We are moving all injectable peptides to a standard 2.5ml vial. What was previously one 5ml vial is now two 2.5ml vials.

The concentration stays the same. Your dose stays the same, and you will use the same syringes.

Each peptide vial has two expiry dates: the maximum expiry date printed on the vial, and 28 days from your first injection from that vial. Once you start using a vial, any medication left after 28 days must be discarded.

Our doctors generally prescribe dosages that align with 2.5ml vials, so each vial can be used within its 28 days and less medication is left over.

You can order two vials and open each one as required. Keep the second vial unopened until you need it, and use it by the maximum expiry date printed on the vial.

We are rolling this out gradually. Any current 5ml script will run its course. When your script is reissued, it will be for 2 x 2.5ml vials. You do not need to request anything.

Each vial has 2 expiry dates (a maximum expiry date, and an expiry date from date of first use). Do not use your vial beyond the earliest expiry date:

• Unopened vial: use by the expiry date printed on the vial (maximum expiry date).
• After first use: discard 28 days from the date of first injection.

Please ensure you begin using your vial well before the printed expiry date. The 28-day period after opening does not extend the original expiry date.

Tip: write the date of your first injection on the vial label, so you always know when it is due.

With 2.5ml vials, you can:

• Open a new vial only when you need it.
• Use each vial within 28 days of your first injection from that vial.
• Plan around travel, work or similar.
• Order one vial at a time or two at once, whatever suits your course.

Where possible, finish your current vial before you go, then open your next vial when you return. An unopened vial can be used up to the maximum expiry date printed on the vial, as long as it is stored as directed.

The 28 days count from your first injection from that vial and keep going while you are away. If it has been more than 28 days when you return, discard that vial and open a new one.

There may be a slight price increase, of around 10 to 15 percent.

Exactly as you do now, through your Patient Portal.