Tendon problems
For nagging tendon pain, such as tennis elbow, Achilles or patellar tendon issues.
Physician-prescribed · San Francisco telehealth
BPC-157 and TB-500 in San Francisco
BPC-157 is the peptide patients ask us about most for injuries and recovery. Learn what it is, what adding TB-500 changes and whether either may fit your goals, starting with a free telehealth consult.
5.0 from 272 Google reviewsNo-cost consultNo clinic visit needed
First step
Free consult by telehealth
Prescribed by
Board-certified M.D.
How it's used
Small injection at home
Delivered
Shipped to your home
The basics
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a lab-made chain of 15 amino acids, modeled on part of a protein found in human stomach fluid. The name stands for Body Protection Compound.
Researchers first studied it for protecting the lining of the gut. Since then, lab and animal studies have looked at how it affects the repair of tendons, ligaments, muscle and other soft tissue.
BPC-157 is not an FDA-approved medication. When a physician prescribes it, a compounding pharmacy prepares it for that individual patient.
How researchers think it works
- Blood flow. In animal studies, BPC-157 has been linked to the growth of new small blood vessels, which bring nutrients to healing tissue.
- Repair cells. Lab studies suggest it may help the cells that rebuild tendons and ligaments grow and move.
- The gut lining. It was first studied for protecting and repairing the stomach and intestines.
BPC-157 is one of several options in our peptide therapy program.
Common reasons
Why people ask about BPC-157
Here are the goals patients most often bring up. Researchers continue to study these areas, and individual results vary.
Muscle strains
For people recovering from a pulled or strained muscle.
Ligament sprains
For sprains that seem slow to settle down.
After surgery
For people asking about support during recovery, with their surgeon's input.
Gut concerns
For people interested in the research on the stomach and intestinal lining.
Training recovery
For active people who want to support recovery between workouts.
What researchers have looked at
Most BPC-157 research has been in lab and animal studies, where researchers looked at the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle, bone and the gut. Human research is at an early stage, with small studies that have looked at areas such as knee pain and safety.
Have a new injury? Get it examined first. Swelling, numbness, weakness or pain that keeps getting worse can be a sign of something that needs imaging or a referral. Book an exam with our team.
Adding TB-500
What TB-500 adds to BPC-157
TB-500 is a lab-made peptide based on the active part of thymosin beta-4, a protein your body makes in almost every cell. Thymosin beta-4 helps cells move to an injured area and organize the repair.
BPC-157 and TB-500 are thought to work in different ways. In lab and animal research, BPC-157 has mostly been linked to blood vessel growth and repair at the injury site. TB-500 has been linked to cell movement and repair more broadly. That is why some people ask about using the two together.
Like BPC-157, TB-500 is not FDA-approved and has very limited human research. Dr. Broussard decides whether BPC-157 alone, the two together or neither is the right fit for you.
BPC-157 and TB-500 side by side
- Based on: BPC-157 comes from a stomach protein. TB-500 comes from thymosin beta-4.
- Main focus in research: BPC-157 on local tissue and gut repair. TB-500 on cell movement and wider recovery.
- How often: BPC-157 is often used more frequently. TB-500 is usually used less often. Dr. Broussard sets the schedule.
- Athletes: both are on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list.
Your options
BPC-157 alone, with TB-500, or bought online
People researching BPC-157 usually come across three options. Here is how they compare.
What we offer
BPC-157
What it is
A single peptide studied for tissue and gut repair
How it's given
Usually a small injection under the skin
Best known for
Tendon, ligament, muscle and gut questions
Oversight
Prescribed for you by a physician
What we offer
BPC-157 with TB-500
What it is
Two peptides used together
How it's given
Small injections under the skin
Best known for
Wider soft tissue recovery questions
Oversight
Prescribed for you by a physician
Online sellers
“Research peptides”
What it is
Powders sold online, often labeled not for human use
How it's given
No medical guidance
Quality
No way to verify what is in the vial
Keep in mind
No physician review of your health history
What to expect
How BPC-157 therapy works at TruSpine
- 01
Book your free consult
Choose a time online. Your telehealth consult has no cost and no obligation.
- 02
Meet with Dr. Supreet Shah
By telehealth, you go over your injury or goals and whether a peptide may fit. Then you complete a short intake with your health history and medications.
- 03
Physician review
Dr. Crystal Broussard, M.D. reviews your intake, orders labs only if needed, and decides whether BPC-157, TB-500 or neither is appropriate.
- 04
Delivered to your door
If prescribed, your peptide ships to your home from a pharmacy. Dr. Broussard provides instructions for your dose and schedule.
Your care team
You meet with Dr. Shah. A board-certified M.D. prescribes.
Your free telehealth consult is with Dr. Supreet Shah. Because BPC-157 or TB-500 requires a prescription, a physician makes the medical decision.
Step 1: your free consult
Dr. Supreet Shah
DC, MS, CCSP · TruSpine clinic director
You meet with Dr. Shah by video to talk through your goals and whether BPC-157 or TB-500 may fit. He then sends you a short health intake.
Step 2: physician review
Dr. Crystal Broussard
M.D. · Board certified in internal medicine
Dr. Broussard reviews your intake, decides whether BPC-157 or TB-500 is appropriate, and handles any prescription, dose and follow-up. She does not take bookings directly. She is licensed in all 50 states.
About Dr. Broussard →Safety
Is BPC-157 right for you?
Tell your physician if you
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- Have now or have had cancer
- Compete in a drug-tested sport
- Take prescription medications, including blood thinners
- Have had an allergic reaction to a medication
Possible side effects
The most commonly reported is redness, itching or discomfort at the injection site. Others include nausea, dizziness, headache and tiredness.
Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain or a severe reaction.
About compounded peptides
BPC-157 and TB-500 are compounded for individual patients by prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Your physician will explain what that means before you decide.
Be careful buying peptides online. “Research peptides” give you no way to verify what you are getting.
FAQs
BPC-157 and TB-500 questions, answered
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a lab-made peptide made of 15 amino acids. It is modeled on part of a protein found in human stomach fluid. The name stands for Body Protection Compound.
What is TB-500?
TB-500 is a lab-made peptide based on the active part of thymosin beta-4, a protein your body makes that helps cells move to where repair is needed.
Why are BPC-157 and TB-500 used together?
They are thought to work in different ways. In lab and animal studies, BPC-157 has been linked to blood vessel growth and tissue repair at the injury site, while TB-500 has been linked to cell movement and repair more broadly. Some people use them together for that reason. Dr. Broussard decides whether one peptide or both makes sense for you.
How do I get started at TruSpine?
Book a free telehealth consult with Dr. Supreet Shah. After your consult you complete a short intake, and Dr. Crystal Broussard, M.D. reviews it and decides whether BPC-157, TB-500 or neither is appropriate for you.
Is BPC-157 FDA-approved?
No. Neither BPC-157 nor TB-500 is an FDA-approved medication. When prescribed, they are prepared by a compounding pharmacy for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Dr. Broussard will explain what that means before you decide.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes, through TruSpine. Be careful with websites that sell BPC-157 or TB-500 as “research peptides” labeled not for human use. There is no medical review and no way to verify what is in the vial.
How is BPC-157 taken?
Most often as a small injection under the skin, which you can do at home. Oral forms also exist. Dr. Broussard decides on the form, dose and schedule.
Can I do the injections at home?
Yes, if they are prescribed for you. These are small injections under the skin, and Dr. Broussard provides instructions for doing them at home.
How long does it take to work?
It varies, and some people notice no change. Dr. Broussard will set a time frame for checking in and deciding whether to continue.
What does the research show?
Most BPC-157 and TB-500 research so far has been in lab and animal studies, looking at tendons, ligaments, muscle and the gut. Human research is still at an early stage. Individual results vary.
What are the side effects?
The most commonly reported are redness, itching or discomfort at the injection site. Other reported effects include nausea, dizziness, headache and tiredness. Tell your provider about anything unusual.
Can athletes use BPC-157 or TB-500?
If you compete in a tested sport, no. Both are on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. Check your sport's rules before starting any peptide.
Should I still do physical therapy or chiropractic care?
Yes. Peptides do not replace a proper exam or rehab. Our chiropractic, shockwave and recovery team can evaluate your injury and build a full plan, and a peptide may or may not be part of it.
How much does it cost?
It depends on which peptide, your dose and how long you use it. We will go over the exact cost during your free consult, before you decide anything. Insurance usually does not cover peptides.
Who should not use BPC-157 or TB-500?
They are not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your physician if you have now or have had cancer, because these peptides have been studied for their effect on blood vessel growth. Also tell her about any prescription medications you take.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Prescriptions are issued only when a physician determines they are appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary.
Wondering whether BPC-157 could help your recovery?
Book a free telehealth consult. There is no cost and no obligation, and you can do it from home.