Semaglutide comes as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be mixed with bacteriostatic water (BAC water) before use. Getting this process right ensures accurate dosing and longer vial stability.
What You Need Before You Start
- Semaglutide vial (typically 2mg, 3mg, 5mg, or 10mg)
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) for injection
- Insulin syringes (0.3 mL or 0.5 mL, 100-unit scale)
- Alcohol swabs
- A refrigerator for storage
Choosing the Right BAC Water Volume
The amount of BAC water you add determines your final concentration. A common target is 1 mg/mL, which makes dose math straightforward. For example, adding 2 mL to a 2 mg vial gives you exactly 1 mg/mL.
Use the PeptiTools calculator to enter your vial size and desired concentration. The calculator will show exactly how many units to draw for any dose, removing the guesswork entirely.
Step-by-Step Reconstitution
- Wipe the top of both the semaglutide vial and BAC water vial with alcohol swabs. Allow to dry.
- Draw the appropriate amount of BAC water into your syringe.
- Insert the needle into the semaglutide vial at a 45-degree angle.
- Slowly inject the BAC water along the inner wall of the vial.
- Gently swirl (do not shake) until the powder is fully dissolved.
- The solution should be clear and colorless. Discard if cloudy or discolored.
- Label the vial with the date of reconstitution.
Common Concentration Examples
Here are the most common BAC water volumes for standard vial sizes:
- 2 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL (100 mcg per 10 units on a U100 syringe)
- 3 mg vial + 3 mL BAC water = 1 mg/mL
- 5 mg vial + 2.5 mL BAC water = 2 mg/mL (200 mcg per 10 units)
- 10 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 5 mg/mL (500 mcg per 10 units)
Using the PeptiTools Calculator
Instead of doing the math manually, use the free PeptiTools peptide reconstitution calculator. Enter your vial size (mg), how much BAC water you added (mL), and your target dose (mcg or mg). The calculator instantly shows you the exact number of units to draw on your syringe, with a live diagram.
Storage After Reconstitution
Reconstituted semaglutide should be refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C) immediately after mixing. It remains stable for up to 28 days when refrigerated. Do not freeze reconstituted peptides, as this can degrade the compound.
Semaglutide vs Other GLP-1 Peptides
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Tirzepatide adds GIP receptor activity, and retatrutide goes further with GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptor activity. Each compound has its own typical vial sizes, concentration targets, and dose ranges.