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ForumsCompounding & FormulationDumb question - what is bacteriostatic water exactly — March 2026

Dumb question - what is bacteriostatic water exactly — March 2026

Dr.ObesityMed Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 2:18 AM 37 replies 1,549 viewsPage 1 of 8
Dr.ObesityMed
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Sep 20, 2025 at 3:43 AM#1

My compounded semaglutide came as a lyophilized powder and the pharmacy didn't include bacteriostatic water (they said it's sold separately?). Where do you all get your bac water? I want to make sure I'm getting the real deal and not something sketchy from Amazon.

49 6EndoResFellow, PharmacoVig_BOS, SurmountFan_IN and 46 others
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tampaLisa73
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Oct 2024
Tampa, FL
Sep 20, 2025 at 4:00 AM#2

This is a great question because bac water quality matters more than people think. You're injecting this, so it needs to be genuinely sterile and properly preserved.

Recommended sources (in order of reliability):

  1. Your local brick-and-mortar pharmacy — many carry Hospira/Pfizer bacteriostatic water 30mL vials. May need to ask the pharmacist, it's usually behind the counter. No prescription needed in most states.
  2. Medical supply companies — companies like MedVet, Henry Schein (typically B2B but some sell to consumers)
  3. Reputable online medical supply retailers — make sure they're a licensed pharmacy or medical distributor

What to AVOID:

  • Random Amazon sellers (many have been found to sell non-sterile "bacteriostatic water")
  • eBay listings
  • Any source that doesn't provide a lot number and expiration date
  • Anything that says "for research use only"
Last edited: Sep 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM
6 10FitDadDave, RunnerRach, TrialNerd_Beth and 3 others
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NurseAsh_DET
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Detroit, MI
Sep 20, 2025 at 4:17 AM#3

I've been buying Hospira bac water from my local CVS for $8 a vial. 30mL vial lasts me months since I only need 2mL per reconstitution. Just walk up to the pharmacy counter and ask — they don't always have it on the shelf but can order it in 1-2 days.

Cheapest, safest, easiest. Don't overthink this one.

20 18BrianDallas92, labquiet_amy, emily_PDX and 17 others
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DeniseRN_TPA
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Sep 20, 2025 at 4:34 AM#4

lol I've been making my own bac water for a year. Sterile water + 0.9% benzyl alcohol. Works fine.

10 5LindaRN_retired, tommy_boulder, hyun_seoul and 7 others
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TomTeleRx
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Delaware
Sep 20, 2025 at 4:51 AM#5
Previously posted:
lol I've been making my own bac water for a year. Sterile water + 0.9% benzyl alcohol. Works fine.

I cannot stress enough how much I do NOT recommend this.

Making your own bacteriostatic water at home is not safe for injectable use. You cannot guarantee sterility in a home environment. Even if you start with sterile water and pharmaceutical-grade benzyl alcohol, the moment you open those containers and start mixing in your kitchen, you've potentially introduced contaminants.

Bacteriostatic water from a pharmaceutical manufacturer is made in an ISO 5 cleanroom, sterility tested, endotoxin tested, and sealed under validated conditions. It costs $8-15 per vial. This is not something to DIY to save a few dollars.

Please, for the sake of your health, buy it properly. 🙏

44 7TrialNerd_Beth, HPLC_Greg, LibrarianMeg and 41 others
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