Peptide therapy, explained clearly.
What prescription peptides are, what is and isn't known about them, the side effects to watch for, and what treatment looks like with a licensed clinician.
Updated October 16, 2026
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Only a licensed clinician who reviews your health history can decide whether a treatment is right for you.
What peptides are
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the same building blocks that make up proteins. Your body makes many peptides on its own, and some act as signals between cells and organs.
Online, the word "peptide" is used for everything from FDA-approved medicines to products sold as "for research use only" that are not meant for people. Sequence offers only prescription products that a licensed clinician prescribes and a licensed U.S. pharmacy prepares for you.
The options, one by one
Sermorelin
Compounded · not FDA-approved as dispensed
Sermorelin is a lab-made version of part of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a signal your brain uses to prompt the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. A sermorelin product was once FDA-approved, but it was discontinued in 2008, and there is no FDA-approved sermorelin product on the market today. It is usually given as a small injection under the skin.
Why people consider it
Better sleep, recovery after exercise, body composition, and energy, often as a gentler alternative to taking growth hormone itself.
What the research shows
Sermorelin prompts your own pituitary gland to release growth hormone, rather than replacing it. Small studies in older adults found it can raise growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, and some reported improvements in well-being or lean body mass. Larger, longer studies are lacking, so these benefits are not established.
Possible side effects include redness, pain, or swelling where you inject, flushing, headache, dizziness, and nausea.
NAD+ (injection and nasal spray)
Compounded · no FDA-approved NAD+ product exists
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell and involved in how cells make energy. There is no FDA-approved NAD+ drug product by any route, and research on NAD+ injections or nasal sprays in people is still limited.
Why people consider it
Energy, mental focus and clarity, recovery, and healthy aging are the most common reasons people ask about NAD+.
What the research shows
NAD+ levels appear to decline with age, and in laboratory and animal studies, restoring NAD+ affected energy metabolism and markers of aging. In people, most research has used oral building blocks of NAD+ (such as NR and NMN). These can raise NAD+ levels in the blood, but studies have not shown consistent improvements in energy, focus, or aging. Research on NAD+ injections and nasal sprays is limited.
Possible side effects include injection-site discomfort, flushing, nausea, headache, and fatigue. The nasal spray may cause nasal irritation. The FDA has received reports of serious reactions, such as severe chills, shaking, and vomiting, after certain compounded NAD+ injections, in some cases linked to contamination. Tell your care team right away if you have a reaction like this.
Glutathione
Compounded · not FDA-approved for these uses
Glutathione is an antioxidant your body makes naturally. It is involved in protecting cells from damage. Compounded glutathione is not FDA-approved, and evidence about the effects of glutathione injections in people is limited.
Why people consider it
Antioxidant support, recovery, and overall wellness. Some people also ask about it for skin.
What the research shows
Glutathione helps protect cells from oxidative stress, and levels can be lower with age, illness, or certain exposures. Studies of glutathione given by injection in healthy people are small, and benefits for energy, recovery or wellness are not established. No glutathione product is FDA-approved for skin lightening, and the FDA has warned consumers about injectable skin-lightening products.
Possible side effects include injection-site reactions and, rarely, allergic reactions.
PT-141 (bremelanotide)
PT-141 is offered for sexual health. See our sexual health guide for details about how it works, its regulatory status, and its side effects.
Who treatment may be considered for
A clinician reviews your goals, health history, and current medications before deciding whether any of these is appropriate. They may also recommend FDA-approved treatments, lifestyle changes, or an in-person evaluation instead.
What to expect during treatment
- Complete your health intake. Share your health history, medications, allergies, and goals. It takes about ten minutes.
- A licensed clinician reviews it. They may ask follow-up questions or request lab work, then decide with you whether treatment is appropriate. Completing an intake does not guarantee a prescription.
- If prescribed, learn how to use it. You will receive instructions for dosing, injecting or spraying, and storage.
- Check in regularly. Your clinician reviews how you are feeling and any side effects, and decides whether to continue, adjust, or stop treatment.
Everyone responds differently, and some people notice no change. Talk with your clinician about what a realistic plan looks like for you.
Using peptide medications safely
- Use only prescription products from a licensed pharmacy. Products sold online as "research peptides" or "not for human use" are not made to medical standards and can be contaminated or mislabeled.
- Follow injection instructions closely. Use a new sterile needle every time, clean the site, and rotate where you inject.
- Store medication as directed, often refrigerated. If a package arrives warm or damaged, contact us before using it.
- Never change your dose on your own, and don't combine products without asking your clinician.
- Watch for warning signs: fever, chills, a spreading red or hot area at the injection site, rash, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. Seek urgent care for severe symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Are these peptides FDA-approved?
No. The sermorelin, NAD+, and glutathione products Sequence offers are compounded medications. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not evaluate them for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
Is this the same as peptides sold online for research?
No. Products labeled for research use only are not intended for people and are not made to the standards required for medicines. Sequence offers only products prescribed by a licensed clinician and prepared by a licensed U.S. pharmacy.
Will I notice results?
No one can promise a specific result. Research in people is limited for many of these substances, and responses vary. Your clinician will review how you are doing at your check-ins.
Do I need lab work?
Sometimes. Depending on your health history and the treatment you are considering, your clinician may request lab work before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.
Can I stop at any time?
Talk with your clinician before stopping or changing any medication, so you can plan next steps together.
Talk with a licensed clinician.
Complete a short health intake and a clinician licensed in your state will review it and decide with you whether treatment is appropriate.
Start your intake Completing an intake does not guarantee treatment. Prescriptions are issued only when a licensed provider determines they are clinically appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.