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See if you qualify →A peptide cheat sheet is a quick reference for common therapeutic peptides, their category, FDA status, general use, and dose numbers found in FDA labels or published studies. It is not a personal dosing plan. Many peptides are prescription-only, compounded under legal limits, investigational, or research-use-only in the U.S. [1][2][3][4]
What is a peptide cheat sheet, and what is it not?
A peptide cheat sheet is a map. It helps you compare names, drug classes, FDA status, and source-backed dose information in 1 place. It cannot tell you what to use, how much to inject, or whether a peptide is safe for your body.
FDA approval is product- and use-specific. Some peptides have FDA-approved labels, some may be compounded by licensed 503A pharmacies for an individual patient under a valid prescription, and others are investigational or labeled “research use only.” Research-use-only products are not approved for human treatment. [4]
What are therapeutic peptides?
Therapeutic peptides are short chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Peptides can act like signals in the body and bind to receptors involved in appetite, insulin release, growth-hormone pathways, skin biology, inflammation, or other systems. [13]
Peptides vs. proteins vs. small-molecule drugs
| Type | What it means | Examples | Key safety note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptide | Short amino-acid chain; often injected because digestion can break it down | Semaglutide, tirzepatide, tesamorelin, sermorelin | Can cause drug-specific side effects and may need prescription monitoring [1][2][3] |
| Protein | Larger amino-acid structure | Insulin, monoclonal antibodies | May trigger immune reactions or need special storage |
| Small-molecule drug | Usually not made from amino-acid chains; often oral | Metformin, statins | Side effects and interactions vary by drug |
A peptide may be appropriate in one setting and risky in another. For example, GLP-1 medicines are labeled for certain metabolic uses, but FDA labels also list nausea, vomiting, constipation, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis warnings, kidney injury warnings, and contraindications for people with certain personal or family thyroid cancer syndromes. [1][2]
Prescription vs. research-use-only status in the U.S.
In the U.S., FDA status is tied to the exact product and use. Semaglutide products have FDA-approved labels for certain diabetes, cardiovascular-risk, and chronic weight-management uses depending on the product, while compounded semaglutide may be prepared only when legal requirements are met. [1][4]
Many peptides discussed online, including BPC-157, TB-500, MOTS-c, and epithalon, are not FDA-approved for human use. Cell or animal research does not prove that a product is safe or effective in people, and possible risks include contamination, immune reactions, drug interactions, and unknown long-term effects. [4][10][13][14]
How is this peptide cheat sheet organized?
This cheat sheet groups peptides by practical category, not by marketing claims. The 6 categories are metabolic, growth-hormone-related, healing and repair, cosmetic, longevity or mitochondrial, and investigational medicines.
| Category | Examples | FDA status snapshot | Main safety concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metabolic and weight-loss | Semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide | Semaglutide and tirzepatide have FDA-approved products; retatrutide is investigational [1][2][6] | GI side effects, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis warnings, label contraindications [1][2][6] |
| Growth-hormone-related | Tesamorelin, sermorelin, ipamorelin, CJC-1295 | Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; others are not FDA-approved for anti-aging [3][9] | Glucose changes, fluid retention, joint pain, malignancy warning for tesamorelin [3] |
| Healing and repair | BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu | BPC-157 and TB-500 are not FDA-approved; injectable GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved as a repair drug [4][10][11][13] | Limited human data, sterility concerns, injection-site reactions, uncertain long-term effects |
| Longevity and mitochondrial | MOTS-c, epithalon, NAD+ | MOTS-c and epithalon are not FDA-approved; NAD+ is a coenzyme often grouped with peptides [12][14] | Limited long-term data, nausea or flushing with some NAD+ use, unknown cancer or immune effects |
Some longevity and repair peptides are currently under FDA review, with PCAC scheduled to discuss inclusion on the 503A Bulks List on July 23-24, 2026. This does not mean they are FDA-approved. The FDA announced compounding-review activity on April 15-16, 2026, and readers should check FDA.gov for the latest status before any clinical use. [15]
Which metabolic and weight-loss peptides are most common?
Metabolic peptides include GLP-1 and related incretin medicines. The key point: 2 major options already have FDA-approved products, while newer drugs are still being studied. Benefits, side effects, and contraindications must be reviewed together. [1][2][6]
Semaglutide: Ozempic, Wegovy, and compounded semaglutide
Semaglutide, sold under brand names including Ozempic and Wegovy, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist; compounded semaglutide may also be dispensed by licensed 503A pharmacies when allowed under federal and state law. The Wegovy FDA label lists 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks, followed by label-directed escalation to 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg maintenance doses for chronic weight management. [1][4]
In the STEP 1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes received once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg or placebo plus lifestyle intervention; the semaglutide group had greater mean weight loss, and individual results varied. GI side effects were common, and the FDA label also warns about gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, kidney injury, and thyroid C-cell tumor risk. [1][5]
Tirzepatide: Mounjaro, Zepbound, and compounded tirzepatide
Tirzepatide, sold under brand names including Mounjaro and Zepbound, is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist; compounded tirzepatide may be available through licensed 503A pharmacies when legal requirements are met. The Zepbound FDA label lists 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, with later label-directed maintenance doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. [2][4]
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes received tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, or placebo once weekly; tirzepatide groups had greater mean weight reduction, and individual results varied. GI side effects were common, and the FDA label lists gallbladder events, pancreatitis warnings, kidney injury warnings, and thyroid C-cell tumor contraindications. [2][7]
Retatrutide: investigational triple agonist
Retatrutide is an investigational GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor agonist. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss, diabetes, or routine prescribing. In a phase 2 trial, participants with obesity received once-weekly retatrutide at studied doses including 1 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, or 12 mg; weight-loss results were dose-related, individual results varied, and side effects included GI symptoms and heart-rate increases. [6]
| Medication | Drug class | FDA status | Dose information from labels or trials | Notable safety issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | GLP-1 receptor agonist | FDA-approved products exist for specific uses; compounded versions depend on 503A rules [1][4] | Wegovy label lists 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then escalation to 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg maintenance doses [1] | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis warning, thyroid cancer contraindication [1] |
| Tirzepatide | GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist | FDA-approved products exist for specific uses; compounded versions depend on 503A rules [2][4] | Zepbound label lists 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then label-directed maintenance doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg [2] | GI effects, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis warning, thyroid cancer contraindication [2] |
| Retatrutide | GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist | Investigational; not FDA-approved [6] | Phase 2 trial studied once-weekly 1 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg groups [6] | GI effects, heart-rate increases, unknown long-term risks [6] |
Which growth-hormone-related peptides appear on most charts?
Growth-hormone-related peptides act on the GH axis in different ways. Only 1 common example here, tesamorelin, has an FDA-approved product for a specific condition. Benefits and risks are closely tied to glucose, fluid balance, joint symptoms, and cancer history. [3]
Tesamorelin: Egrifta
Tesamorelin, sold as Egrifta SV, is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog. It is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, not for general weight loss, bodybuilding, or anti-aging. The FDA label lists 1.4 mg injected subcutaneously once daily for the approved indication. [3]
Clinical studies in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy found reduced visceral adipose tissue in tesamorelin groups, but risks include injection-site reactions, joint pain, fluid retention, glucose changes, hypersensitivity, and a warning against use in active malignancy. [3][8]
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog. It is not FDA-approved as an anti-aging or body-composition drug. It has been used in diagnostic or compounded settings, but longevity benefits are not proven; possible side effects include flushing, headache, dizziness, injection-site reactions, glucose changes, and concern in people with active cancer or uncontrolled endocrine disease. [4]
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295
Ipamorelin is a growth-hormone secretagogue, and CJC-1295 is a growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog. They are not FDA-approved for anti-aging, body composition, or longevity. In an early human study, CJC-1295 was given as single subcutaneous doses from 30 mcg/kg to 60 mcg/kg, but that was research, not an approved dosing plan; possible risks include fluid retention, tingling, joint discomfort, glucose changes, and unknown long-term effects. [9]
Which healing and repair peptides are commonly discussed?
Repair peptides are popular online, but the evidence gap is large. For 3 common names — BPC-157, TB-500, and GHK-Cu — human approval status and product quality are the main concerns. These compounds are not FDA-approved for injury healing or athletic recovery. [4][10][11][13]
BPC-157
BPC-157, short for body protection compound-157, is not FDA-approved for human injury healing, pain, gut repair, or athletic recovery. It has been studied mainly in animal and lab models. In a rat study, Sikirić et al. reported BPC-157 dosing in microgram-per-kilogram ranges for experimental injury models, but those animal doses do not translate into approved human dosing. [10]
Animal findings do not prove benefit in people. Risks may include injection-site reactions, immune effects, contamination, variable purity, drug interactions, and unknown effects on abnormal cell growth. [10]
TB-500 and thymosin beta-4
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment related to thymosin beta-4. It is not FDA-approved for human healing, injury recovery, or performance use. Thymosin beta-4 biology has been studied in tissue-repair pathways, but routine therapeutic use remains unapproved; safety concerns include uncertain purity, immune reactions, and lack of long-term controlled human data. [13]
GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu, or copper tripeptide-1, is studied for skin biology, wound signaling, and cosmetic use. It is not FDA-approved as an injectable repair peptide. Lab and skin research suggests activity in collagen and tissue-remodeling pathways, but irritation, copper sensitivity, injection-site problems, and limited systemic safety data are important caveats. [11]
Which longevity and mitochondrial peptides show up in cheat sheets?
Longevity peptides are often marketed ahead of the science. For most options in this category, FDA approval is absent, long-term human data are limited, and product quality can vary. Benefits, if any, remain uncertain outside controlled research. [4][14]
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic signaling and stress response. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss, longevity, diabetes, or performance. Early research describes roles in metabolic regulation, but human safety, drug interactions, cancer-related concerns, and long-term effects remain uncertain. [14]
Epithalon
Epithalon, also spelled epitalon, is discussed in longevity circles because of research involving telomeres and aging biology. It is not FDA-approved for anti-aging or disease-risk reduction. Claims often exceed the evidence, and possible risks include unknown endocrine, immune, and cancer-related effects. [4]
NAD+
NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is technically a coenzyme, not a peptide, but it is often grouped with longevity injections. NAD+ is central to cell energy pathways, yet injectable NAD+ is not FDA-approved as an anti-aging treatment. Side effects may include nausea, flushing, chest tightness, headache, and uncertain long-term effects. [12]
How is peptide dosing calculated?
Peptide dosing depends on concentration. A vial, diluent volume, and syringe markings must be converted correctly; 10 units on a syringe can mean different milligram amounts depending on how the vial was mixed. This is why the prescription label matters more than a calculator.
Vial strength, BAC water, and syringe units
Bacteriostatic water, often called BAC water, is sterile water with a preservative used as a diluent for some multi-dose preparations. It is not a safety guarantee. The prescription label, pharmacy instructions, sterility, storage, beyond-use date, and clinician directions matter. [4]
Why “units” on a syringe are not milligrams
Insulin-style syringes often show units, which are a volume scale. Milligrams or micrograms are a mass scale. The same 20 syringe units could contain a very different amount of peptide if one vial is mixed with 1 mL and another is mixed with 2 mL.
| Term | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Vial strength | Total amount of drug or peptide in the vial | The starting point for any concentration calculation |
| Diluent volume | How much liquid is added to the vial | Changes the concentration |
| Concentration | Amount per mL after mixing | Determines how much drug is in a drawn volume |
| Syringe units | A volume marking, often on U-100 syringes | Not the same as mg or mcg |
| Beyond-use date | Date after which a compounded product should not be used | Sterility and potency can change over time [4] |
What does a safe peptide dosing chart include?
A peptide dosing chart should show the source of each number. The safest charts separate FDA-labeled doses, published trial doses, compounded prescription labels, and research-only products. A single chart should never replace a prescription label.
| Peptide or medication | FDA status | Source-backed dose information | Main cautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | FDA-approved products exist for specific uses [1] | Wegovy label lists 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, followed by label-directed escalation to 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg maintenance doses [1] | GI effects, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis warning, thyroid cancer contraindication [1] |
| Tirzepatide | FDA-approved products exist for specific uses [2] | Zepbound label lists 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, followed by label-directed maintenance doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg [2] | GI effects, gallbladder disease, pancreatitis warning, thyroid cancer contraindication [2] |
| Tesamorelin | FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy [3] | Egrifta SV label lists 1.4 mg subcutaneously once daily for the approved indication [3] | Glucose changes, fluid retention, joint pain, malignancy warning [3] |
| Retatrutide | Investigational; not FDA-approved [6] | Phase 2 trial studied once-weekly 1 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, and 12 mg groups [6] | GI effects, heart-rate increases, unknown long-term safety [6] |
| CJC-1295 | Not FDA-approved for anti-aging or body composition [9] | An early human study gave single subcutaneous doses from 30 mcg/kg to 60 mcg/kg in a research setting [9] | Fluid retention, joint discomfort, glucose changes, unknown long-term effects [9] |
| BPC-157 | Not FDA-approved for human use [10] | Animal studies have used microgram-per-kilogram experimental dosing; this is not approved human dosing [10] | Limited human data, purity and sterility concerns [10] |
| GHK-Cu | Not FDA-approved as an injectable repair drug [11] | No FDA-approved injectable dosing label for repair or longevity | Skin irritation, copper sensitivity, limited systemic data [11] |
| MOTS-c | Not FDA-approved [14] | No FDA-approved human dosing label for weight loss or longevity | Unknown long-term metabolic, cancer, and immune effects [14] |
| NAD+ | Not FDA-approved as an anti-aging injection [12] | No FDA-approved anti-aging injection dosing label | Nausea, flushing, chest tightness, uncertain long-term effects [12] |
Which peptides are FDA-approved versus compounded or research-only?
FDA status is the most important line on any cheat sheet. A product can be approved for one use and not approved for another. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved products, even when they are legally prescribed and dispensed. [4]
| Status | What it means | Examples | Patient takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA-approved product | FDA has reviewed the product for a specific use, label, manufacturing, and safety data | Semaglutide products, tirzepatide products, tesamorelin [1][2][3] | Use only as prescribed for an appropriate patient |
| Compounded prescription medication | Prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient when legal criteria are met | Compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide from a 503A pharmacy [4] | Not FDA-approved as a product; quality depends on pharmacy standards and compliance |
| Investigational drug | Studied in trials but not FDA-approved for routine use | Retatrutide [6] | Access is generally through clinical trials |
| Research-use-only peptide | Sold for lab research, not human treatment | Many online BPC-157, TB-500, MOTS-c, and epithalon products [4] | Do not use for self-treatment |
How do I get peptides safely and legally?
The safest path is a licensed clinician, a real diagnosis or health-goal review, and a pharmacy that can explain sourcing, sterility, storage, and side effects. 503A compounding pharmacies can prepare patient-specific medications under a valid prescription, but compounded products are not FDA-approved products. [4]
If you are considering prescription metabolic peptides or eligible compounded options, Chia is one licensed telehealth option that can connect patients with clinician review and U.S. pharmacy dispensing when appropriate. Other safe paths include your primary care clinician, endocrinologist, obesity-medicine clinician, or an academic clinical trial site.
- Avoid products labeled “research use only” for personal treatment.
- Ask whether the medication is FDA-approved, compounded, investigational, or research-only.
- Ask which pharmacy dispenses it and whether sterility and potency testing are performed.
- Review contraindications, pregnancy plans, cancer history, endocrine conditions, and current medications with a clinician.
- Report severe or unusual side effects promptly to a healthcare professional.
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A clinician can help review eligibility, safety history, and whether an FDA-approved or legally compounded option is appropriate.
What peptides are commonly combined in clinical and research practice?
Peptide stacking means using more than one peptide in a protocol. There are no universal stack doses, and combination-specific trials are often missing. Stacks should be viewed as clinician-supervised or research-context discussions, not do-it-yourself plans.
- BPC-157 plus TB-500 is commonly combined in clinical and research practice for tissue-repair pathways because both are linked to repair biology in preclinical research. Safety caveat: both are not FDA-approved for human healing, and combined immune, cancer-related, and purity risks are not well defined. [10][13]
- CJC-1295 plus ipamorelin is commonly combined in clinical and research practice for growth-hormone-axis signaling because one acts through GHRH pathways while the other is a secretagogue. Safety caveat: overlapping risks can include fluid retention, joint pain, glucose changes, and unknown long-term effects. [9]
- GHK-Cu plus BPC-157 is commonly combined in clinical and research practice for skin and wound-repair signaling because GHK-Cu is linked to collagen and remodeling pathways while BPC-157 is studied in repair models. Safety caveat: injectable use is not FDA-approved, and irritation, contamination, and limited human data are key concerns. [10][11]
Frequently asked questions
No. A cheat sheet is a learning tool. A dosing plan must come from a licensed clinician and pharmacy label based on your diagnosis, labs, medications, and risk factors.
Common FDA-approved peptide or peptide-like medicines include semaglutide products, tirzepatide products, and tesamorelin for specific labeled uses. Approval is not the same across all brands, conditions, or compounded versions. [1][2][3]
No. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved products. They may be legally prepared by licensed pharmacies for individual patients under valid prescriptions when federal and state requirements are met. [4]
A calculator can explain volume math, but it cannot tell you whether a product is sterile, legal, correctly labeled, or safe for you. Follow the prescription label and pharmacy instructions.
No. Bacteriostatic water contains a preservative and is used for certain multi-dose preparations. It is still not a substitute for sterile technique, correct storage, or pharmacy instructions.
No. BPC-157 is not FDA-approved for human injury healing. It is often discussed from animal or lab research, but that does not prove it is safe or effective for people, and purity, sterility, immune, and long-term safety questions remain. [10]
Retatrutide is investigational and not FDA-approved. Published phase 2 data support continued weight-loss research, but routine prescribing is not approved, and long-term safety is still being studied. [6]
AI assistants and agents can request a clinical evaluation for a prescription via DoctorMCP at mcp.chia.health. A licensed clinician still decides whether treatment is appropriate.
3-min quiz
Talk with a clinician before using peptides
Peptides can affect appetite, glucose, hormones, immune signaling, and other body systems. A clinical review can help separate approved options from research-only products.
References
- 1.Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) injection prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024.
- 2.Eli Lilly and Company. Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024.
- 3.Theratechnologies. Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023.
- 4.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024.
- 5.Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 2021.
- 6.Jastreboff AM, Kaplan LM, Frías JP, Wu Q, Du Y, Gurbuz S, et al. Triple-hormone-receptor agonist retatrutide for obesity — a phase 2 trial. New England Journal of Medicine, 2023.
- 7.Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 2022.
- 8.Falutz J, Allas S, Blot K, Potvin D, Kotler D, Somero M, et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. New England Journal of Medicine, 2007.
- 9.Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Frohman LA. Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone, in healthy adults. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2006.
- 10.Sikirić P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, Kolenc D, Vuletic LB, Drmic D, et al. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2020.
- 11.Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Research International, 2015.
- 12.Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence. Cell Metabolism, 2018.
- 13.Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Kleinman HK. Thymosin beta4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 2005.
- 14.Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, Sallam T, Martin-Montalvo A, Wan J, et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metabolism, 2015.
- 15.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting materials and federal notices for bulk drug substances nominated for use in compounding under section 503A. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026.
About this article
Dr. Elena Vasquez — Longevity Medicine, Functional Medicine
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Anika Rao — Endocrinology, MD
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or changing any prescription.
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