The reported benefits of peptide therapy are ever-growing, from improved sleep quality to increased fat loss and enhanced libido. In fact, there are now over 100 different peptides being researched for a variety of potential benefits.
For example, BPC-157 is a peptide that has shown promise in healing stomach ulcers, while igf 1 lr3 can help increase lean muscle mass.
These peptides are typically injected, and while there are few reported side effects, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with peptide therapy.
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1. Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are possible with any injection, including peptide injections. Always wash your hands thoroughly when handling injections and peptides, and avoid touching the needle. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
- Itching- Itching in the injection site is the most common sign of an allergic reaction
- Hives- Hives are raised, itchy bumps that can appear all over the body
- Swelling- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat is a serious symptom and can impede breathing
- Wheezing- Wheezing or difficulty breathing can be a sign of a severe reaction
How do you avoid allergic reactions?
If you have any allergies, tell your peptide provider before beginning therapy. You may also consider doing a skin test before starting peptide therapy.
You can do this by injecting a small amount of peptide under the skin and waiting to see if you react.
2. Infection
Infection is always a risk with any injection, but the risk is increased with peptide injections because peptides are fragile and can be easily contaminated. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an infection can include:
- Fever- A fever is a temperature of 100.4°F or above
- Redness- The injection site may be red, swollen, or tender to the touch
- Discharge- If the injection site starts to ooze pus or other discharge, this is a sign of infection
Localized infection
When an infection is limited to the injection site, it’s called a localized infection. Localized infections can usually be treated with antibiotics. This is the more common type of infection associated with peptide injections.
Systemic infection
Systemic infection occurs when the infection spreads beyond the injection site. This is a more serious infection and can be life-threatening. Symptoms of systemic infection can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Systemic infections are much more serious and can be life-threatening. They require immediate medical attention.
3. Pain
Pain is the most common side effect associated with peptide injections. The pain is usually mild and goes away within a few days. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of pain can include:
- Mild discomfort- Most people only experience mild discomfort from peptide injections. This discomfort is usually short-lived and goes away within a few days.
- Severe pain- In some rare cases, people may experience severe pain from peptide injections. This pain may last for several days or longer.
If you experience severe pain, seek medical attention immediately.
4. Muscle pain
Because peptide injections can cause muscle pain, taking breaks during peptide therapy is important. This will help your muscles heal and prevent further pain. Intramuscular peptide injections should never be given more than once a week.
Symptoms of muscle pain can include:
- Soreness- You may feel soreness in the injection site for a few days after the injection. This is normal and will go away on its own.
- Stiffness- You may also feel stiffness in the injected muscle. When this happens, it’s important to take a break from peptide therapy to allow your muscle to heal.
How do you avoid peptide-related muscle pain?
To avoid peptide-related muscle pain, it’s important to take breaks during peptide therapy is important. If possible, peptide injections should be given no more than once a week. Consult with your peptide provider to see what’s best for you.
5. Fatigue
Fatigue is another common side effect associated with peptide therapy. This is usually due to the body’s response to the increased growth hormone release. After injections, it’s normal to feel tired for a few hours. However, if fatigue lasts more than a few hours, it could signify something more serious.
Symptoms of fatigue can include:
- Lethargy- If you feel excessively tired and have no energy, this could signify peptide-related fatigue. Lethargy is different from feeling tired because it’s hard to get motivated or do anything.
If you experience peptide-related fatigue, it’s important to take a break from peptide therapy and consult with your doctor.
- Irritability- You may also feel irritable after peptide injections. Watch for changes in your mood and consult with your peptide provider if you experience any unusual mood changes.
6. Nausea
Nausea is another common side effect associated with peptide therapy. If you experience nausea after peptide injections, drink plenty of fluids and eat small meals throughout the day. You may also want to take an over-the-counter antiemetic, such as Dramamine.
Symptoms of nausea can include:
- Vomiting- If you experience peptide-related nausea, you may also vomit.
- Diarrhea- Diarrhea can also be a symptom of peptide-related nausea. If your diarrhea is severe, it’s important to consult with your doctor or peptide provider.
Why do peptide injections cause nausea?
The exact reason why peptide injections cause nausea is unknown. However, it’s believed that peptide injections can irritate the stomach lining, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. Peptides like PT-141 are known for this particular side effect.
7. Increased appetite
Unfortunately, peptide therapy can also lead to increased appetite. This side effect is most common in people trying to lose weight due to peptide therapy.
Symptoms of increased appetite can include:
- Constant hunger- If you’re constantly feeling hungry, it could signify that peptide therapy is increasing your appetite. Watch closely for changes in your appetite and consult with your peptide provider if you notice a significant increase.
- Weight gain If you find that you’re gaining weight despite peptide therapy, it’s important to consult with your peptide provider. They may need to adjust your dosage or frequency of injections.
8. Blood pressure changes
If you experience a drop in blood pressure after peptide injections, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and eat a saltine cracker. If your blood pressure doesn’t return to normal after these measures, it’s important to consult with your peptide provider or doctor.
Symptoms of low blood pressure can include:
- Dizziness- If your blood pressure drops suddenly, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- Nausea- You may also experience peptide-related nausea if your blood pressure drops.
- Fatigue- Fatigue is another common symptom of low blood pressure.
Why do peptide injections cause low blood pressure?
The exact reason why peptide injections can cause low blood pressure is unknown. However, it’s believed that peptides may interact with the autonomic nervous system, which controls blood pressure.
If you have any pre-existing conditions that affect blood pressure, it’s important to tell your peptide provider before starting therapy.
9. Fluid retention
Regrettably, peptide therapy can also lead to fluid retention. This side effect is more common in people trying to lose weight with peptide therapy. Fluid retention differs from weight gain because it’s the build-up of fluids in the body, not fat.
Symptoms of fluid retention can include:
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs- If you notice any swelling in your extremities, it could signify peptide-related fluid retention.
- Abdominal bloating- You may also experience peptide-related abdominal bloating.
Why do peptide injections cause fluid retention?
The exact reason why peptide therapy can cause fluid retention is unknown. However, it’s believed that peptides may interact with the body’s hormone levels, which can lead to fluid retention.
If you experience peptide-related fluid retention, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid standing for long periods. You should also consult with your peptide provider to see if they need to adjust your dosage or frequency of injections. Check out peptide therapy vs. testosterone therapy to learn more.
Conclusion
While peptide therapy can be beneficial, it’s important to know the potential side effects and risks. If you experience any peptide-related side effects, it’s important to consult with your peptide provider or doctor.
Remember that peptide therapy is still in the early stages of research, and more studies are needed to understand the full extent of the potential side effects and risks.
