics & administration table (all 14 SKUs)

| Peptide | Half-life | Onset (subjective/measurable) | Frequency | Time of day | Fasted? | Route | Cycle | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | GLOW blend | GHK ~0.5–2 h; BPC <0.5 h; TB ~2–3 h | 1–3 wk skin/recovery; 6+ wk full | 1×/day | any (pre-bed common) | not critical | subQ | 4–8 wk on / 2–4 wk off | | SS-31 | short (min–h, no formal human SC t½) | 2–4 wk energy/exercise | 1×/day | morning/AM [COMMUNITY] | n/a | subQ | 4–12 wk on / 2–4 off | | Kisspeptin-10 | ~4 min IV; 30–60 min SC stimulation | LH peak 30–45 min; T over days–weeks | 2–3×/week | pre-TRT shot or evening | yes (amplifies response) | subQ | 4–8 wk, reassess w/ bloodwork | | NAD+ | precursors minutes; NAD+ pools 12–24 h | days–2 wk energy | 2–3×/week subQ; IV weekly | morning preferred | best on empty stomach [COMMUNITY] | subQ / IM / IV | loading 4–6 wk, then maintenance | | MOTS-c | ~1–4 h plasma; tissue effects persist | 2–4 wk | 1×/day to 3×/wk (5–10 mg) | morning/early PM [COMMUNITY] | not critical | subQ (or IM) | 8–12 wk on / 4–8 off; Perfect B: 4 shots/20 d | | Tesamorelin | ~26–30 min IV | IGF-1 days–wk; VAT months | 1×/day | pre-bed (≥2 h fasted) | yes | subQ abdomen | 12–26 wk | | CJC-1295 no DAC | ~30 min | 1–2 wk sleep/recovery | 1–3×/day | AM fasted / post-WO / pre-bed | yes (30–60 min before food) | subQ | 8–16 wk on / 4–8 off; 5-on/2-off option | | Ipamorelin | ~2 h | 2–4 wk sleep/recovery | 1–3×/day | pre-bed primary | yes | subQ | 8–16 wk on / 4–6 off | | GHK-Cu | ~30–105 min | skin 4 wk; full 8–12 wk | 1×/day (5 on/2 off common) | pre-bed ≥2 h post-meal [COMMUNITY] | preferred | subQ | 30 d on / 14–30 d off | | Tirzepatide | ~5 d | appetite 24–72 h; weight wk 4–20 | 1×/week (community: split or every-5-d) | any | no requirement | subQ | chronic; titration 4-wk steps | | TB-500 | ~2–3 h SC | tissue 3–7 d; flexibility 1–2 wk | loading 2×/wk → maint 1×/wk | any | no requirement | subQ / IM | 4–12 wk | | Semaglutide | ~7 d | appetite week 1; full 4–20 wk | 1×/week | any | no requirement | subQ | chronic; titration 4-wk steps | | BPC-157 | <30 min (rodent) | pain days; healing weeks | 1–2×/day | any (2×/day = AM + PM) | no requirement | subQ (or IM near injury) | 4–8 wk on / 2–4 off | | Retatrutide | ~6 d | appetite day 1–3; weight through 48–104 wk | 1×/week | any | no requirement | subQ | chronic; 4-wk titration steps |

8. Bloodwork & monitoring recommendations

Before starting any protocol [COMMUNITY consensus + clinic SOPs]

• Baseline panel: CBC, CMP (liver/kidney), fasting glucose + HbA1c, lipid panel.
• GH axis (if GH peptides): IGF-1, GH (optional), fasting glucose (GH raises it), prolactin if using older GHRPs.
• Reproductive (kisspeptin): LH, FSH, total + free testosterone, estradiol.
• Metabolic (GLP-1s): HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipase if abdominal pain history, thyroid panel.
• General: blood pressure + resting HR (especially retatrutide — HR signal).

In-cycle monitoring

| Peptide class | Marker | Frequency | Action threshold | |---|---|---|---| | GH secretagogues | IGF-1 | every 4–8 wk | keep within age-adjusted range; stop if >2× upper limit | | GLP-1s | fasting glucose, HbA1c | every 3 months | hypoglycemia rare (non-insulin) but monitor if on sulfonylureas/insulin | | GLP-1s | resting HR | weekly self-check | retatrutide: >10 bpm rise → consider dose hold [COMMUNITY] | | Kisspeptin | LH/FSH/T | every 4 wk | no LH response by 4 wk → reassess dose/frequency | | NAD+ | CMP | every 3 months | liver enzymes stable in data; monitor anyway | | Tesamorelin | IGF-1, glucose | every 4–8 wk | stop if IGF-1 supranormal or glucose deteriorates | | Any injectable | injection-site diary | ongoing | persistent nodules/erythema >48 h → rotate more, dilute more |

9. Example stack blueprints (community practice, label as [COMMUNITY])

Wolverine (injury repair): BPC-157 250–500 mcg 2×/day subQ near injury + TB-500 2.5 mg 2×/week. 6–8 weeks. [COMMUNITY — DripHydration, Tucson Wellness]

GLOW (skin/regeneration): GLOW 70 blend 12 units/day subQ (2 mg GHK + 400 mcg BPC + 400 mcg TB), 6 weeks on / 2–4 off. [COMMUNITY]

GH pulse (body comp/anti-aging): Ipamorelin 200–300 mcg + CJC-1295 no DAC 100–200 mcg, same syringe, 2–3×/day fasted (AM, post-workout, pre-bed). 12–16 weeks on / 4–8 off. [COMMUNITY]

Mitochondrial/longevity: SS-31 2–5 mg/day + MOTS-c 5–10 mg 2–3×/week + NAD+ 50–100 mg 2×/week. 8–12 weeks. [COMMUNITY — PeptIQ SS-31/MOTS-c stack guide]

Reproductive support: Kisspeptin-10 100–200 mcg 2–3×/week (fasted), often alongside TRT. 4–8 weeks + bloodwork. [COMMUNITY]

Visceral fat / GH (clinical-grade): Tesamorelin 2 mg pre-bed daily (12–26 wk) ± Ipamorelin 200 mcg pre-bed. [CLINICAL dose for tesamorelin; combo = COMMUNITY]

Weight loss ladder (community ordering): semaglutide → tirzepatide → retatrutide as escalation path; never stack two GLP-1s. [COMMUNITY]

10. RUO compliance & publishing checklist (for VALEN LABS site team)

1. Every dosing figure on the public site must carry its source tag: [CLINICAL] / [COMMUNITY] / [PRECLINICAL].
2. Every page must include: "Not approved for human use. Research/educational use only. Consult a licensed physician."
3. GLP-1 pages must mention approved status of the branded drugs and that research vials are not the branded product.
4. Never publish a dosing table without the "verify with formula" note — liability and safety.
5. Mark WADA-prohibited status on GH secretagogues, BPC-157, TB-500, GHRPs.
6. Link out to third-party testing guidance (HPLC/MS) for gray-market material.
7. EU/Serbia: check national peptide/vitamin regulations before publishing claims; avoid any therapeutic-benefit language.

End of document. Total SKUs covered: 14. Sources: 111 URLs (28 primary/clinical, 83 community/clinic/tool). Compiled 2026-08-09.

11. GLP-1 side-effect management & troubleshooting (clinical + community)

11.1 Nausea (most common AE, all three molecules)

• [CLINICAL] Dose-dependent; peaks during each 4-week escalation window; usually transient (resolves as the gut adapts). SURMOUNT-1 nausea rate 17.4–24.6% across doses vs 8.5% placebo; TRIUMPH-1 (12 mg) 42.4%.
• [COMMUNITY] Management playbook: (1) stay at the current dose an extra 4 weeks before escalating; (2) inject in the evening so peak levels hit overnight; (3) eat small, bland, low-fat meals; (4) split the weekly dose (tirzepatide 2.5 + 2.5 mg Mon/Thu) to halve the peak; (5) ginger/OTC antiemetics after consulting a professional; (6) if vomiting >24 h or unable to keep fluids → stop and seek care.

11.2 Constipation & diarrhea

• [CLINICAL] Constipation 12–24% (tirzepatide), diarrhea 13–23% (semaglutide); both dose-dependent.
• [COMMUNITY] Constipation: fiber + magnesium citrate + hydration; slow-escalate; if >4 days without bowel movement, consider stool softeners. Diarrhea: hydration/electrolytes, BRAT diet, hold dose escalation; evaluate for other causes if persistent.

11.3 Heart-rate increase (retatrutide-specific)

• [CLINICAL] Dose-dependent resting-HR increase (~5–10 bpm at 8–12 mg); was the AE that shaped phase-2 dose selection.
• [COMMUNITY] If resting HR rises >10 bpm from baseline or you feel palpitations: hold at current dose, don't escalate, reassess in 4 weeks; avoid stacking with stimulants; HR usually normalizes on continued dosing.

11.4 Hunger rebound / dosing-interval issues

• [CLINICAL] Tirzepatide trough at day 6–7 (t½ ~5 d) can produce late-week hunger; semaglutide (t½ 7 d) has a flatter profile.
• [COMMUNITY] Fixes: split dosing (2×/week halves), every-5-day dosing for tirzepatide (same mg recalculated), or small "topper" doses; do not simply double the next shot.

11.5 Missed doses

• [CLINICAL label rule] If >4 days have passed since a missed weekly dose, skip it and take the next scheduled dose — do not double. If GI side effects were severe, restart at a lower dose.
• [COMMUNITY] Practical translation: missed 1–2 days → take as normal; missed 3–4 days → take, expect slightly stronger effect; missed >4 days → skip and resume next scheduled day.

11.6 Muscle loss on GLP-1s

• [CLINICAL] Trials show weight loss is ~25–40% fat-free mass in some analyses; resistance training + protein (1.6–2.2 g/kg) is the standard mitigation.
• [COMMUNITY] Stacking GLP-1 with GH secretagogues (Ipamorelin/CJC) or anabolic support is common among physique users to preserve lean mass — unproven, and combining appetite suppression with GH peptides requires extra monitoring (fasting glucose, IGF-1).

11.7 When to stop (red flags)

• Signs of pancreatitis: severe abdominal pain radiating to back, nausea/vomiting → stop, urgent care.
• Gallbladder symptoms (RUQ pain) → stop, evaluate.
• Allergic/angioedema reactions → stop immediately.
• Depression/suicidal ideation — class-level signal under regulatory review → stop and seek care.
• Retatrutide: sustained tachycardia with symptoms → stop.

12. FAQ (site-facing short answers)

Q: Can I use sterile water instead of bacteriostatic water? A: Only for single-use, immediate injection. Multi-dose vials need BAC (0.9% benzyl alcohol) to suppress bacterial growth across 28 days of repeated draws.

Q: My GHK-Cu solution is blue — is it ruined? A: No. The blue color is the copper chelate — normal and expected. Cloudiness or precipitate after full dissolution is the red flag.

Q: Why does my 10 mg CJC vial only need 2 units for 100 mcg? A: 2 mL recon = 5 mg/mL = 50 mcg/unit → 100 mcg = 2 units. Volumes this small are error-prone — use a 0.3 mL half-unit syringe or dilute with 3–4 mL instead.

Q: How long can I keep a reconstituted vial? A: ~28 days at 2–8 °C for most peptides with BAC; kisspeptin-10 degrades faster, NAD+ should be used promptly. Never freeze reconstituted solutions.

Q: 2.4 mg semaglutide = how many units on my 20 mg vial? A: With 2 mL BAC (10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 100 mcg): 2.4 mg = 24 units. With any other reconstitution volume, recompute.

Q: Can I mix two peptides in one syringe? A: Community practice (e.g., CJC + Ipamorelin in the same shot) — common and usually fine for compatible peptides, but blends change per-syringe math and risk precipitation if pH differs (e.g., NAD+ is acidic — don't mix). When in doubt, separate syringes.

Q: Why does this document show two different doses for the same peptide? A: Because clinical evidence and community practice diverge (e.g., SS-31: 40 mg clinical vs 1–5 mg community; GHK-Cu: topical clinical vs injectable community). Both are shown, labeled, with sources.

Q: Are these doses safe? A: "Safe" is a clinical judgment this document cannot make. RUO peptides lack human safety data for these routes/doses. Start at the lowest community dose, titrate slowly, and monitor bloodwork (§8).

End of FAQ. Full document: 14 SKUs, reconstitution math, 14 deep dives, GLP-1 master tables, kinetics table, monitoring, stacks, troubleshooting, safety, 111 sources. Compiled 2026-08-09 for VALEN LABS knowledge base.