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Injection Guide
A revolutionary mitochondria-targeting peptide that works like a direct energy boost for your cells—binding to cardiolipin in your mitochondria to supercharge ATP production, reduce oxidative stress, and protect your cellular powerhouses from age-related decline.
Route
Subcutaneous
Sites
3 recommended
Frequency
Once daily
Preparation
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) for multi-use reconstitution
Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge) for accurate dosing
Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
Your SS-31 lyophilized powder vial
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
If you have a 50 mg vial and add 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water, you get a concentration of 20 mg/mL. So 0.5 mL (50 units on an insulin syringe) equals 10 mg of SS-31, and 2 mL (200 units) equals the full 40 mg dose.
Dose Calculation
For a 40 mg dose at 20 mg/mL concentration: draw 2 mL. For a 20 mg dose: draw 1 mL. For a 10 mg dose: draw 0.5 mL (50 units).
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 your hands thoroughly with soap and water
Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold of fatty tissue
Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (45 if lean, 90 if you have more subcutaneous tissue)
Inject the solution slowly and steadily
Wait 5-10 seconds before withdrawing the needle
Apply light pressure with a clean swab if needed—do not rub
Pro Tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—the standard method used in clinical trials with approximately 92% bioavailability. 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
Morning injection is often preferred since SS-31 supports cellular energy production—aligning with your active hours makes sense. However, timing is flexible based on your schedule.
With food?
SS-31 can be taken regardless of food timing. The peptide is absorbed efficiently whether you've eaten or not, so fit it into whatever routine works best for you.
Stacking notes
If combining with other peptides, inject at different sites. SS-31 pairs well with NAD+ precursors like NMN for comprehensive mitochondrial support. Space different peptide injections at least 30 minutes apart.
Sample Daily Schedule
Morning (6-9 AM)
20-40 mg depending on protocol injection
Site: Rotate between abdomen, thigh, and arm
Morning dosing aligns with natural circadian energy needs. SS-31 reaches peak blood levels within 30-60 minutes. Inject consistently at the same time each day for best results. Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation.
Dosing Tiers
Dose
5-10 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Duration
2-4 weeks
Begin with the lower dose to assess your tolerance. SS-31 is rapidly absorbed subcutaneously, typically reaching peak levels within 30-60 minutes. This conservative approach lets you gauge how your body responds before increasing.
Dose
20-40 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Duration
4-6 weeks
The 40 mg daily dose has been used in multiple clinical trials and represents the most studied protocol. This is the dosage that showed effects in heart failure and mitochondrial disease studies. Subcutaneous injection is the standard route.
Dose
40 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Duration
8-12 weeks
Extended protocols for those with established tolerance under medical supervision. Some clinical trials have used 40 mg daily for 24+ weeks in specific patient populations. Do not exceed 40 mg daily—higher doses haven't shown additional benefits.
Preservation
Before Mixing
Store lyophilized SS-31 powder in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C). For long-term storage beyond 3 months, keep frozen at -4°F (-20°C) or below. Keep in the original sealed vial away from light. Properly stored powder remains stable for up to 2 years frozen.
After Mixing
Refrigerate reconstituted SS-31 at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Never freeze once reconstituted—freezing destroys peptide structure. Protect from light and use within 28 days of reconstitution.
Shelf Life After Mixing
28 days
Signs of Degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Cloudy or hazy solution (should be crystal clear)
Visible particles or floaters in the solution
Any color change—yellowing or discoloration indicates degradation
Unusual odor—properly reconstituted SS-31 should be nearly odorless
Important
When to Stop
Any signs of allergic reaction—stop immediately and seek medical attention
Injection site reactions that spread, worsen, or show signs of infection
Persistent nausea, headaches, or dizziness that don't improve after 2 weeks
Development of kidney-related symptoms (significant changes in urination, swelling)
Any side effect that feels serious or significantly impacts your quality of life
Your healthcare provider advises discontinuation
SS-31 (elamipretide) is FDA-approved only for Barth syndrome. For other uses, it remains a research compound. Never start, stop, or adjust your protocol without guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
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