Research & Educational Use Only. This protocol guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any research protocol.
Growth Hormone SecretagogueEvidence Grade: B+ (Clinical Data)
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Protocol Guide
CJC-1295 (modified GRF 1-29) and Ipamorelin is the most popular growth hormone releasing peptide combination in research. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analog that amplifies natural GH pulses, while Ipamorelin is the cleanest GHRP, selectively activating ghrelin receptors without significant cortisol or prolactin elevation. Together they produce synergistic, pulsatile GH release that mimics natural physiology. This protocol covers reconstitution, dosing at 100mcg/100mcg 2-3x daily, injection timing around sleep, and IGF-1 monitoring.
Protocol Overview
- Compound
- CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin
- Category
- GHRH + GHRP Combination
- Mechanism
- CJC-1295 stimulates GHRH receptors to amplify GH pulses; Ipamorelin selectively activates ghrelin/GHS receptors. Together: synergistic pulsatile GH release
- Molecular Weight
- CJC-1295: 3,367 Da / Ipamorelin: 711 Da
- Half-Life
- CJC-1295: ~30 min / Ipamorelin: ~2 hours
- Vial Size
- 5mg/5mg (combo or separate vials)
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency
- 2-3x daily
- Cycle Length
- 8-16 weeks
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | Weeks | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1-16 | 100mcg CJC / 100mcg Ipa | 2-3x daily | Subcutaneous |
| Conservative | 1-12 | 100mcg CJC / 100mcg Ipa | 2x daily | Subcutaneous |
| Aggressive | 1-16 | 200mcg CJC / 200mcg Ipa | 2-3x daily | Subcutaneous |
Key: Inject on an empty stomach. The most important dose is before bed (30-60 min before sleep) to amplify the natural nocturnal GH pulse. Morning dose upon waking and optional mid-afternoon dose.
Reconstitution Instructions
Materials
- CJC-1295 5mg vial + Ipamorelin 5mg vial
- Bacteriostatic water
- Mixing syringe (18-20ga)
- Insulin syringes (29-31ga)
- Alcohol swabs
Steps (per vial)
- Clean stopper with alcohol
- Add 2mL BAC water to each vial
- Slowly inject down vial wall
- Gently swirl until clear
- Concentration: 2,500 mcg/mL per peptide
| Dose (each peptide) | Volume | Insulin Syringe |
|---|---|---|
| 100 mcg | 0.04 mL | 4 units |
| 200 mcg | 0.08 mL | 8 units |
| 300 mcg | 0.12 mL | 12 units |
Tip: Both peptides can be drawn into the same syringe for a single injection. Draw CJC-1295 first, then Ipamorelin (or vice versa).
Administration Guide
Injection Sites
- Abdomen: 2+ inches from navel (most common)
- Thigh: Outer mid-thigh
- Rotate sites between injections
Critical Timing Rules
- Before bed: 30-60 min pre-sleep (most important)
- Morning: Upon waking, before food
- Fasting: No food 1 hour before or 30 min after
- Avoid: High-carb/fat meals within 2 hours (blunts GH)
- Storage: Refrigerate 2-8°C, use within 30 days
Expected Timeline
Week 1-2
Initial GH pulse optimization. Improved sleep quality and deeper REM sleep often reported first. Mild water retention possible.
Week 3-4
Enhanced recovery. Improved skin quality and elasticity. Better sleep architecture. Fat mobilization beginning.
Week 5-8
Noticeable body composition changes. Reduced visceral fat. Improved joint comfort. IGF-1 levels measurably elevated.
Week 9-12
Peak effects. Significant lean body composition improvement. Skin, hair, nail quality improved. Cognitive clarity.
Week 13-16
Sustained benefits. Some cycle off after 12-16 weeks for 4-8 week break to prevent desensitization.
Side Effects & Monitoring
Common Side Effects
- Water retention (mild, first 2-3 weeks)
- Tingling/numbness in hands (carpal tunnel-like)
- Increased hunger (ghrelin pathway)
- Vivid dreams / improved sleep
- Mild headache initially
Serious Concerns
- Persistent joint pain or swelling
- Significant water retention
- Blood sugar changes
- Signs of excess GH at high doses
Stacking Recommendations
Compatible Compounds
- MK-677: Oral GH secretagogue for off-injection days
- BPC-157: Tissue repair synergy
- Tesamorelin: Can substitute for CJC-1295
- GHK-Cu: Collagen/skin support
Notes
- Do not combine with other GHRH analogs (redundant)
- Can use GHRP-2 or GHRP-6 instead of Ipamorelin
- Ipamorelin preferred due to minimal cortisol/prolactin
- Avoid high-carb meals near injection times
Blood Work Recommendations
| Panel | Markers | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| GH Axis | IGF-1, GH serum | Baseline, Week 4, 8, 12 |
| Metabolic | Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin | Baseline, Week 8 |
| Thyroid | TSH, free T3, free T4 | Baseline, Week 8 |
| Basic | CBC, CMP | Baseline, Week 8 |
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