Thymic hormone that supports T-cell development and immune function, with the active fragment thymopentin (TP-5) used in clinical research
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Subcutaneous
Route
4 recommended
Sites
Every other day
Frequency
Preparation
Sterile vial of lyophilized thymopoietin
Sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) or bacteriostatic water
Sterile syringe (3 mL)
Sterile needle (25-27 gauge)
Alcohol swabs (70% isopropyl alcohol)
Sterile gauze pads
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
To create a 50 mg/mL solution: If you have a 100 mg vial, add 2 mL of sterile saline. If you have a 250 mg vial, add 5 mL of sterile saline.
Dose calculation
Desired dose (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/mL) = Volume to inject (mL). Example: For 50 mg from a 50 mg/mL solution = 1 mL injection
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
Abdomen
Pinch the skin 2 inches from navel. Avoid the area directly around the belly button. Rotate between left and right sides.
Site 03
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 04
Rotate sites to prevent local reactions
Follow your provider's instructions for this injection site. Rotate sites regularly to prevent tissue damage.
Rotate between 4 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
Swab injection site with alcohol pad, let dry completely (30 seconds)
Pinch skin at injection site gently to form small fold
Hold syringe at 45-90 degree angle to skin
Insert needle smoothly in one quick motion
Release pinched skin, push plunger slowly to inject solution
Withdraw needle and apply gentle pressure with gauze pad for 10-15 seconds
Do not massage injection site (may increase local irritation)
Pro tip
This peptide uses subcutaneous injection (primary method); can be intravenous under medical supervision. 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 or early afternoon, allowing at least 24 hours between doses
With food?
Can be taken with or without food
Stacking notes
If combining with indomethacin, space dosing by at least 2-4 hours. Avoid timing with live vaccines or high-dose corticosteroids.
Sample daily schedule
Morning
50 mg injection
Site: Alternate between upper arm and abdomen
Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule for standard 3x/week dosing
Morning
50 mg injection
Site: Alternate between upper arm and abdomen
For every-other-day schedule, inject on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Any time of day
As prescribed injection
Site: Medical-supervised injection
Intravenous administration only under medical/clinical supervision
Dosing tiers
Dose
50 mg (as the active thymopentin/TP-5 pentapeptide)
Frequency
Three times weekly
Duration
6 weeks to several months
The full-length thymopoietin hormone is not dosed directly in humans; its immune activity is delivered clinically through its active pentapeptide fragment thymopentin (TP-5), studied at 50 mg SC three times weekly [5].
Preservation
Before mixing
Keep sealed vial in original container at 2-8°C (refrigerator). Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat sources.
After mixing
Store reconstituted solution in sealed vial at 2-8°C. Keep needle-free cap on when not in use. Use within 24 hours of reconstitution.
Shelf life after mixing
24 hours at 2-8°C
Signs of degradation
Discard the vial immediately if you notice any of these:
Discoloration or cloudiness
Particles or crystals visible in solution
Change in solution clarity
Age exceeding 24 hours after reconstitution
Important
When to stop
Severe neuromuscular weakness or myasthenia-like symptoms appear
Severe allergic reactions occur
Signs of autoimmune disease flare up
Persistent fever over 101.5°F
Severe injection site reactions with spreading redness or warmth
Pregnancy is discovered
Diagnosed with myasthenia gravis or neuromuscular disorder
This information is educational. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing thymopoietin use. Emergency symptoms require immediate medical attention.
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
Published research
Goldstein G · 1975
This study investigated the properties and effects of Thymopoietin, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
Rajnavölgyi E, Kulics J, Szilágyvári M, et al. · 1986
This study investigated the properties and effects of Thymopoietin, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
Sempowski GD, et al. · 2018
This study investigated the properties and effects of Thymopoietin, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
Schulof RS · 1985
This study investigated the properties and effects of Thymopoietin, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
Goldstein G, et al. · 1995
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