Can I Take Peptides¶
Short Answer: Yes, But...
Many healthy adults can safely try peptides, but not everyone. It depends on your health, age, medical history, and goals.
Peptides aren't magic pills → they work best alongside a solid diet, exercise, and sleep routine.
First: Always Consult a Doctor¶
Non-Negotiable Step
Never start without clearance from a licensed physician, especially if you have chronic conditions.
Get baseline blood work (at minimum in the Philippines → use labs like Hi-Precision or Maxicare):
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Lipid panel and fasting glucose/HbA1c (key for GLP-1 peptides like tirzepatide)
- Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) → peptides can influence hormones
- IGF-1 if using growth-related peptides
Who Should Not Take Peptides?¶
Absolute No-Gos
Avoid completely if you fall into these categories:
- Children or adolescents under 18
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Active cancer or strong family history (some peptides promote cell growth)
- Known allergies to the peptide or its components
- Uncontrolled severe autoimmune diseases (without specialist oversight)
Use Extreme Caution If You Have...
- Uncontrolled thyroid issues
- Heart disease or history of pancreatitis (especially with weight-loss peptides)
- Severe liver/kidney problems
Safe Starter Peptides for Beginners¶
Recommended Low-Risk Options
Start with well-researched ones. Here's a quick overview:
| Peptide | Best For | Risk Level | Typical Starting Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Healing injuries, gut health | Very Low | 250–500 mcg/day |
| GHK-Cu | Skin, hair, anti-aging | Extremely Low | 1–2 mg/day (topical/subQ) |
| Tirzepatide | Weight loss, blood sugar | Moderate (GI upset common) | 2.5 mg/week |
Read more about peptides in the Peptides section →
Your Pre-Start Safety Checklist¶
Quick Self-Check
Run through this before dosing:
- Doctor consulted and blood work done
- Peptide selected based on research/anecdotes (avoid unknowns)
- Supplier provides COA from a reputable lab, and named after them
- Dose calculated correctly (use a peptide dosing app)
- Emergency supplies ready: Antihistamines for reactions, anti-nausea meds
- Follow-up blood work scheduled (6–12 weeks in)
Legal Notes for the Philippines¶
Current Status
- Research peptides are legal to buy if cleared as "not for human consumption."
- Philippine FDA hasn't approved most for personal/therapeutic use → it's at your own risk.
- Stick to trusted sources with COAs, see our tutorial on choosing your ideal supplier.
- No prescription needed for research chems, but medical oversight is wise.
Final Tip: Safety First
Peptides can transform health when done right. Start low, monitor closely, and prioritize your doctor's input over online advice.