Comment by rootusrootus
20 days ago
After the first big crackdown on compound pharmacies, I have seen a lot of people go to gray market. Especially now that it has become pretty clear that the remaining compound pharmacies defying the FDA are getting their API from the same sources that we can buy it from directly, and their testing is way more suspect. On the gray market the batches of peptides are routinely subject to a battery of tests run by groups of volunteers, which is a lot more than what you can get from your chosen compound pharmacy (most will give you a COA, but that's already table stakes if you buy from a "research" vendor.)
I have noticed that the "research" vendors have started to tighten up their operations, especially the ones based in the US. A lot of people have seen the writing on the wall and expect it to become somewhat harder to get the peptides, and are stocking up. It's a running joke how many years worth of tirzepatide or retatrutide people have in the freezer. Once you've had the miracle drug, you won't risk being without it.
What makes you say that compounding pharmacies' testing is way more suspect? Curious because I know people who are still using compounding pharmacies (specifically mom-and-pop joints that might be able to evade crackdowns for a while longer) but have considered going grey market... maybe this is the sign to switch?
It's opaque, and limited. They buy the raws from China just like everyone else, then reconstitute them, fill vials, and drop them in the mail. They'll only provide a COA if you ask them to, and it will just be one basic mass/purity test most often.
In the gray market, there are multiple mass/purity tests for a batch (to look for variation in fill, mostly), as well as tests for endotoxins, sterility, heavy metals, and fentanyl. Rarely (maybe never; I have certainly never seen it) will a compounder do these additional tests and provide the results.
I think in general the well-known compounding pharmacies (e.g. Hallandale, BPI, couple others) are probably reputable enough to feel okay with. The mom & pop ones (or med spas) I'd be a lot more nervous about. Often ends up being someone who's just reconstituting vials in their living room, and maybe not with the quality controls you'd like to see.
Good to know, and thanks for the info!
I would silly things to hold onto a steady supply of pentadeca arginate. It has completely eliminated lingering effects of joint and ligament injury and has enabled me to exercise like a normal person. If you have the money it is very easy to acquire a year or twos worth from multiple sources.
Dangerous to use if you have any cancerous or pre-cancerous growths in your body, though. We know they love VEGF, and BPC-157/PDA majorly amp it up.
Im aware from the BPC research from the last few years. No history of cancer.
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Are you using it for a specific injury or generally for anti-aging like people often do? What dose?
Several ligament tears and general wear from sports. A very low dose taken daily.