Peptide Storage and Handling: A Practical Guide

How you store and handle your GLP-1 peptides directly affects their potency and safety. This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your medication properly—from the moment it arrives through your last dose.

Understanding Your Medication Format

GLP-1 peptides come in different formats, each with specific handling requirements:

Pre-Filled Pens (Brand Name)

Brand-name products like Ozempic and Mounjaro come in pre-filled injection pens. The medication is already in liquid form and the pen delivers precise doses. These are the simplest to use but also the most expensive.

Lyophilized (Freeze-Dried) Powder

Many compounded peptides come as lyophilized powder in vials. This format has excellent long-term stability when stored properly. Before use, you'll reconstitute (dissolve) the powder in bacteriostatic water. Once reconstituted, the solution has a limited lifespan.

Pre-Mixed Solution

Some compounded products come already mixed in vials. These are ready to use but have shorter shelf lives than lyophilized versions.

Temperature Requirements

Refrigeration: The Golden Rule

All GLP-1 peptides should be refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F). This is the temperature range of most household refrigerators. Place your medication on a shelf—not in the door (temperature fluctuates more) and not against the back wall (where it might freeze).

What Happens at Higher Temperatures

Heat accelerates peptide degradation. At room temperature (20-25°C), stability is measured in days to weeks rather than months. At higher temperatures (30°C+, common in Nigeria), degradation happens even faster. Degraded peptides lose potency—you get less effect from the same dose.

Freezing: Avoid It

Freezing can damage peptide structure, especially for liquid formulations. If your medication freezes, its integrity is compromised. Do not use frozen peptides—contact your provider for replacement.

Brief Room Temperature Exposure

Short periods at room temperature (for injection preparation) are fine. Brand-name products typically allow up to 56 days at room temperature. However, minimize exposure time when possible. Never leave peptides in a hot car, near a window, or in direct sunlight.

Receiving Your Shipment

When your medication arrives:

1. Open the package promptly—don't let it sit on your doorstep in the heat
2. Check for temperature indicator if included (did it stay cold?)
3. Verify the medication appearance (clear, no particles for liquid; intact powder for lyophilized)
4. Transfer to your refrigerator immediately
5. Note the expiration date and lot number for your records

If the package appears damaged, the ice packs are completely melted and warm, or the medication looks abnormal, contact your provider before using.

Reconstitution (For Lyophilized Products)

If your peptide comes as powder, you'll need to reconstitute it before use:

What You'll Need

• Lyophilized peptide vial
• Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) - contains preservative for multi-use
• Sterile syringe
• Alcohol swabs

Reconstitution Steps

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Clean the vial tops with alcohol swabs and let dry
3. Draw the specified amount of bacteriostatic water into a syringe
4. Insert the needle into the peptide vial through the rubber stopper
5. Inject the water SLOWLY against the side of the vial—don't squirt directly onto the powder
6. Let the vial sit for a few minutes; then gently swirl (don't shake) until dissolved
7. The solution should be clear and free of particles

Critical Points

• Never shake peptide vials—shaking can denature (damage) the molecules
• Use bacteriostatic water, not sterile water or saline, for multi-dose vials
• Record the reconstitution date—you'll need to track the beyond-use date
• Use the correct dilution—adding the wrong amount of water changes your dose concentrations

Drawing and Injecting

Preparing Your Dose

1. Remove the vial from refrigeration
2. Clean the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab
3. Calculate the volume needed for your prescribed dose
4. Draw air into the syringe equal to your dose volume
5. Insert needle into vial and inject the air (makes drawing easier)
6. Invert the vial and draw your dose, avoiding air bubbles
7. Remove needle and replace with a fresh injection needle if using separate needles

Injection Technique

GLP-1 peptides are administered subcutaneously (under the skin):

1. Choose your injection site: abdomen (2 inches from navel), front of thigh, or back of upper arm
2. Clean the site with an alcohol swab and let dry
3. Pinch a fold of skin
4. Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and tissue thickness)
5. Release the skin fold
6. Inject slowly and steadily
7. Wait 5-10 seconds before removing the needle
8. Apply light pressure (don't rub)

Rotating Injection Sites

Rotate your injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy (fatty tissue changes). Use a different spot each week. If using the abdomen, imagine a clock face around your navel and move to a different "hour" each time.

Storage After Opening

Beyond-Use Dating

Once reconstituted or the vial seal is punctured, the clock starts:

• Reconstituted peptides with bacteriostatic water: typically 28-30 days refrigerated
• Pre-mixed solutions: follow provider's guidance (varies by product)
• Brand-name pens: per manufacturer instructions (often 28-56 days)

Write the date on your vial when you first use it. Discard any remaining medication after the beyond-use date, even if it looks fine.

Signs of Degradation

Do not use if you observe:

• Cloudiness or haziness in solution
• Visible particles or precipitate
• Color changes
• Unusual odor

Travel Considerations

Traveling with peptides requires planning:

• Use an insulated travel case with ice packs
• Carry medication in hand luggage (hold luggage temperatures vary widely)
• Request refrigerator access at your destination
• Bring documentation from your healthcare provider
• Plan injection timing around travel schedules