GLP-1 Reconstitution Guide: How to Mix Compounded Semaglutide & Tirzepatide (2026)
Step-by-step guide to reconstituting compounded GLP-1 medications. Bacteriostatic water, mixing ratios, storage, dosing, and safety.
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Quick answer:
Reconstituting compounded GLP-1 medications involves mixing lyophilized powder with bacteriostatic water, gently swirling until dissolved, and storing in the refrigerator. Reconstituted semaglutide lasts 21 to 30 days refrigerated; tirzepatide lasts 21 to 28 days. Always follow your pharmacy's specific instructions and use sterile technique.
What is reconstitution and why is it needed?
Compounded GLP-1 medications (semaglutide and tirzepatide) often arrive as a lyophilized powder — a freeze-dried form that stays stable at room temperature. Before injecting, you need to reconstitute it by mixing it with bacteriostatic water to create a liquid solution.
This is a standard process used in many medications, including HCG, peptides, and hormones. With proper technique, it's safe and straightforward.
What you'll need
- Lyophilized GLP-1 powder vial (from your compounding pharmacy)
- Bacteriostatic water (typically provided or available separately)
- Syringes (for mixing and injecting — usually insulin syringes)
- Alcohol swabs
- Clean workspace (sanitized surface)
- Refrigerator (for storage after reconstitution)
Step-by-step reconstitution guide
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Sanitize your workspace with alcohol or disinfectant
- Lay out all supplies: powder vial, bacteriostatic water, syringes, alcohol swabs
Step 2: Clean the vials
- Wipe the rubber stopper of the powder vial with an alcohol swab
- Wipe the rubber stopper of the bacteriostatic water vial with an alcohol swab
- Allow both to air dry (do not blow on them)
Step 3: Draw bacteriostatic water
- Draw the prescribed amount of bacteriostatic water into a syringe (typically 1 to 3 mL — follow your pharmacy's instructions)
- Typical ratios: 2 mL water for a 5 mg semaglutide vial; 1 mL for smaller doses
- Remove air bubbles by tapping the syringe and pushing the plunger slightly
Step 4: Inject water into powder vial
- Insert the needle through the rubber stopper of the powder vial
- Angle the needle against the glass wall so water runs down the side
- Slowly push the plunger to inject all the bacteriostatic water
- Do not shake — shaking can damage the peptide molecules
Step 5: Gently mix
- Gently swirl the vial in a circular motion
- Continue until the powder is completely dissolved and the solution is clear
- This typically takes 1 to 3 minutes
- If any powder remains, let it sit for a few minutes and swirl again
Step 6: Store properly
- Store the reconstituted vial in the refrigerator (36 to 46°F / 2 to 8°C)
- Keep away from light
- Do not freeze
- Label with the reconstitution date
- Use within the shelf life specified by your pharmacy
Reconstitution ratios by medication
| Medication | Amount | Bacteriostatic water | Concentration | Shelf life (refrigerated) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide 5 mg | 5 mg powder | 2.5 mL | 2 mg/mL | 21 to 30 days |
| Semaglutide 10 mg | 10 mg powder | 5 mL | 2 mg/mL | 21 to 30 days |
| Tirzepatide 5 mg | 5 mg powder | 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 21 to 28 days |
| Tirzepatide 10 mg | 10 mg powder | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 21 to 28 days |
Important: Always follow your specific pharmacy's instructions — ratios may vary.
Dosing after reconstitution
Once reconstituted, you draw your prescribed dose from the vial using an insulin syringe. The dose depends on the concentration:
| Prescribed dose | Concentration | Volume to draw |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 mg semaglutide | 2 mg/mL | 0.125 mL (12.5 units) |
| 0.5 mg semaglutide | 2 mg/mL | 0.25 mL (25 units) |
| 1.0 mg semaglutide | 2 mg/mL | 0.5 mL (50 units) |
| 2.5 mg tirzepatide | 5 mg/mL | 0.5 mL (50 units) |
| 5 mg tirzepatide | 5 mg/mL | 1.0 mL (100 units) |
See our dosage guide and injection sites guide for more.
Safety rules
- Never shake the vial — always swirl gently
- Never use non-sterile water — only bacteriostatic water
- Never reuse needles — use a new needle for each injection
- Never freeze reconstituted medication
- Never use expired medication — check the reconstitution date
- Never use if cloudy or has particles — solution should be clear
- Always wipe the stopper before drawing a dose
- Always wash hands before handling
Common mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | Consequence | Correct approach |
|---|---|---|
| Shaking the vial | Degraded medication | Swirl gently |
| Using plain sterile water | Shorter shelf life, contamination risk | Use bacteriostatic water |
| Storing at room temperature | Medication degrades quickly | Refrigerate immediately |
| Drawing the wrong volume | Overdose or underdose | Double-check concentration and units |
| Not cleaning the stopper | Infection risk | Always wipe with alcohol |
Prefer pre-mixed medication?
Many telehealth providers ship pre-mixed GLP-1 pens — no reconstitution needed. From $99/month.
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