Frequently Asked Questions

Answers about how Pepcite works, reconstitution and measurement, storage, membership, and the legal and safety basics.

General

What is Pepcite?
Pepcite is an independent, citation-based reference for peptide research. We aggregate publicly available data from the primary literature — the science, the regulatory record, and practical handling details — and link a source to every factual claim. The reference library is free to browse; a Pro membership adds an AI research assistant and a peptide log app.
Is this medical advice?
No. Everything on Pepcite is for educational purposes only. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition, and using the site does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decision about a medication.
Do you sell peptides?
No. Pepcite does not sell, supply, or manufacture peptides or research materials. We are strictly a publisher of educational reference content.
Do you provide dosing information?
Where a compound page includes dosing, it is compiled from FDA labeling, clinical trials, and established protocols and shown with its sources. It is reference information, not a prescription or individualized medical advice — always confirm against current prescribing information and with your prescriber or pharmacist. The calculators simply run arithmetic on the values you enter.
How do I request a compound?
Use the Contact page to tell us which compound you would like added. We prioritize requests alongside compounds with active research and regulatory developments.

Reconstitution and measurement

What is reconstitution?
Reconstitution is dissolving a freeze-dried (lyophilized) peptide powder in a sterile liquid so it can be measured accurately. The volume of liquid you add sets the concentration, which determines how much liquid corresponds to a given amount of peptide. Our Reconstitution and Storage Guide covers the process in detail.
What is bacteriostatic water?
Bacteriostatic water is sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. The preservative lets a reconstituted vial be drawn from repeatedly over roughly a month when stored properly. It is the standard diluent for lyophilized peptides.
What is the difference between mg and mcg?
1 mg (milligram) equals 1,000 mcg (micrograms). Many peptides are measured in micrograms because the amounts are small — 250 mcg is the same as 0.25 mg. Confusing the two is a 1,000-fold error, so always confirm which unit a figure uses.
What is the difference between IU and mg?
Milligrams measure weight (how much peptide by mass). International Units (IU) measure biological potency for a few standardized peptides such as HGH and hCG. For HGH the conversion is roughly 3 IU per mg. Most peptides are not measured in IU at all.
What syringe should I use?
Most work uses U-100 insulin syringes, where 100 units equals 1 mL (so each unit is 0.01 mL). Smaller barrels (0.5 mL or 0.3 mL) read small volumes more easily. Our Syringe and Measurement Guide breaks down the types, scales, and conversion math.
How does the calculator work?
The Reconstitution Calculator takes your vial size, the amount of bacteriostatic water you added, and a single amount you choose, then returns the concentration, the volume to draw, and the equivalent syringe units. It runs the arithmetic on your inputs and is not a recommendation.

Storage and handling

How should I store peptides before reconstitution?
Keep lyophilized powder cool, dry, and away from light. Refrigeration at 2–8°C is ideal for long-term storage, and many powders can be frozen to extend shelf life. Let a frozen vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
How should I store reconstituted peptides?
Refrigerate reconstituted solution at 2–8°C, keep it dark, and store the vial upright. Never freeze a reconstituted peptide — ice crystals can permanently damage the molecule. With bacteriostatic water, most solutions hold for about 25–30 days.
How long does a reconstituted vial last?
Most reconstituted peptides stay stable for roughly 25–30 days refrigerated with bacteriostatic water. If sterile water (no preservative) was used instead, the window is much shorter — about 24–48 hours. Discard after the window even if the solution looks clear.

Membership and the app

What is free and what is Pro?
The full reference library — compound pages, the regulatory database, the guides, the calculator, and the blog — is free to browse on the web. Pro adds the AI research assistant (on web and app) and the Pepcite log app.
What does the Pepcite app do?
The app is a personal peptide log. It lets you record and organize your own entries — vials, reconstitution calculations, schedules, reminders, and a log with sites, times, and notes — and export your data. The tracking tools are app-only; the library and AI assistant work on web and app.
What is the AI research assistant?
The assistant answers questions using Pepcite’s cited reference library, pointing you to the sources behind each answer. It is a research aid, not a source of medical or dosing advice.
How much does Pro cost?
Pro is $10 per month or $100 per year. The reference library stays free regardless of plan, and you can cancel anytime.
Are peptides legal?
It depends on the compound and your jurisdiction, and it changes over time. In the United States many peptides are sold as research chemicals not intended for human use, while some (such as semaglutide, HGH, and hCG) are FDA-approved prescription drugs in clinical contexts, and others carry specific restrictions. You are responsible for the laws that apply to you.
Are peptides banned in sports?
Many are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, including growth hormone, GH secretagogues, and GH fragments. If you compete in a tested sport, check the current WADA Prohibited List before considering any compound.
Where do your regulatory classifications come from?
From public record — FDA status and labeling, DEA scheduling, and 503A/503B compounding determinations. Because these change over time, the Regulatory Database is a reference only, not legal advice; verify against current sources before relying on it.
Is the information reviewed and updated?
Yes. Every substantive claim is sourced from published literature and regulatory records, and we revisit entries as new trial results and FDA actions arrive. See our Editorial Policy for how content is sourced, graded, and corrected.