Getting Started with Peptide Therapy
📚 Patient Education
⏱️ 7 minute read
✓ Written by Dr. Jobby John, PharmD
In This Guide:
- What is peptide therapy?
- Is it right for you?
- What to expect in your consultation
- Understanding your prescription
- Cost and insurance considerations
- Next steps checklist
Introduction
If you're reading this, you're probably curious about peptide therapy but not quite sure where to start. Maybe your doctor mentioned it, or a friend had great results, or you've been researching online and feel overwhelmed by information.
Here's the good news: starting peptide therapy doesn't have to be complicated. Thousands of patients use peptides safely and effectively every day. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly what to expect and how to get started confidently.
Think of this as your roadmap from "I'm curious about peptides" to "I'm ready to begin."
What Is Peptide Therapy?
Let me explain this in simple terms.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids—basically, tiny proteins. Your body naturally makes thousands of different peptides that act as messengers, telling your cells what to do.
Think of peptides like text messages to your cells. Some say "burn fat." Others say "build muscle" or "heal this injury" or "calm down and focus."
Peptide therapy means using specific peptides as medicine to achieve health goals like:
- Weight loss
- Injury recovery
- Better sleep
- Improved energy
- Sharper focus
- Anti-aging effects
- Immune support
How They're Different from Regular Medications
Here's a helpful comparison:
Traditional drugs: Usually block or inhibit something (like blood pressure medications block certain receptors)
Peptides: Usually enhance or signal your body to do something it already does naturally (like telling your pancreas to release more insulin or your tissues to heal faster)
The analogy: Traditional drugs are like hitting the brakes. Peptides are like pressing the gas pedal—they amplify natural processes.
Is Peptide Therapy Right for You?
Not everyone needs peptides. Let me help you figure out if it makes sense for you.
✅ You Might Be a Good Candidate If:
1. You have a specific health goal:
- Want to lose 20+ pounds
- Recovering from an injury
- Dealing with low energy despite good sleep/diet
- Looking to optimize health as you age
2. You've tried conventional approaches:
- Diet and exercise alone aren't working
- Physical therapy helped but plateaued
- Standard medications have too many side effects
3. You're willing to commit:
- Most peptides take 4-8 weeks to show benefits
- Require consistent dosing
- May involve injections
4. You can work with a healthcare provider:
- Peptides require medical supervision
- Need proper monitoring
- Not a DIY situation
⚠️ You Might NOT Be Ready If:
1. You're looking for a quick fix:
- Peptides work, but they're not magic
- Still need good diet, sleep, exercise
2. You expect instant results:
- Most take weeks to show effects
- Patience is required
3. You're terrified of needles:
- Many peptides are injectable
- Though some are nasal sprays or oral
- We can teach injection technique, but you need to be willing
4. You can't afford ongoing therapy:
- Typical cost: $150-600/month
- Usually not covered by insurance
- Need to budget for 3-6 months minimum
💡 Pro Tip from Dr. John
"The patients who do best with peptide therapy are those who see it as one tool in their health toolkit—not the only tool. You still need good nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management. Peptides amplify your efforts, they don't replace them."
What to Expect in Your Consultation
So you've decided to explore peptides. What happens next?
Scheduling Your Appointment
What to look for in a provider:
- Experience prescribing peptides (ask how many patients they've treated)
- Understands evidence levels and safety
- Takes time to explain options
- Discusses risks honestly
- Has monitoring protocols
Questions to ask when scheduling:
- "How long is the consultation?"
- "What should I bring?"
- "Will labs be ordered?"
- "What's the cost?" (Many peptide consultations are cash-pay)
What to Bring
Essential:
- ✓ List of current medications (including supplements)
- ✓ Recent lab work (if you have it)
- ✓ Medical history summary
- ✓ Insurance card (even though peptides usually aren't covered, other services might be)
Helpful:
- ✓ List of past treatments you've tried
- ✓ Specific health goals written down
- ✓ Questions you want answered
- ✓ Someone to take notes (if you want)
The Consultation Process
Here's what typically happens:
Step 1: Medical History Review (15-20 minutes)
Your provider will ask about:
- Current health conditions
- Medications and allergies
- Previous injuries or surgeries
- Family medical history
- Lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, stress)
Why this matters: Peptides work differently based on your individual health status. This helps your provider recommend the right option.
Step 2: Discussion of Goals (10-15 minutes)
Be specific! Instead of "I want to feel better," say:
- "I want to lose 30 pounds in 6 months"
- "I want to heal my Achilles tendon so I can run again"
- "I want to reduce brain fog so I can work more effectively"
The clearer your goals, the better your provider can help.
Step 3: Peptide Options Review (15-20 minutes)
Your provider will explain:
- Which peptides match your goals
- Evidence levels (how strong the research is)
- Expected results and timeline
- Side effects and risks
- Delivery methods (injection, nasal spray, etc.)
This is your time to ask questions! Don't leave confused.
Step 4: Physical Exam (if needed)
For injury-related peptides, they'll assess:
- Range of motion
- Pain levels
- Functional limitations
Step 5: Lab Orders (if needed)
Depending on the peptide, you might need:
- Metabolic panel (kidney and liver function)
- Fasting glucose and HbA1c
- Lipid panel
- Inflammatory markers
- Hormone levels
Step 6: Informed Consent
You'll sign paperwork acknowledging:
- The peptide is not FDA-approved
- Evidence level and research status
- Potential risks
- Alternative treatments
- Your right to decline
Read this carefully! Ask questions if anything is unclear.
Understanding Your Prescription
Once your provider decides on a peptide, you'll get a prescription. Here's how to understand it.
Prescription Components
1. Peptide name: Might be generic (like "BPC-157") or brand/combination (like "CarniSema")
2. Strength: Usually in milligrams (mg) or micrograms (mcg)
Example: "Semaglutide 2.5mg/mL"
3. Quantity: How much you're getting
Example: "5mL vial" (that's about 1 teaspoon of liquid)
4. Directions: How to use it
Example: "Inject 0.25mL subcutaneously once weekly"
5. Refills: How many times you can refill
6. Pharmacy: Where it's being sent (usually a compounding pharmacy)
Common Abbreviations
- SQ or SubQ: Subcutaneous (under the skin)
- IM: Intramuscular (into muscle)
- mcg: Micrograms (1000 mcg = 1 mg)
- mg: Milligrams
- mL: Milliliters (volume)
- QD: Once daily
- BIW: Twice weekly
Where You'll Get It
Most peptides are compounded (custom-made) by specialty pharmacies like Lake Hills.
Timeline:
- Prescription sent to pharmacy: Same day
- Pharmacy compounds it: 1-3 business days
- Ships to you: 1-2 days (overnight shipping for temperature-sensitive items)
Total: Usually 3-5 business days from prescription to your door
What arrives:
- The peptide vial (refrigerated packaging)
- Syringes and needles (if injectable)
- Alcohol wipes
- Sharps container (for used needles)
- Instructions
- Sometimes educational materials
⚠️ Important Safety Information
Before you start any peptide, understand these key points:
Storage Requirements
Most peptides need refrigeration:
- Temperature: 36-46°F (2-8°C)
- Light protection: Keep in original box
- Don't freeze: Freezing can damage peptides
- Expiration: Check date on vial, usually 30-90 days after compounding
General Precautions
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, swelling)
- Severe nausea/vomiting
- Severe injection site reaction (large red area, hot to touch)
- Symptoms that concern you
Do NOT use peptides if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have active cancer (unless cleared by oncologist)
- You have a known allergy to the peptide
Cost and Insurance Considerations
Let's talk about the money part—because I want you to have realistic expectations.
Typical Costs
Consultation: $100-300 (one-time or annual)
Labs: $50-200 (if not covered by insurance)
Peptide costs per month:
- Weight loss peptides (semaglutide): $300-500
- Recovery peptides (BPC-157): $150-250
- Growth hormone peptides: $300-600
- Cognitive peptides (Selank/Semax): $150-250
- Anti-aging stacks: $400-800
Supplies: Usually included with peptide
Follow-up visits: $75-150 each
Total first month: $500-1000 (including consultation and labs)
Ongoing monthly: $200-600 (just the peptide)
Insurance Reality
Here's the truth: most insurance plans don't cover compounded peptides.
Why?
- They're not FDA-approved
- Considered "experimental" by insurers
- Compounded drugs have limited coverage
Exceptions:
- Some FSA/HSA accounts allow reimbursement
- Employer-sponsored plans occasionally cover with prior authorization
- Medicare/Medicaid almost never cover
Making It More Affordable
1. FSA/HSA:
- Save receipts
- Get itemized invoice from pharmacy
- Submit for reimbursement
- May need letter of medical necessity from doctor
2. Package deals:
- Some providers offer bundled pricing (consultation + 3 months peptide)
- Upfront payment might save 10-15%
3. Start with one peptide:
- Don't stack multiple peptides immediately
- See results from one before adding others
- Reduces monthly cost
4. Compare pharmacies:
- Prices vary between compounding pharmacies
- But don't sacrifice quality for price
- Ask about testing and sourcing
💡 Pro Tip from Dr. John
"I always tell patients: if the cost feels like a burden, that's a sign you're not ready. Peptide therapy should be sustainable for at least 3-6 months to see full benefits. Better to wait and save up than to start and have to stop midway through."
✅ Your Next Steps Checklist
Ready to get started? Follow this checklist:
Step 1: Research and Decide
- [ ] Read about peptides relevant to your goals
- [ ] Check evidence levels
- [ ] Make sure you're willing to commit
Step 2: Find a Provider
- [ ] Search for peptide-knowledgeable providers in your area
- [ ] Read reviews, check credentials
- [ ] Call to ask about their experience
- [ ] Schedule consultation
Step 3: Prepare for Consultation
- [ ] Gather medical records
- [ ] List current medications
- [ ] Write down your specific goals
- [ ] Prepare questions
Step 4: Attend Consultation
- [ ] Be honest about your health history
- [ ] Ask all your questions
- [ ] Understand the peptide being recommended
- [ ] Discuss costs and monitoring
Step 5: Complete Pre-Treatment Requirements
- [ ] Get any required labs done
- [ ] Review and sign informed consent
- [ ] Verify prescription was sent to pharmacy
Step 6: Receive and Store Peptide
- [ ] Check package upon arrival (should be cold)
- [ ] Store in refrigerator immediately
- [ ] Read all instructions
- [ ] Watch any instructional videos
Step 7: Start Treatment
- [ ] Follow dosing instructions exactly
- [ ] Track how you feel (keep a journal)
- [ ] Report any concerning symptoms
- [ ] Schedule follow-up appointment
Common Questions
Q: How quickly will I see results?
A: It depends on the peptide and your goal. Weight loss peptides work within 1-2 weeks. Injury healing peptides take 4-6 weeks. Anti-aging effects develop over 8-12 weeks. Be patient!
Q: Can I stop anytime?
A: Yes, you can discontinue peptides anytime. There's no physical dependency. However, effects will reverse once you stop (weight might return, energy might decline, etc.).
Q: Are peptides safe?
A: When prescribed properly and sourced from quality pharmacies, peptides have good safety profiles. But they're not risk-free. Work with a knowledgeable provider and use pharmaceutical-grade products.
Q: What if I miss a dose?
A: Depends on the peptide. Generally, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next dose. Don't double up. Check specific instructions for your peptide.
Q: Can I take peptides with my other medications?
A: Possibly, but you MUST disclose all medications to your provider. Some peptides interact with diabetes medications, blood thinners, and others.
What's Next?
📖 Read Next:
🔍 Explore Peptides:
📞 Ready to Start?
Schedule a consultation at Lake Hills Pharmacy:
Call us: [Insert phone number]
Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm PST
Or book online: Schedule consultation
What happens when you call:
- Brief screening (5 minutes)
- Schedule your consultation
- Receive pre-appointment instructions
- Get answers to basic questions
About the Author
Dr. Jobby John, PharmD, FACA has over 20 years of experience in compounding pharmacy and has helped thousands of patients start peptide therapy safely. As owner of Lake Hills Pharmacy and founder of Peptide Ledger, he's committed to evidence-based, patient-centered peptide education.
✅ You're Doing Great!
Taking the first step to explore peptide therapy shows you're proactive about your health. Whether you decide peptides are right for you or not, the most important thing is making an informed decision with professional guidance.
You've got this! 💪
Last Updated: October 16, 2025
Reading Level: 7th grade
Reviewed by: Medical Review Board
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Peptide therapy requires medical supervision. Consult your physician before starting any new treatment.