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Injection Guide
The world's first triple-action weight loss peptide that simultaneously activates three hormone receptors—GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon—delivering unprecedented weight loss results of up to 24% body weight in clinical trials.
Route
Subcutaneous
Sites
3 recommended
Frequency
Once weekly
Preparation
Pre-filled pen or vial of retatrutide (as supplied)
Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge) if using vials
Alcohol swabs for injection site cleaning
Sharps disposal container
Pro Tip
Prepare all supplies on a clean surface before you begin. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more sterile.
Mixing
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all supplies on a clean, flat surface.
Remove the plastic cap from the peptide vial and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry.
Draw the appropriate amount of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Insert the needle into the vial at an angle, aiming at the inside wall of the vial. Slowly push the plunger to let the water trickle down the glass wall -- do NOT squirt directly onto the powder.
Once all water is added, gently swirl the vial in a slow circular motion. Never shake the vial, as this can damage the peptide bonds.
Continue swirling until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear. If particles remain, let the vial sit for a few minutes and swirl again.
Label the vial with the date of reconstitution, the peptide name, and the concentration (e.g. 250mcg per 0.1mL).
Example Calculation
Most clinical trials used pre-filled delivery systems. If using research vials, typical concentration allows direct withdrawal of the prescribed dose. Example: 5mg/mL concentration—for a 4mg dose, draw 0.8mL.
Dose Calculation
For research purposes with a 5mg/mL solution: 1mg dose = 0.2mL (20 units on insulin syringe), 4mg dose = 0.8mL (80 units), 8mg dose = 1.6mL (may require two injections), 12mg dose = 2.4mL (multiple injection sites needed).
Pro Tip
Always add the bacteriostatic water slowly, letting it run down the side of the vial. Never shake the vial -- swirl gently to avoid damaging the peptide.
Location
Site 01
Abdomen
Pinch the skin 2 inches from navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button. Rotate between left and right sides.
Site 02
Outer Thigh
Middle third of the outer thigh. Keep at least 4 inches above the knee and below the hip. Alternate legs each injection.
Site 03
Upper Arm
Back or outer area of the upper arm. This site may require assistance from another person for proper technique.
Rotate between 3 sites to prevent tissue buildup and ensure consistent absorption.
Pro Tip
Rotate your injection sites with each dose to prevent lipohypertrophy (buildup of fatty tissue). Keep a simple log of where you last injected.
Step by Step
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it dry completely
Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site
Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (90 degrees if you have adequate subcutaneous tissue)
Inject the medication slowly over 5-10 seconds
Remove the needle and apply gentle pressure—don't rub
Pro Tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—the same easy technique used for insulin. Inject at a 45-90 degree angle into pinched skin. Aspirate before injecting to ensure you haven't hit a blood vessel.
Timing
Optimal Timing
Best time
Pick any consistent day each week—what matters most is doing it the same day each week. Many people choose weekend mornings so any initial nausea happens when they can rest.
With food?
Inject regardless of food timing. However, eating slowly and avoiding large, fatty meals helps minimize nausea. Many users find eating smaller, more frequent meals works better on this medication.
Stacking notes
Do not combine with other GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide or tirzepatide—retatrutide already hits all three receptors. Metformin is safe and often beneficial to continue.
Sample Daily Schedule
Same day each week (e.g., Saturday morning)
As prescribed: 1-12 mg based on titration phase injection
Site: Rotate between abdomen, thigh, and arm weekly
Once-weekly dosing. Pick a day you'll remember consistently. If you miss a dose, take it within 4 days of the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip that week and resume on your normal schedule.
Dosing Tiers
Dose
1-2 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
4 weeks
Start low to let your body adjust. This minimizes the nausea and GI side effects that are most common when starting. Even at this low dose, you'll likely notice reduced appetite.
Dose
4-8 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
8-12 weeks
The sweet spot for most users. Clinical trials showed substantial weight loss at these doses with manageable side effects. Increase gradually (every 4 weeks) to reach this range.
Dose
12 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Duration
12+ weeks
Maximum studied dose delivering the most dramatic results—up to 24% weight loss. Only reach this after gradual titration and proving tolerance at lower doses. Side effects are more common but still manageable for most.
Preservation
Before Mixing
Keep retatrutide refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Protect from light by keeping in original packaging. Never freeze the medication. Can tolerate brief periods at room temperature (up to 86°F/30°C) for transport.
After Mixing
Once prepared for use, store refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze reconstituted solution. Keep away from direct light. Use within 28 days of first use.
Shelf Life After Mixing
28 days
Signs of Degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Cloudy or discolored solution (should be clear and colorless)
Visible particles or clumps floating in the solution
Solution has been frozen
Past expiration date or more than 28 days since opening
Important
When to Stop
Severe or persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)—seek emergency care
Signs of allergic reaction: rash, swelling, difficulty breathing
Persistent severe nausea or vomiting that doesn't improve with dose reduction
Symptoms of gallbladder problems (right upper abdominal pain)
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia that recur despite medication adjustments
Any concerning mental health changes
Retatrutide is an investigational medication currently in clinical trials. It is not FDA approved. Any use should be under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Never start, stop, or change your dose without medical guidance.
Clean Technique Checklist
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
Swab vial tops and injection site with alcohol and let dry
Never touch the needle tip or allow it to contact non-sterile surfaces
Use a new syringe and needle for each injection
Dispose of used sharps in a proper sharps container
Store reconstituted peptides according to the storage instructions above