Last updated: May 13, 2026. Medically reviewed by the OC Weight Loss and Medspa clinical team.
The short version: Peptide therapy at our Mission Viejo clinic centers on three supervised protocols: NAD+ for energy and cellular repair, Ipamorelin for natural growth hormone support, and our GLOW Blend for skin and recovery. Visits start with labs and a clinician consult, not a one-size-fits-all script. We do not offer BPC-157 as a service (the FDA classified it as a 503A bulk drug substance ineligible for compounding in late 2023, and we follow that guidance). Pricing typically runs $300 to $900 per month depending on the protocol.
Peptide therapy in Mission Viejo, in plain terms
Our clinic sits in central Mission Viejo near the 5 freeway and the Shops at Mission Viejo, which makes it a short drive for patients in Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, and south Irvine. We see a steady mix of South County patients who want growth hormone support without injectable HGH, plus busy parents and shift workers looking for legitimate energy options that are not stimulants.
If you are new to this category, a “peptide” is simply a short chain of amino acids. Some peptides act like signaling molecules and tell your body to release its own hormones (Ipamorelin works this way). Others, like NAD+, are coenzymes the body already uses for energy and DNA repair. None of these replace lifestyle work, and none replace medical care for an underlying problem. They sit alongside it.
For the broader category overview, see our peptide therapy guide and the related post on peptides for weight loss.
What we offer (and what we don’t)
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)
NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every cell. Levels decline with age, and clinical interest centers on energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and DNA repair pathways. We offer NAD+ as IV infusion or subcutaneous injection depending on tolerance and schedule. Most Mission Viejo patients start with a loading series, then transition to maintenance. See the NAD+ metabolism review (Cell Metabolism, 2018) for the underlying biology.
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a selective growth-hormone-releasing peptide. Translation: it nudges your pituitary to release more of your own growth hormone in pulses, rather than replacing GH directly. Unlike older ghrelin mimetics, it does not raise cortisol or prolactin in published pharmacology studies, which is why we prefer it for first-time peptide patients. Subcutaneous dosing, typically before sleep. We pair every Ipamorelin start with baseline IGF-1 and metabolic labs.
GLOW Blend
Our GLOW protocol is a clinician-supervised blend designed for skin quality, recovery, and post-procedure support. Components are reviewed at consultation because formulations adjust based on goal (skin focus versus recovery focus) and any concurrent medications. This is not a take-home kit handed across a counter.
What we do not offer
We do not offer BPC-157 as a service. The FDA placed BPC-157 on its 503A bulks list as ineligible for compounding pharmacies in late 2023, and we follow that guidance. If you are researching it for educational reasons, our BPC-157 educational guide explains the regulatory status and the gap between online claims and human evidence.
Why supervision matters
Peptides are not vitamins. They affect signaling pathways, they interact with hormonal and metabolic systems, and quality control on internet-sourced product is unreliable. Baseline labs let us catch issues like elevated IGF-1, thyroid dysfunction, or unmanaged glucose before we start. Follow-up labs let us titrate or stop. If a clinic offers peptides without bloodwork and without a written protocol, that is a signal to walk out.
What to expect at your first visit
- Intake and history. Medications, supplements, sleep, training load, prior labs.
- Goals conversation. Energy, body composition, recovery, skin, or some combination.
- Lab order. Baseline panel including IGF-1 for any growth hormone secretagogue start.
- Protocol selection. NAD+, Ipamorelin, GLOW, or a layered approach.
- Injection training. Most peptides are self-administered subcutaneously. We teach the technique in clinic.
- Follow-up at 6 to 8 weeks. Repeat labs and adjust dosing.
How much does peptide therapy cost in Mission Viejo?
Insurance does not cover peptide therapy for wellness or aesthetic indications. We are transparent about this at the consult and offer flat monthly pricing rather than per-vial markups.
Who is and isn’t a candidate
- Good candidates: Adults 30+ with declining recovery, fatigue with a normal workup, or post-procedure recovery goals; patients already optimizing sleep and training.
- Not candidates: Active malignancy, pregnancy or breastfeeding, uncontrolled diabetes, or any patient unwilling to do baseline labs.
- Reconsider: Anyone whose primary issue is unmanaged sleep apnea, thyroid disease, or testosterone deficiency. Treat those first.
Getting here from your city
Mission Viejo FAQ
Is there easy parking at your Mission Viejo clinic?
Yes. We have ground-level lot parking directly in front of the building. Patients arriving from the 5 freeway can typically be in the lobby within four minutes of exiting.
How long is the drive from Laguna Niguel or Aliso Viejo?
Around 8 to 12 minutes without traffic from either. Aliso Creek Road and Crown Valley Parkway are the cleanest routes.
What are your peptide visit hours?
We schedule peptide consults Monday through Saturday. Injection check-ins are short, typically 15 minutes, and we hold same-week slots for follow-up labs review.
General FAQ
How fast will I feel something on Ipamorelin?
Sleep quality changes are the earliest reported effect, often in the first two weeks. Body composition shifts, if any, are evaluated at 8 to 12 weeks with labs.
Do I need labs before NAD+?
We require a baseline metabolic panel and a CBC. Anyone with cardiac history or recent illness gets a fuller workup before we proceed.
Are peptides FDA-approved?
Some are approved as finished drug products for specific indications, others are available only through 503A compounding pharmacies, and several have been removed from compounding eligibility. We only work with peptides that remain on the FDA-permitted list for our use case. The agency’s 503A bulks list is the authoritative reference.
Can I combine peptides with GLP-1 weight loss medication?
In some cases, yes, with clinician oversight. Many patients on tirzepatide or semaglutide ask about Ipamorelin to support lean mass. We look at your IGF-1, glucose control, and timing before stacking.
What side effects should I watch for?
Ipamorelin: injection-site irritation, transient flushing, vivid dreams. NAD+: flushing, chest pressure during IV infusion that resolves when the rate is reduced. Stop and call us if anything outside that profile shows up.
How do I avoid counterfeit peptides?
Only fill at licensed 503A compounding pharmacies with current state inspections. We dispense or direct-ship from vetted partners; we do not refer patients to research-chemical sites.
Clinic information
OC Weight Loss and Medspa24002 Via Fabricante #201, Mission Viejo, CA 92691+1 949-416-0950Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm · Sat 9 am–1 pm · Sun closed
Talk to a clinician at OC Weight Loss and Medspa
If you live in South Orange County and you are curious whether peptide therapy fits your goals, the right next step is a 30-minute consult. We will review labs, current medications, and protocol options for NAD+, Ipamorelin, and GLOW. See our peptide therapy service page for full details.
Book a peptide consultation
Book a Free Consultation