DIY peptide injections are risky

DIY peptide injections, marketed for weight loss, muscle-building, longevity, and sexual health, are becoming increasingly popular despite serious safety concerns. These products are not regulated by health authorities like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may be contaminated with bacteria, fungi, chemicals, or heavy metals. Their purity and dosage may not match what's advertised, increasing the risk of harm to consumers.

At least one company CEO has been sentenced to prison for distributing tainted and substandard peptide products. In a study by pharmacists, college students and older adults struggled to correctly dissolve, draw up, and inject a semaglutide peptide. Common mistakes included using expired liquid, inadequate dosage, air bubbles, and improper injection sites, which could cause infections, bleeding, overdosing, or underdosing.

Participants thought they were confident about their injection skills after research, but this confidence remained high even after struggling with the process. The study involved only 20 participants and one peptide, but findings are likely applicable to many peptides. The FDA is considering adding six peptides to a list of those that can be compounded, but compounding pharmacies cannot guarantee safety or efficacy. The study suggests special pens for easier injection may soon be a necessity.