Educational content only. Not medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is created. Read the medical disclaimer
RESOURCES
Where to check the facts yourself
These are the sources we use. Each is independent of Youthful Medicine, and none sells peptides.
FDA: Category 2 bulk drug substances
The official list of compounding substances FDA has flagged for possible significant safety risks.
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FDA: Human drug compounding
FDA’s hub for 503A and 503B compounding rules, bulks lists and advisory committee updates.
Visit site ↗
PubMed
Search peer-reviewed studies on any peptide. Look for human randomized trials, not only animal work.
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ClinicalTrials.gov
See which peptides are in registered human trials, and whether results were posted.
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DailyMed
Official FDA labels for approved peptides such as semaglutide, tirzepatide and tesamorelin.
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MedlinePlus
Plain-language drug and health information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Visit site ↗
USADA
For athletes: many peptides are prohibited in sport. Check before you compete.
Visit site ↗
American Peptide Society
The scientific society for peptide chemistry and biology, with introductory primers.
Visit site ↗
NABP safe.pharmacy
Check whether an online pharmacy is legitimate and licensed.
Visit site ↗
BRING TO YOUR VISIT
Questions to ask any physician about a peptide
1
Is this peptide FDA-approved for my condition, or is it off-label or unapproved?
2
What is the human evidence, not just the animal data?
3
Which licensed U.S. pharmacy will prepare it, and can I see a certificate of analysis?
4
What labs will we check before and during treatment?
5
How will we know if it is working, and when would we stop?
6
What are the risks for me, given my history and medications?
GLOSSARY
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids, usually 2 to 50 long.
Receptor
A protein on or in a cell that a peptide binds to deliver its message.
Agonist
A molecule that switches a receptor on.
Off-label
Using an approved drug for a use not listed on its label.
503A pharmacy
A licensed pharmacy that compounds medicines for individual patients with a prescription.
503A Bulks List
FDA’s list of bulk substances that 503A pharmacies may use. Being on it is not FDA approval.
Category 2
FDA’s interim list of compounding substances that may present significant safety risks.
PCAC
FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. Its votes are advice, not law.
Research chemical
A product sold “not for human use.” It has no oversight of purity, dose or sterility.
Pulsatile
Released in bursts rather than steadily. Many hormones depend on this rhythm.