Making a nasal spray? Mix it with sterile saline (0.9% sodium chloride), not bac water. The benzyl alcohol in bac water can sting the inside of your nose. More
2
Amount in the vial
The amount printed on the vial label.
mg
3
Your dose each time
The total for one go, both nostrils together. Tap mg or mcg to match how your dose is written (1 mg = 1,000 mcg).
mcg
4
Sprays each time
Splitting your dose between both nostrils is gentler and absorbs better.
5
How much one spray gives
Check your spray bottle’s label or listing. Most give 0.1 mL per spray.
6
Your spray bottle size
3
Bacteriostatic water you added
mL
3
Your dose per injection
Tap mg or mcg to match how your dose is written. 1 mg = 1,000 mcg.
mg
4
Units in your syringe
units
4
Syringe you'll inject with
U-100 insulin syringes. Pick the smallest your dose fits in, because it's easier to read.
Your 1 mL syringe
Read the line at the top edge of the black rubber plunger (closest to the needle). Tap out air bubbles first, because bubbles make your dose smaller.
Your dose
Draw to
Mix strength
Full doses in vial
Show me the maths
Best practice
Getting an accurate dose
Use U-100 insulin syringes: 100 units = 1 mL, so 1 unit = 0.01 mL. Don't use U-40 (vet) syringes with this calculator.
Pick the smallest syringe your dose fits in: up to 30 units → 0.3 mL; 31–50 → 0.5 mL; over 50 → 1 mL.
Aim for a draw of at least 10 units. Doses under about 2 units can't be measured accurately with any syringe, so add more water to make each dose bigger.
Aim to land on a line. 0.3 mL and 0.5 mL syringes have a line every unit, while 1 mL syringes usually have a line every 2 units.
Check for air bubbles every time, and read the line at eye level.
The last dose may be a little short, because a tiny amount stays in the vial and the needle.
Keeping it clean
Wash your hands and wipe a clean surface. Swab every rubber stopper with a fresh alcohol swab every time, and let it dry.
Use a new sterile syringe and needle every time. Never reuse one.
Use bacteriostatic water (with 0.9% benzyl alcohol) for multi-dose vials. Plain sterile water is for single use only.
Don't use the mix if it's cloudy, has bits floating in it or has changed colour. Put used needles straight into a sharps container.
Storage
Bacteriostatic water: write the date on the bottle when you first pierce it, and throw it out 28 days later.
Mixed peptide: into the fridge (2–8 °C) straight away, away from light. Never freeze a mixed vial, and follow the product's guidance on how long it lasts.
Unmixed powder: keep it cool and dark. The freezer is best for long-term storage.
