How to Inject Peptides | Subcutaneous, Intramuscularly, and Intravenously

Bodybuilders and athletes worldwide have started to use peptides more frequently as their go-to recovery agent. While most advanced bodybuilders use injectable peptides, other athletes prefer to use them in the oral form either due to ease of use or because they are afraid of botching injections, despite their reduced bioavailability.

However, learning how to inject peptides properly is not as difficult as it seems and will provide greater long-term benefits, be it achieving athletic goals much faster or saving money.

In this review, I’ll provide you with all the steps you need to inject peptides as safely as possible and ensure that you get the most out of their use.

Forms of Peptides

Most peptides exist as powders. A few might be available in capsule or tablet form.

Note that the powdered form has to be converted into the liquid form to inject.

Depending on your preferred form of intake, you can choose to buy any of the versions.

How To Use Peptides

Because most peptides exist in powdered form, the lyophilized form of peptide must be reconstituted per your requirement.

For a complete guide on how to reconstitute peptides, check out my in-depth article on it.

Once you have reconstituted the powdered form into a liquid form, the preferable method is to inject peptides into your body either intramuscularly or subcutaneously.

Now I know that the process of injecting peptides can get complicated sometimes, and that is where this comprehensive guide will help you make it an easier journey for you.

In this article, I will give you a focused approach to all three routes of injecting peptides one by one and the key things you should care about. So, let’s dive straight into it!

Peptide Dosing, Stacks, and Uses

We’ve spent hundreds of hours researching peptides and created the ultimate peptide list of dosage, uses, studies, and everything else you need to know. Take a look here or click the image below.

Best Time to Inject Peptides

The best time and site to inject depends on the type of peptide and the purpose of injection. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor and ask about the best time and site of injection for you.

Instructions on Correct Dosages

Using the right and optimal dosage is essential to avoid the risk of any adverse effects. Perhaps it is important to note that all the peptides have varied efficacy and potency, thus ensuring the optimal dosage is necessary.

While some peptides are clinically studied at a large scale, other peptides are not researched at a larger scale, thus, they don’t have a scientifically proven dosage range.

Nonetheless, you don’t have to worry because we have formulated an entire dosage chart as well as cycling guidelines to make your peptide experience hassle-free. Just click here to view the entire dosage chart.

Where To Buy Peptides and Bacteriostatic Water?

This can be a difficult choice because the market is now brimming with different stores offering all kinds of peptides and related products at varied price ranges.  

We at Muscle and Brawn believe in recommending the utmost quality to our readers, and that’s why we recommend buying from our top 2 picks, which are;

1. BioTech peptides 
2. Sports Technology labs

To read more about what these brands have to offer, read our dedicated reviews on the website by clicking the above links.

Where to Buy Syringes and Bacteriostatic Water?

We use 23-15 gauge 5/16th of an inch (8mm) for our subcutaneous injections.

You will be able to find these needles and the syringe at any of your closest pharmacies. Make sure that the gauge needle and syringe are sealed at the time of your purchase.

Where to inject peptides?

The two primary methods of peptide administration are subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. For subcutaneous injections, the preferred sites are the abdomen and upper thigh, though the upper arm and buttocks can also be used. Intramuscular injections of peptides are best administered in the upper arm and buttocks.

To ensure optimal results and minimize complications, always adhere to dosing and safety guidelines, including selecting the proper site for injection and rotating sites to prevent tissue damage or irritation. Read our full peptide location guide here.

How to Administer Peptides Subcutaneously

The subcutaneous route is the easiest and most commonly used route.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for safe administration.

Step 1

Wash your hands.

Wet your hands and apply soap. Rub the palm of your hand, followed by rubbing the back of each hand with interlaced fingers. Then rub the fingers, their tips, and thumb. After this, rinse and dry your hands.

Video by Concierge MD LA

Step 2

Read the label.

Before injecting the peptide or any other medication, you should thoroughly read the label.

Step 3

Gather supplies.

You should have medication, a syringe, a needle, and an alcohol swab.

For subcutaneous injection, the ideal needle size is 25 or 27 gauge. You can easily get the sealed needle and syringe from your nearest pharmacy.

Step 4

Reconstitute the powder.

According to the dosage recommended on the label, you must reconstitute the peptide.

Learn more about how to reconstitute the peptides by following the link.

The vial can be for multi-use or single-use.

You must dispose of the vial immediately if it can’t be properly stored.

Step 5

Pick an injection site.

The primary sites for subcutaneous injections are the

• Abdomen: at or under the level of the belly button, about two inches away from the navel.
• Arm: back or side of the upper arm.
• Thigh: front of the thigh.

Step 6

Once you have decided on a location, Ensure your chosen injection site has no burns or bruises.

After inspection, clean it with an alcohol swab.

Step 7

Prepare your syringe with medication.

Draw air into the syringe. Insert the air-filled syringe into the vial and empty the air. Next, Withdraw the medication.

Make sure to remove any air bubbles you notice in the syringe.

Step 8

Pinch your skin and inject the needle.

You must pinch your skin to pull the fat away from the muscle.

Insert the needle at an angle of 90° to the skin and an angle of 45° if you have little fat.

Step 9

After inserting the medication, withdraw the needle.

Apply pressure gently on the injection site with an alcohol swab.

Step 10

Dispose of the syringe with the protective cover. To protect yourself and others, never throw the syringe in the trash without the cap.

You might notice slight bruising, redness, minor bleeding, or swelling. These are common signs after injection. If the symptoms got worse or you experience any allergic reaction, report immediately to your physician or call 911 for urgent help.

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Needle Size for Intramuscular Administration

For intramuscular administration, it is recommended to use a 22-25 gauge needle.

How to Administer Peptides Intramuscularly

Next in line is to discuss the steps of intramuscular injection.  

Step 1

Read the label.

Before using any product, you should thoroughly read the instructions about the recommended dosage, possible side effects, and safety precautions.

Step 2

According to the recommended dosage guidelines, you will have to reconstitute the peptide.

Learn more about how to reconstitute the peptides by following the link.

Step 3

Whether a peptide can be saved for later use depends on the type of peptide you use.

You must dispose of the vial immediately if it can’t be properly stored.

Step 4

Pick an injection site. Administering an injection intramuscularly would require picking a muscular site to inject.

The primary sites used for IM injections are the gluteal (buttocks), deltoid (upper arm), and vastus lateralis (lateral thigh) muscles.

Video by Veterans Health Administration

Step 5

Once you have decided on a location, rub it with an alcohol swab.

Step 6

Using the new syringe, pinch the needle at 90° to prevent the perforation of blood vessels.

Evidence suggests that holding the needle at this angle is comforting for patients.  

Step 7

Press gently on the injection site with an alcohol swab.

Step 8

Dispose of the syringe with the cap on. Never throw a needle or syringe into the trash without a protective cover.

Once you have carefully administered the injection intramuscularly, you are good to go.

You might notice slight bruising, redness, minor bleeding, or swelling. These are common signs after injection. If the symptoms got worse or you experience any allergic reaction, report immediately to your physician or call 911 for urgent help.

Needle size for Intravenous Administration

For intravenous administration, it is recommended to use a 20-gauge needle.

Head towards the closest pharmacy and get your stock!

How To Administer Peptides Intravenously

The intravenous route of administration is surely the most complicated among the injectable ways.

But don’t worry, I got you!

Step 1 

Wash your hands with a hand sanitizer or soap. Rub the back of your hand, fingers, and thumb thoroughly.

Step 2

Ensure you have all the necessary supplies needed for intravenous administration.

It would help if you had a syringe, a bandaid, and an alcohol swab before you.

Step 3

Make sure you are in a comfortable position and carefully identify the vein.

Step 4

Prepare your syringe with medication.

Fill the syringe with air and insert it into the vial. Remove the air within the vial, then pull the plunger to draw the medication.

Remove any air bubbles you see.

Step 5

Clean the site of injection with an alcohol swab. It would help if you waited for the alcohol to dry.

The most common site of IV administration is the forearm.

Step 6

Stretch the skin and inject the needle. Your needle should be placed at 30° from your skin.

Keep inserting until you see a flashback of blood.

Once the blood is seen in the hub, you may insert the medication.  

Step 7

Withdraw the needle slowly and press gently to prevent bleeding.

Step 8

Dispose of the syringe and the needle immediately with the protective cover.

The most common side effects of IV administration include pain, irritation, and bruising.

If you experience worsening symptoms, speak to your physician and seek advice.

In a Nutshell

Over the last few years, the use of peptides has dramatically increased. Besides knowing the proper dosage and cycle length, it is important to know the proper ways to safely administer peptides to minimize the risk of developing acute or long-term side administration-related effects.