Self-Experimentation Safety Guide
If you're going to self-experiment with peptides, do it as safely as possible. This is harm reduction, not endorsement.
Pre-Start Safety Checklist
| Check | Why It Matters | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| ✓ Baseline bloodwork | Establish starting values for comparison; detect pre-existing issues | Fasting glucose, lipid panel, liver enzymes, kidney function, hormones relevant to peptide (e.g., IGF-1 for GH peptides) |
| ✓ Research the specific peptide | Understand mechanism, known risks, dosing ranges | Read PubMed studies, community reports, understand what you're injecting |
| ✓ Verify product quality | Bunk/contaminated product = waste of money + health risk | Demand COA from Janoshik or equivalent; verify lab exists; check batch numbers |
| ✓ Have supplies ready | Sterile technique prevents infections | Insulin syringes (29-31G), alcohol swabs, bacteriostatic water, sharps container |
| ✓ Screen for contraindications | Some conditions make peptides dangerous | See contraindications list below; if cancer, diabetes, pituitary issues, consult doctor |
| ✓ Know your insurance situation | If something goes wrong, can you afford medical care? | Understand coverage; have emergency fund |
| ✓ Tell someone | If adverse reaction occurs, someone should know what you took | Inform partner/roommate/friend about what you're using; keep records accessible |
Absolute Contraindications (Do Not Use)
| Condition | Contraindicated Peptides | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Active cancer | ALL peptides (especially angiogenic: BPC-157, TB-500, GH peptides) | May promote tumor growth via angiogenesis and growth factor signaling |
| Pregnancy/breastfeeding | ALL research peptides | Zero safety data; unknown fetal/infant effects |
| Uncontrolled diabetes | GH secretagogues | Worsens insulin resistance; dangerous glucose swings |
| Active pituitary tumor | GH peptides, gonadorelin | May stimulate tumor growth |
| History of hormone-sensitive cancer | GH peptides, gonadorelin | Risk of reactivating dormant cancer cells |
| Severe kidney disease | All peptides (use extreme caution) | Impaired clearance leads to accumulation |
| Severe liver disease | All peptides (caution) | Altered metabolism and clearance |
Start Protocol: Minimizing Risk
| Principle | Implementation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Start low, go slow | Begin at 50% of typical dose; increase after 3-5 days if well-tolerated | Assess individual tolerance; minimize severe reactions |
| One peptide at a time | Don't stack multiple new peptides; add one, wait 2 weeks, assess | Identify which peptide causes any side effects |
| Keep detailed logs | Date, time, dose, injection site, effects (positive and negative) | Track patterns; provide data if medical intervention needed |
| Sterile technique always | Alcohol swab before drawing and before injecting; never reuse needles | Prevent infections (sepsis risk) |
| Rotate injection sites | Minimum 8 different sites; never same spot within 7 days | Prevent lipohypertrophy and abscess formation |
| Proper reconstitution | Use bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down vial side; never shake | Preserve peptide integrity; prevent degradation |
| Storage adherence | Powder in freezer; reconstituted in fridge; use within 2-4 weeks | Maintain potency; prevent bacterial growth |
Monitoring Schedule
| Timepoint | What to Monitor | For Which Peptides | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily (first week) | Injection site reactions, immediate side effects, general well-being | All peptides | Severe pain, spreading redness, fever, allergic reactions |
| Weekly (first month) | Side effect profile, weight, subjective improvements/issues | All peptides | Worsening issues, new symptoms, no tolerance improvement |
| 4 weeks | Fasting glucose (if GH peptides), weight, body measurements | GH peptides primarily | Glucose >100 mg/dL (if was normal baseline) |
| 8-12 weeks | Comprehensive bloodwork: glucose, HbA1c (if GH peptides), IGF-1, liver/kidney function | GH peptides (critical); others optional | Elevated glucose/HbA1c, abnormal liver/kidney values |
| Quarterly (if long-term use) | Full metabolic panel, hormone levels, assess continued need | Any chronic use | Declining organ function, hormonal disruption |
Stop Immediately If...
| Symptom | Severity | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing, throat swelling, hives | Emergency | Call 911 - anaphylaxis |
| Chest pain, severe shortness of breath | Emergency | Seek immediate medical care |
| Vision changes, severe headache (especially with GH peptides) | Urgent | Stop peptide; see doctor within 24 hours |
| Spreading infection (redness, warmth, fever) | Urgent | Stop injecting; see doctor (possible cellulitis/abscess) |
| Severe persistent nausea/vomiting | Moderate | Stop peptide; hydrate; seek care if worsens |
| Signs of hypoglycemia (shakiness, confusion, sweating) | Moderate-Urgent | Check blood sugar; consume glucose; stop GH peptides if recurrent |
| Extreme fatigue, mood changes, depression | Moderate | Stop peptide; assess if resolves; may indicate hormonal disruption |
Harm Reduction: Best Practices
- Buy only from COA-verified vendors: Unverified peptides are Russian roulette
- Never share needles/vials: Infection and disease transmission risk
- Dispose of sharps properly: Use sharps container; don't trash loose needles
- Don't exceed recommended doses: More ≠better; diminishing returns + increased risk
- Cycle peptides appropriately: 8-12 weeks on, 4-6 weeks off for GH peptides
- Avoid alcohol during peptide use: Stresses liver; impairs recovery (defeats purpose)
- Maintain healthy lifestyle: Peptides enhance good habits, don't replace them
- Research drug interactions: If on medications, check for known interactions
- Have plan for adverse events: Know nearest urgent care, have emergency contact
- Reassess periodically: Is this still worth the risk/cost? Be willing to stop.
Self-Monitoring Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home glucose meter | Monitor fasting glucose (if using GH peptides) | $20-40 (meter + test strips) | Weekly fasting readings |
| Blood pressure monitor | Track cardiovascular effects | $25-50 | Weekly or if symptoms |
| Body composition scale | Track weight, bodyfat % trends | $30-100 | Weekly (same conditions) |
| Notebook/app log | Track doses, effects, side effects | Free | Daily |
| At-home lab testing (e.g., LetsGetChecked) | Glucose, hormones, metabolic panel | $50-200 per test | Baseline, 8-12 weeks, quarterly |
When to Get Medical Help
Don't try to tough it out. The following warrant professional medical evaluation:
- Any allergic reaction beyond minor local redness
- Infection signs that don't resolve in 24-48 hours
- Persistent elevated blood glucose (especially >126 mg/dL fasting)
- Extreme side effects that don't improve after stopping peptide
- New symptoms that could indicate organ damage (dark urine, yellowing skin, severe pain)
- Mental health changes (severe depression, anxiety, personality changes)
What to tell the doctor: Be honest. Say "I've been using research peptides and I'm experiencing [symptoms]." Lying helps no one. Most doctors have heard worse. They need accurate info to treat you properly.
Risk Acceptance Framework
Before starting any peptide, honestly answer:
| Question | If Answer Is... |
|---|---|
| Can I afford the cost + bloodwork + potential medical care? | No → Don't start |
| Do I understand the mechanism and known risks of this specific peptide? | No → Research more |
| Have I verified product quality with independent COA? | No → Don't inject it |
| Am I willing to stop if side effects occur? | No → You're not ready |
| Do I have any absolute contraindications? | Yes → Don't use |
| Is this for a legitimate health/performance goal vs just curiosity? | Just curiosity → Reconsider |