The Axiom Peptide Handbook.

Before beginning any research, ensure you have a dedicated, sterile workspace and the following supplies:

• Bacteriostatic (BAC) Water: Water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol to prevent bacterial growth. Only recommend Pfizer Hospira brand BAC water.
  • Note: Depending on what peptide you are reconstituting you may need to use NaCl water or Acetic Acid.
• Insulin Syringes: Typically 29G to 31G (gauge) and 0.5ml or 1ml in volume.
• Alcohol Prep Pads: 70% Isopropyl alcohol for sanitizing vial tops and skin.
• Sharps Container: For safe disposal of used needles.
• Label Maker / Note-taking Tools: To track reconstitution dates, doses, and what peptide is in vial.
  • Note: Not a requirement but is highly recommended if you’re running multiple different peptides at once.

Peptides are fragile chains of amino acids. Heat, light, and agitation can break these bonds (denaturation).

* Pfizer does not recommend refrigerating BAC water and recommends discarding after 28 days.

Key Notes

• Light Sensitivity: Keep vials in the dark (use an opaque container).
• Temperature Fluctuations: Do not store vials in the refrigerator door; store them in the back where the temperature is most stable.
• Labeling: It is recommended to label your peptides with name, recon date, and dose.

Reconstitution is the process of adding solvent to the lyophilized powder to create an injectable solution.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sanitize: Wipe the rubber stopper of the BAC water and the peptide vial with an alcohol pad.
2. Equalize Pressure: Draw air into your syringe equal to the amount of water you plan to use. Inject that air into the BAC water vial to make the draw easier.
3. The Gentle Draw: Pull the required amount of BAC water into the syringe.
4. The "Side-Wall" Technique: Insert the needle into the peptide vial. DO NOT spray the water directly onto the powder "wafer." Aim the needle at the glass side wall so the water trickles down gently.
5. Natural Dissolve: Most peptides will dissolve instantly. For those that don't, NEVER SHAKE. Gently roll the vial between your palms until the liquid is clear.

Most peptides are administered Subcutaneously (Sub-Q) — meaning into the fat layer just below the skin.

Common Injection Zones

• Abdomen: At least 2 inches away from the belly button.
• Thighs: The outer, fleshy part of the upper thigh.
• Love Handles: The "flank" area above the hip.

Best Practices

• The Pinch: Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch an inch of fat; inject at a 45 to 90-degree angle.
• The Rotation: Use a "Clock Method." If you inject at 12 o'clock on Monday, move to 2 o'clock on Tuesday. This prevents lipodystrophy (hard lumps).

Don't let the decimal point result in an overdose. Understanding the relationship between the Mass (mg) of the powder, the Volume (ml) of the water, and the Units on the syringe is critical.

The "Golden Formula"

To find out how many micrograms (mcg) are in every single Unit of your syringe:

Total mg in Vial × 1000 ÷ ml of Water Added ÷ 100 = mcg per 1 Unit

Real World Example

• Vial: 5mg (which is 5,000mcg) of peptide.
• Water Added: 2ml of BAC water.
• The Math: 5,000 ÷ 2 = 2,500mcg per ml in your vial.
• The Syringe: On a standard U-100 syringe, 1ml = 100 Units.
• Result: 2,500 ÷ 100 = 25mcg per Unit.
• Want a 250mcg dose? You need 10 Units.

Key Notes

• mg vs. mcg: 1 mg = 1,000 mcg. You will see this used with every peptide protocol.
• Volume vs. Dose: "Units" measure liquid, not drug. 10 units of 5mg per ml is TWICE the dose of 10 units of 2.5mg per ml.
• Peptide Calculators: When in doubt, use an online calculator. Don't guess. You can google "peptide calculator" — there are many of them out there.

For researchers seeking convenience and portability, the "V2" Reusable Pen system offers a discreet, "dial-and-shoot" experience similar to commercial pharmaceutical pens.

The Hardware

Unlike standard vials, this system requires transferring your solution into a 3ml Glass Cartridge.

• The Pen Body: The reusable mechanism that dials the dose.
• The Cartridge: A sterile 3ml glass tube with a rubber plunger at the bottom.
• Transfer Tools: A syringe and needle (23G–25G recommended for transfer) to move liquid from the vial to the cartridge and an additional luer lock needle to vent.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Reconstitute First: Mix your peptide in the original 3ml vial as usual (see Section 3).
2. Prime the Cartridge: Insert a luer lock needle just past the stopper to vent air pressure.
3. The Transfer: Draw your peptide into your syringe. Inject it slowly into the empty 3ml cartridge with the vent needle still in.
   Tip: Go easy to avoid popping the bottom rubber stopper out of the cartridge.
4. Load the Chamber: Slide the filled cartridge into the pen's clear holder. Screw the holder securely onto the pen body.
5. Attach Needle: Screw a fresh "pen needle" (4mm – 8mm) onto the tip of the holder.
6. The "Purge" (Prime): This is critical. Air will be trapped at the top. Dial 2–3 "clicks" or units. Hold the pen vertical (needle up) and press the button until a steady stream or drop of liquid appears. Repeat until all air is expelled.
7. Dial & Dose: Turn the dial to your desired unit amount and inject.

For peptides that can cross the Blood-Brain Barrier (like Semax, Selank, or Oxytocin), the Nasal Spray method is excellent. We utilize the 20ml "Snoot!" style sprayer for its high-quality mist and consistent dosing.

The Hardware

• The Vessel: A 20ml Snoot! Nasal Spray bottle.
• The Output: These pumps deliver approx. 0.1ml (10 IU) per spray.
• The Solution: Sterile Saline Solution.
• Why Saline? Unlike injections which use BAC water, the nasal lining is sensitive. Alcohol burns! Sterile saline is comfortable and safe for mucous membranes.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Reconstitute: Reconstitute peptide vial with Sterile Saline solution (e.g., 1ml).
2. The Transfer: Draw all the liquid out of the peptide vial and inject it directly into the empty Snoot! bottle.
   Recommended: Use a PES filter when transferring to reduce potential endotoxins.
3. The Dilution: Calculate how much more saline you need to reach your target concentration (see Math below). Draw that fresh saline into your syringe and add it to the Snoot! bottle.
   Tip: You likely do not need to fill the 20ml bottle to the top! You typically only need 3ml to 6ml of total liquid. Filling it to the top will dilute the peptide too much.
4. Shake & Prime: Screw the top on tight and shake gently. Pump the sprayer 3–5 times into a sink/trash until a fine mist appears.

The "Snoot" Math

• Goal: You have a 10mg (10,000mcg) vial and want 200mcg per spray.
• Sprays Needed: 10,000mcg ÷ 200mcg = 50 Sprays.
• Total Liquid: 50 Sprays × 0.1ml per spray = 5ml Total Liquid.
• The Mix: If you use a PES filter add 3ml to dissolve the peptide, then add 2ml of fresh saline to the bottle. (3ml + 2ml = 5ml total).

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Searchable A–Z reference of peptide research terminology — administration, dosing, pharmacology, and lab vocabulary.