CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
GHRH analog + Ghrelin-receptor agonist (synergy stack)
A two-peptide stack that pulses growth hormone release without disturbing endogenous feedback loops. CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) extends the natural GH pulse window; Ipamorelin (a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist) amplifies pulse height without triggering cortisol or prolactin spikes. Standard protocol for IGF-1 elevation, sleep architecture, and lean-mass support.
Quick reference
How CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin works
CJC-1295 (no-DAC variant) is a 30-amino-acid GHRH analog that binds the pituitary GHRH receptor and triggers a natural GH release pulse. Half-life is ~30 minutes — long enough to extend an existing pulse, short enough to preserve circadian rhythm.
Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist. Unlike older GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, hexarelin), Ipamorelin doesn't trigger cortisol, prolactin, or hunger. This makes it the best-tolerated ghrelin-axis peptide for ongoing protocols.
Stacked, they hit two different pituitary pathways simultaneously — synergistic GH release that exceeds either compound alone. Because both peptides preserve endogenous feedback (no exogenous GH directly), endocrine recovery after cycling is fast.
In the DoseCraft framework, CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin targets ATP Shortage (improved sleep quality → mitochondrial recovery + GH-driven IGF-1) and Inflammation (improved sleep also reduces systemic inflammatory load).
Reconstitution math
- Both peptides reconstitute identically. Use separate vials and syringes — do not pre-mix in one vial (different stability profiles).
- Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into each sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down each vial wall. Swirl gently. Do not shake.
- Refrigerate both vials. Stable approximately 4 weeks at 2–8°C.
- Best practice: draw both peptides into a single insulin syringe before injection — separate-vial storage, single-shot delivery.
Dose math
CJC-1295: 2 mg vial + 2 mL bac → 1,000 mcg/mL. 10 IU = 100 mcg.
Ipamorelin: 5 mg vial + 2 mL bac → 2,500 mcg/mL. 8 IU = 200 mcg, 12 IU = 300 mcg.
- • CJC-1295 standard dose: 10 IU (100 mcg)
- • Ipamorelin standard dose: 8 IU (200 mcg)
- • Combined per night: ~18 IU drawn into one syringe
Safety + side-effect profile
Both peptides are well-tolerated when used at standard doses. The pulsatile delivery model preserves natural endocrine feedback — unlike exogenous GH, you don't suppress your own pituitary.
Not documented: hepatotoxicity, significant cortisol elevation (Ipamorelin specifically — older GHRPs do raise cortisol), or prolactin disruption. Contraindications: active cancer therapy (GH/IGF-1 axis is theoretically concerning in oncology), pregnancy, lactation, untreated diabetes (GH can transiently raise blood glucose).
Interaction notes: do not stack with multiple GH secretagogues simultaneously (e.g., add MK-677 or Tesamorelin) without practitioner supervision — diminishing returns and theoretical receptor desensitization. Avoid eating within 2 hours of injection — food spikes insulin, blunting GH response.
- • Mild flushing or warmth at injection site (transient, <30 minutes)
- • Vivid dreams in the first 7–10 days (Ipamorelin → improved REM sleep)
- • Occasional mild morning fatigue if doses are too high (try reducing by 50%)
- • Transient hand / foot tingling at higher doses (water retention, harmless)
Frequently asked
What's the difference between CJC-1295 with and without DAC?
CJC-1295 with DAC has a half-life of ~8 days (DAC = drug affinity complex extends serum binding). It produces continuous GH bleed-through rather than pulses, which over time can desensitize pituitary feedback loops. Most modern protocols use no-DAC CJC-1295 for natural pulsatile delivery preserving feedback.
What is the typical CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin dose?
Standard practitioner protocol: 100 mcg CJC-1295 + 200–300 mcg Ipamorelin subQ, 30 minutes before bed, on an empty stomach. Frequency: 5 days on / 2 off, for 8–12 weeks. Some protocols add a second dose pre-workout — this is supportable but increases total exposure without major efficacy gain for most goals.
Why before bed and on an empty stomach?
GH release peaks naturally in the first 60–90 minutes of deep sleep. Timing the injection 30 minutes before bed amplifies this natural pulse. Empty stomach is critical because food (especially carbs) spikes insulin, which blunts GH release — eating within 2 hours of injection can reduce efficacy by 40–60%.
How is this different from injecting actual HGH?
Exogenous HGH (somatropin) directly bypasses pituitary feedback, suppressing endogenous production. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin trigger your own pituitary to release GH — preserving endocrine architecture. Cost is also dramatically lower, side effects are milder, and recovery after cycling is fast.
How long until results?
Sleep quality improvements show within 1–2 weeks (most users notice deeper REM, vivid dreams). IGF-1 elevation measurable on bloodwork at 4–6 weeks. Body composition changes (lean mass gain, fat loss) take 8–12 weeks of consistent dosing. Skin / hair / nail improvements often visible at 6–8 weeks.
Should I cycle CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin?
Yes. Standard cycling: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off. Continuous use beyond 16 weeks risks pituitary desensitization. Cycling allows full endogenous recovery. Many practitioners run 2–3 cycles per year.
Are there side effects?
Generally mild. Reported: flushing or warmth at injection site (transient), vivid dreams in first 7–10 days, occasional mild morning fatigue if dose is too high, transient hand/foot tingling at higher doses (water retention). Not documented: cortisol elevation (with Ipamorelin), hepatotoxicity, or significant cardiovascular effects.
Will this affect my IGF-1 bloodwork?
Yes — that's the goal. Most users see IGF-1 rise from baseline (often 100–150 ng/mL in adults) toward 250–300 ng/mL within 6–8 weeks of consistent dosing. Re-test bloodwork at 6 weeks to confirm response and adjust doses if needed.
Protocols using CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Outcome-driven stacks with phased dose schedules and cited PMIDs.
Head-to-head comparisons
Cited side-by-side breakdowns that include CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin.
Related compounds
Often researched, stacked, or compared with CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin.
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