Your Medication Has Arrived. Start Here.

Arrived warm?

Did Your Medication Arrive Warm?

Don’t panic, and don’t throw it out. A warm box doesn’t automatically mean your medication can’t be used. How long it can sit outside the fridge depends on the exact formulation, so your pharmacy’s instructions for your prescription are the ones that count.

What should I do now?

Follow the storage instructions on your prescription and pharmacy materials.

Inspect the vial the way your pharmacy instructions describe.

Still unsure? Contact our care team before you use it.

Your vial

Why Is My Medication in an Amber Vial?

Amber glass gives your medication an extra layer of protection from light. It filters more UV and short wavelength visible light than clear glass, while it’s stored and every time you handle it.

Amber

Clear

Light protection

Greater

Less inherent

During handling

Additional protection

Relies more on secondary packaging

Storage and shipping

Added light protection layer

Less inherent protection

Why does my vial look empty?

Your Vial Isn’t Supposed to Be Full

The size of the vial doesn’t tell you how much medication is inside. Your vial can hold your full prescribed quantity and still have plenty of empty space above the liquid. That’s normal.

How many doses are in my vial?

It depends on your prescription. The concentration and your dose decide how many doses one vial holds. Your prescription label has the details, and our care team can walk you through it for your plan.

Is this enough for four weeks?

Your vial is prepared to cover the supply on your prescription. If you think you’re short, check your label first, then message us before your next dose so we can sort it out.

Why is there so little liquid?

Weekly doses are measured in very small amounts, so a full supply can look like a lot less than you expect. A small amount of liquid in a bigger vial is normal.

Will I have enough after my dose changes?

When your provider changes your dose, your next shipment is prepared for the new dose. If a change happens partway through a vial, ask our care team how it affects your current supply.

Your dose

How Much Medication Do I Take?

Compounded medications can come in different concentrations, so your prescription label is the one source for your dose.

Always follow the dosage instructions on your prescription label and the instructions from your healthcare provider and pharmacy.

What is my starting dose?

Your provider set it when they wrote your prescription, and it’s printed on your label. Most plans start low and build up gradually.

How many units do I inject?

Check your prescription label. Units depend on your dose and your medication’s concentration, so never work it out yourself. If anything on the label is unclear, message us before you inject.

Are units and milligrams the same thing?

No. Milligrams measure the medication. Units measure the volume you draw into the syringe. How they line up depends on the concentration, which is why you follow your label exactly.

When does my dose increase?

When your provider says so. Increases usually happen in steps, based on how you’re responding. Don’t increase your dose on your own.

Why is my dose different from someone else’s?

Because your plan is built around you. Your health history, how you respond and your medication’s concentration all shape your dose, so comparing with a friend won’t tell you much.

How to inject

How to Inject Your Medication

Four steps, once a week. Follow the technique your pharmacy or provider showed you.

Step 1

Clean

Wash your hands and wipe the top of the vial with an alcohol swab.

Step 2

Draw

Draw your prescribed dose into the syringe, exactly as your label shows.

Step 3

Inject

Inject into the fatty tissue of your belly, thigh or upper arm.

Step 4

Dispose

Put the used syringe straight into a sharps container.

Where do I inject?

Into the fatty tissue just under your skin. The usual spots are your belly, at least two inches from your belly button, the front of your thighs, or the back of your upper arms.

How do I draw medication from the vial?

Wipe the rubber top with an alcohol swab. Pull the plunger back to your dose line, push that air into the vial, then turn the vial upside down and draw slowly to your prescribed dose. Tap out any air bubbles before you inject.

Do I pinch my skin?

Usually, yes. A gentle pinch lifts the fatty tissue away from the muscle. Follow the technique your pharmacy or provider showed you.

How far does the needle go in?

All the way. The needles are short, so insert the full needle at the angle your instructions describe, then press the plunger slowly.

Should I rotate injection sites?

Yes. Use a different spot each week, at least an inch from the last one. It’s kinder to your skin and helps the medication absorb consistently.

Your injection day

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Same day, every week. Pick one that’s easy to remember.

Your next dose

Your Weekly Injection

How often do I take my medication?

Follow your prescription. Most plans are once a week, on the same day each week.

Do I need to take it at exactly the same time?

No. The same day matters more than the same hour. Pick a time that fits your week and stick with it.

Can I change my injection day?

Usually, as long as there’s enough time between doses. Check with our care team first so the change fits your prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Don’t double up. What to do depends on your medication and how late you are, so check your pharmacy instructions or message our care team.

Storage and travel

How Should I Store My Medication?

Your pharmacy materials give the exact storage range for your prescription. Here’s how it works day to day.

At home

On the go

Does it need to stay refrigerated?

Follow the storage instructions on your label. Most compounded injectable medications are kept in the fridge, never the freezer.

What temperature should I keep it at?

Use the range printed on your pharmacy materials. Keep it in the main part of the fridge rather than the door, and never let it freeze.

How long can it remain outside the refrigerator?

It depends on the formulation. Your pharmacy instructions give the exact time allowed for your prescription.

Can I travel with my medication?

Yes. Keep it in your carry on, in an insulated bag with an ice pack if your instructions call for cold storage, and bring your prescription label with you.

What if it arrived warm?

Start with the warm shipment steps at the top of this page, then contact us if you’re unsure.

What if I accidentally left it out overnight?

Don’t use it until you’ve checked. Look at your pharmacy instructions for the time allowed out of the fridge, and message our care team if you’re over it or not sure.

What to expect

What Should I Expect?

Everyone’s timing is different. Here’s what’s normal in the first weeks.

When Will I Notice Results?

When might my appetite change?

Appetite is usually the first thing to shift. For some people it’s within the first weeks, for others it takes longer.

When might I start losing weight?

It varies from person to person. Appetite tends to quiet first and weight follows. Slow stretches are normal.

What if I don’t notice anything after my first injection?

That’s common. Starting doses are low on purpose. Give it time and tell your provider at your next check in.

Does having no side effects mean it isn’t working?

No. Plenty of people have few or no side effects. They aren’t a sign of whether the medication is working.

Side Effects and Support

Is nausea common?

Yes, especially early on and after a dose increase. It usually settles. If it doesn’t, message your care team and they can slow the climb.

What about constipation or diarrhea?

Both can happen. Water, fiber and smaller meals help. Tell your care team if it doesn’t settle.

Why am I tired?

Eating less can leave you low on energy, especially early on. Protein, water and regular meals help. If it hangs around, let us know.

What should I do if I’m nauseous?

Eat smaller meals, eat slowly, stop when you’re full, and go easy on greasy or very sweet food. If you can’t keep fluids down, contact us.

When should I contact my provider?

Any time something worries you. Contact us right away for severe or ongoing stomach pain, vomiting that won’t stop, signs of dehydration or signs of an allergic reaction. For a medical emergency, call 911.

Everyday life

Eating, Drinking and Other Medications

Food and Lifestyle

Foods to avoid

Greasy, fried and very sugary food are the usual triggers for nausea. Smaller meals built around protein tend to sit better.

Alcohol

Go easy. Alcohol can make nausea worse. Ask your provider what’s sensible for you.

Water

Drink more than you think you need. Eating less often means drinking less too.

Protein

Make it the anchor of every meal. Protein and some resistance work help protect muscle while the weight comes off.

Vitamins and supplements

Most are fine, but tell your provider what you take so it’s on your record.

Other Medications

Taking any of these? Your provider or pharmacist should check how they fit with your treatment. Don’t start, stop or change anything without asking first.

Birth control

Diabetes medication

Insulin

Thyroid medication

Antidepressants

Blood pressure medication

Ask your provider

Refills and your next shipment

What’s Next?

Your plan keeps running in the background. Here’s how refills, dose changes and pauses work.

Manage my account Contact support

Is my refill automatic?

Yes. Your plan renews on schedule so there’s no gap in treatment. Your next processing date is in your account.

When will my next shipment arrive?

It ships on your plan’s schedule with free shipping, and tracking lands in your inbox as soon as it’s on the way.

Do I need another medical assessment?

Your provider checks in regularly and may ask for a quick update before a refill or a dose change. Keep an eye on your inbox.

How do dose increases work?

Your provider reviews how you’re doing and, if it’s right for you, prescribes the next step. Your next shipment arrives at the new dose.

Can I pause my subscription?

Yes. Pause up to 72 hours before your next processing date, from your account or by emailing support@science.co.

How do I cancel?

The same way, and there’s no cancellation fee. Cancel up to 72 hours before your next processing date from your account or at support@science.co.

Your Medication Has Arrived. Here’s Everything You Need to Know.