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Peptides Explained

Talking to your doctor about peptides

In short

About 9 minutes for the short version; 12 with every detail open.

  • Telling a doctor can make your choice less risky. You do not have to have decided yet.
  • Bring the product and its label, a list of everything you take, and your questions.
  • In the Netherlands, your doctor must keep what you say private.
  • Your doctor may advise against it and will usually not prescribe it. They can still help you.
  • If you feel brushed off, you can ask for a referral or a second opinion.
Last reviewed
A closed wooden door in a clinic corridor with a small sign that reads Consulting Room 5.
Photo: Beendy234 (Wikimedia Commons) CC BY 4.0 Image details

Each section starts with the short answer. The rest is folded under “In detail”.

Why talk to a doctor at all?

A doctor can make a risky plan less risky. In the Netherlands, what you say stays private.

You may expect a lecture, or worry that you will get into trouble. This page helps you have the talk anyway. It gives you words you can use, tells you what to bring, and explains your rights. The rights described here are Dutch law; other countries have their own rules. The last part is for GPs, physiotherapists and trainers.

What to bring

What should I bring?

The product and its label, a list of everything you take, your goal, and your questions.
  • The product, or a clear photo of its label. Bring any paper or certificate that came with it.
  • A list of everything you take: medicines from your doctor or pharmacy, things you bought yourself, and supplements.1
  • What you use, and how: the name, since when, how much, how often, and where you inject.
  • Your goal: what you hope the product will do for you.
  • Your questions, written down.1
  • Someone you trust, if you like. Two people remember more than one.1

If you have a lot to discuss, ask for a longer appointment when you book.1

In detail Why each item helps
  • The label tells your doctor what the product is meant to be. It does not tell anyone what is really inside. If it did not come from a pharmacy, no regulator has checked that.2
  • The list of everything you take lets your doctor spot risky combinations. For example, GLP-1 type products (such as semaglutide) together with insulin can push blood sugar too low.3 See before you consider a peptide.
  • Your goal matters because there may be an approved medicine, or another treatment that has been tested, for it. When your doctor knows what you want, they can suggest one.

How to start the conversation

How do I bring it up?

Say it early and plainly. Doctors are used to talking about difficult subjects.
Your situationWords you could use
You are thinking about it“I am thinking about using a peptide called [name]. I want to understand the risks before I decide.”
You already use it“I have been injecting [name] since [month]. I got it from [where]. I want to be honest, and I want to check that I am OK.”
You have a symptom“Since I started [name], I have had [symptom]. Could it be from that?”
You want checks“I plan to go on with it. Which checks would make sense for me?”
You want another option“What I really want is [goal]. Is there an approved medicine or another treatment for that?”

Tell your doctor what you have already thought of yourself. You can also say what you expect from them.1 For example: “I am not asking you to approve. I want help to lower the risk.” A tip: bring it up early in the appointment, so there is time to talk about it.

In detail If you feel ashamed or afraid

GPs are used to talking about difficult things. You are not the first person to tell them something like this. Often, just talking about it already helps.1

Being open also helps your care. Dutch law expects patients to give their doctor the information the doctor needs to treat them well.4 And what you say stays private (see your rights below).5,6

If you already use something

What if I already use it?

Tell your doctor what you use, since when, and why. Bring the product if you can.
Tell your doctorWhy it helps
The name, and show the labelYour doctor can look up what it is meant to be. What is really inside stays unknown.2
Since when, how much and how oftenIt helps your doctor link a symptom to the product, or rule it out.
How and where you injectInjecting raises the risk of skin infections. Your doctor can check the spots.7
Any symptoms, even small onesA skin infection called cellulitis needs antibiotics. Without them, it can spread.7
Every other medicine and supplementSome combinations are risky, such as GLP-1 type products with insulin.3
Whether you are tested for dopingMost of these peptides are banned in sport at all times.8

Your doctor will probably write this in your medical file. That is normal: a doctor must keep a file with what is needed for good care. The file is private, and you can ask to see it and to get a copy.9,6

What to expect

What will the doctor do?

Listen, explain the risks and other options, and maybe advise against it. They will usually not prescribe it.
Your doctor can help in many ways, even without prescribing the product. What a doctor in the Netherlands can and cannot do. Checked on 22 October 2026.
Your doctor in the Netherlands
Keeps what you say private?Yes By law, apart from a few rare exceptions.6,10
Explains the risks, and other options?Yes The law says they must, also the risks of doing nothing.11
Can do something to you without your consent?No Your consent is needed.12
Can prescribe BPC-157 or another unlicensed peptide?No Not in the normal way. The exceptions are narrow (see below).13,14
Can refer you to a specialist or for a second opinion?Yes A doctor should normally agree to refer you for a second opinion.15
Will agree with your plan?Unknown Maybe not. Telling you the risks as they see them is part of their job.11

Your doctor does not have to prescribe what you ask for. They must give the care a good doctor would give, by their professional standards.16 You still decide about your own body. And you do not have to decide straight away.12,1

In detail What a doctor can do instead of prescribing
  • Check whether you should not use it at all. Some illnesses and medicines make these products much riskier. See before you consider a peptide.
  • Suggest an approved medicine. A doctor may prescribe a licensed medicine for its approved use. Prescribing it for another use (off-label) is allowed only if doctors have professional guidelines for that use. While such guidelines are still being written, the doctor must first talk it through with the pharmacist.17
  • Do checks, such as blood tests, and treat side effects. See monitoring.
  • Report a side effect to Lareb, the Dutch side-effect centre. You can report it yourself too, also for a product bought online.18

If you feel brushed off

What if I feel brushed off?

Be specific. Ask about approved options and checks. You can ask for a referral or a second opinion.
If you hearYou could say
“I cannot prescribe that.”“I understand. Can you check me, and tell me what to watch for?”
“Just stop using it.”“I will think about that. Until I decide, what should I look out for?”
“I do not know anything about that.”“Could you refer me to someone who does?”
“There is nothing for that.”“Is there an approved medicine, or another treatment, for my goal?”
You still disagree“I would like a second opinion.”

A second opinion is a check by a second, independent doctor in the same field. If you ask your doctor for a referral, they should normally give one. They may refuse only for serious reasons. Most health insurers only pay for a second opinion if you have a referral.15

Will my doctor keep this private?

Yes. Dutch doctors must keep what you tell them secret, apart from a few rare exceptions.
Who can find out what you tell your doctor in the Netherlands
WhoCan they find out?
The policeNo, apart from the rare exceptions below. Your doctor must keep silent, and has the right to refuse to answer police questions.10
Your employer, your family or anyone elseNo, not without your permission.6
Other carers who treat youYes, when they need it for your care, for example in a referral letter. You can object to this.6,10
YouYes. You can see your own file and get a copy.9

The rare exceptions include serious danger to other people, child abuse or domestic violence, and some infectious diseases that must be reported.10 All doctors in the Netherlands have this duty of secrecy.1

In detail Informed consent, and the law behind it

Informed consent means: your doctor explains, and then you decide. The Dutch law on medical treatment (the WGBO, part of the Civil Code) sets this out.

  • Your doctor must inform you, clearly and in time. That includes what a treatment is for, its risks, the risks of no treatment, and other possible treatments. Your doctor must invite your questions. If you ask, they must give you the information in writing, on paper or digitally.11
  • Nothing may be done to you without your consent. If you are 12 to 15 years old, your parents or guardian usually have to agree as well.12
  • Your doctor keeps a file, and adds a statement from you if you ask. You can see it, get a copy and, with some exceptions, ask for it to be destroyed.9
  • Your doctor keeps your information secret, unless you agree or a law requires them to share it.6

What the law lets your doctor prescribe

Can my doctor prescribe BPC-157 or a similar peptide?

Usually not. A doctor can prescribe medicines that have a licence. Other ways are rare.
The ways a Dutch doctor can get a medicine to you, from common to rare
RouteIs it possible?
A licensed medicine, for its approved useYes. This is the normal route, through a pharmacy.19
A licensed medicine, for another use (off-label)Only if professional guidelines for that use exist. While they are still being written, the doctor must first talk it through with the pharmacist.17
A medicine a pharmacist makes in their own pharmacyThe law makes an exception for a medicine that a pharmacist prepares in their own pharmacy, on a small scale. It has no licence.13
An unlicensed medicine for one patientOnly with an exemption from the health inspectorate (IGJ). The doctor must state that approved medicines cannot be used, for medical reasons. The doctor takes responsibility for the risk.14,13
A medicine in a clinical trialOnly as part of a clinical trial.13
A new medicine before approval (compassionate use)Only through a programme that the Dutch medicines board (CBG) has approved. It is for a group of patients with a serious illness that approved medicines cannot treat well enough. The maker must have applied for a licence, or trials must be running.13,20,21
An online prescription from a doctor you never metNo. A doctor may not prescribe over the internet to someone they have never met.22

So a GP cannot simply write a prescription for BPC-157, TB-500 or KPV. None of them is a licensed medicine.23,24,25,26 For all legal routes, see legal routes to treatment.

For professionals who keep getting asked

I am a GP, physio or trainer. How do I respond?

Without judgement. Listen, give facts, point to safer options, and keep the door open.
StepWhat it looks like
1. Ask openly“Are you using anything, or thinking about it?” Without judgement, so the answer can be honest.
2. Find out what and whyWhich product, from where, for which goal.
3. Give facts, not fearWhat is known and not known about the evidence and the product. Each compound page on this site uses the same structure.
4. Point to safer optionsAn approved treatment for the goal. For people who go ahead: clean steps, checks and the warning signs.
5. Keep the door openSay they can come back, especially if something goes wrong.

We found no Dutch guideline from the NHG or the KNMG on patients who use unlicensed peptides (searched 22 October 2026). The closest model is in the anti-doping field. The Dutch Doping Authority would rather see no use at all. But for people who choose to use anyway, it calls this kind of prevention essential. It works on information about health effects that does not judge.27

In detail For doctors: rules and resources that apply
  • Autonomy and shared decisions. The KNMG code of conduct asks doctors to respect the patient’s autonomy, invite shared decision-making and enable an informed decision. The KNMG uses this to explain why a referral for a second opinion should normally be given.15
  • What you must tell the patient. The WGBO requires information on risks, on the risks of no treatment, and on other options.11
  • Off-label prescribing of an authorised medicine needs professional protocols or standards. While these are still being developed, you must consult the pharmacist.17
  • Unlicensed medicines can be supplied for one patient only with an IGJ exemption, based on your signed declaration.14
  • Side effects can be reported to Lareb, also for products bought online.18
  • A model from the anti-doping field. With the Ministry of Health, the Doping Authority works on value-free information about substances used to perform better or look different. It is meant for people in strength and combat sports outside the sports federations, their trainers and care professionals. The first Dutch clinic for people with health problems after using anabolic steroids opened in 2010.27 We know of no such clinic for peptide users.
In detail For trainers and physiotherapists: where the line is
  • Selling or handing over a medicine that has no licence is against Dutch law, also to clients.13 Whether a product sold “for research” counts as a medicine is explained on research use only.
  • Giving injections as part of your work is a reserved procedure under Dutch law (the Wet BIG). Only doctors and some other care professionals may do it, or people who work on their instructions.28
  • Recommending a product or a seller means vouching for something no regulator has checked. The Dutch inspectorate says medicines ordered online get no check like the one a doctor or pharmacist gives.2
  • What you can do: listen without judgement, share facts from independent sources, and suggest that the client talks to a doctor.
  • If an injury does not heal as expected, or a client has a warning sign, send them to a doctor.

Sources

Every claim on this page links to one of these sources. Scholarly sources link to their DOI; regulatory sources to the regulator's own page.

In detail All 28 sources, numbered as in the text
  1. Thuisarts.nl (Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap, NHG) (2024). Ik ga naar de huisarts: wat kan ik van tevoren doen en verwachten?. Web page thuisarts.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  2. Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ) (2026). Online medicijnen. Regulator igj.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  3. European Medicines Agency (2026). Wegovy (semaglutide): EPAR — overview and product information. Official product information ema.europa.eu — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  4. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (1994). Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 452 (WGBO: de patiënt geeft de nodige inlichtingen). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0005290), version in force from 8 October 2026. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  5. KNMG (Royal Dutch Medical Association) (2024). Medisch beroepsgeheim: wat en waarom. Web page knmg.nl — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  6. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (1994). Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 457 (WGBO: geheimhouding). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0005290), version in force from 8 October 2026. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  7. NHS (England) (2024). Cellulitis. Web page nhs.uk — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  8. World Anti-Doping Agency (2025). World Anti-Doping Code International Standard: Prohibited List 2026. Regulator wada-ama.org — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  9. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (1994). Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikelen 454-456 (WGBO: het medisch dossier, eigen verklaring, inzage en afschrift). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0005290), version in force from 8 October 2026. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  10. KNMG (Royal Dutch Medical Association) (2026). Medisch beroepsgeheim: wanneer doorbreken. Web page knmg.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  11. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (1994). Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 448 (WGBO: de arts licht de patiënt in). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0005290), version in force from 8 October 2026. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  12. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (1994). Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 450 (WGBO: toestemming van de patiënt). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0005290), version in force from 8 October 2026. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  13. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (2007). Geneesmiddelenwet, artikel 40 (verbod op geneesmiddelen zonder handelsvergunning, en de uitzonderingen). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0021505), version in force from 9 September 2025. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  14. Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ) (2026). Leveren op artsenverklaring. Regulator igj.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  15. KNMG Artseninfolijn (2024). Heeft mijn patiënt recht op een verwijzing voor een second opinion?. Web page knmg.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  16. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (1994). Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 453 (WGBO: zorg van een goed hulpverlener). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0005290), version in force from 8 October 2026. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  17. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (2007). Geneesmiddelenwet, artikel 68 (voorschrijven buiten de geregistreerde indicaties). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0021505), version in force from 9 September 2025. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  18. Bijwerkingencentrum Lareb (2026). Alles over bijwerkingen melden. Web page lareb.nl — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  19. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (2007). Geneesmiddelenwet, artikel 61 (wie UR-geneesmiddelen mag afleveren; geen aflevering zonder recept). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0021505), version in force from 9 September 2025. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  20. College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen (CBG-MEB) (2026). Compassionate use programma. Regulator cbg-meb.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  21. College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen (CBG-MEB) (2026). Overzicht van goedgekeurde compassionate use programma's. Regulator cbg-meb.nl — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  22. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (2007). Geneesmiddelenwet, artikel 67 (geen recepten via internet voor onbekende patiënten). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0021505), version in force from 9 September 2025. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  23. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2026). FDA Briefing Document for BPC-157-Related Bulk Drug Substances (BPC-157 (free base) and BPC-157 acetate), Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting, 23–24 July 2026. Regulator fda.gov — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  24. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2026). FDA Briefing Document for TB-500-Related Bulk Drug Substances (TB-500 (free base) and TB-500 acetate), Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting, 23–24 July 2026. Regulator fda.gov — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  25. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2026). FDA Briefing Document for KPV-Related Bulk Drug Substances (KPV (free base) and KPV acetate), Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting, 23-24 July 2026. Regulator fda.gov — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  26. European Medicines Agency (2026). Medicines (search of centrally authorised medicines and EPARs). Regulator ema.europa.eu — accessed 20 October 2026 ↩
  27. Dopingautoriteit (Doping Authority Netherlands) (2025). Pim de Ronde benoemd tot hoogleraar doping en gezondheid aan VU Amsterdam. Web page dopingautoriteit.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩
  28. Staten-Generaal / Koninkrijk der Nederlanden (1993). Wet op de beroepen in de individuele gezondheidszorg (Wet BIG), artikelen 35 en 36 (voorbehouden handelingen). wetten.overheid.nl (BWBR0006251), version in force from 5 July 2025. Law wetten.overheid.nl — accessed 22 October 2026 ↩