Quick Start — CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin at a Glance
Peptides CJC-1295 (No DAC) + Ipamorelin — two separate vials
Class Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) + Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP)
Administration Subcutaneous injection · Both injected together at the same time
Standard Dose 250 mcg each (5 units per vial) · Beginner: 100–150 mcg each (2–3 units per vial)
Frequency 1–3x daily · Best results: before bed on empty stomach
Cycle Length 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off (or 5 days on / 2 days off)
Key Mechanism CJC-1295 amplifies GH release · Ipamorelin triggers the GH pulse · Together = synergistic effect
Vial Sizes 10 mg each · Reconstitute each with 2 mL BAC water
Storage Refrigerate after reconstitution · Use within 30 days
What Are CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 (No DAC) and Ipamorelin are two distinct peptides that work together to stimulate your body's natural growth hormone (GH) production. Rather than injecting synthetic GH directly, these peptides signal your pituitary gland to produce and release its own GH in natural pulsatile patterns — preserving feedback loops and minimizing side effects.
CJC-1295 (No DAC)
10 mg
Class: GHRH analog
Also known as: Modified GRF (1-29)
Role: Amplifies the GH pulse
Half-life: ~30 minutes
Tells the pituitary how much GH to release
Ipamorelin
10 mg
Class: GHRP (Ghrelin mimetic)
Role: Triggers the GH pulse
Half-life: ~2 hours
Selectivity: GH-specific (no cortisol/prolactin spike)
Tells the pituitary when to release GH
Why Use Both Together?
CJC-1295 without Ipamorelin is like pressing the gas pedal with no ignition — it amplifies a signal that isn't there. Ipamorelin without CJC-1295 triggers a GH pulse but doesn't maximize its size. Together, Ipamorelin fires the pulse and CJC-1295 amplifies it, producing a synergistic GH release significantly greater than either alone.
No DAC vs With DAC
"No DAC" means no Drug Affinity Complex — this version has a short half-life (~30 min) and mimics natural GH pulsing. CJC-1295 "with DAC" has a much longer half-life (~6–8 days) and creates sustained elevated GH — which blunts natural pulsatility. The No DAC version is preferred for maintaining natural GH rhythm.
How They Work
CJC-1295 (No DAC) — The Amplifier
CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It binds to GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland and amplifies the magnitude of each GH pulse. It does not initiate a pulse on its own — it needs a trigger signal (which Ipamorelin provides). Think of it as turning up the volume on an existing signal.
Ipamorelin — The Trigger
Ipamorelin is a selective Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP) that mimics ghrelin. It binds to ghrelin receptors (GHS-R) on the pituitary, triggering a GH release pulse. What makes Ipamorelin special is its selectivity — unlike older GHRPs (GHRP-6, GHRP-2, Hexarelin), it stimulates GH without significantly raising cortisol, prolactin, or causing intense hunger spikes.
The Synergistic Effect
When injected together, the combined GH release is significantly greater than the sum of each peptide alone. Ipamorelin fires the pulse. CJC-1295 amplifies its amplitude and extends its duration. The result is a robust, natural-pattern GH pulse that preserves the body's feedback mechanisms — unlike exogenous HGH which suppresses natural production.
Natural GH Pattern
GH is released in pulses, not continuously. The largest pulse occurs ~60–90 minutes after falling asleep. CJC + Ipa before bed amplifies this natural peak without disrupting the pulsatile rhythm.
Preserved Feedback
Unlike injecting synthetic HGH (which suppresses your own production), secretagogues stimulate your pituitary to make its own GH. Natural negative feedback stays intact, reducing side effect risk.
Benefits
Fat Loss
GH promotes lipolysis — the breakdown of stored fat for energy. Enhanced overnight GH pulses increase fat oxidation during sleep, particularly visceral (abdominal) fat.
Muscle Recovery & Growth
GH stimulates IGF-1 production, accelerating muscle protein synthesis and recovery. Especially valuable during caloric deficits to preserve lean mass.
Improved Sleep Quality
GH is primarily released during deep sleep. Many users report deeper, more restorative sleep within the first 1–2 weeks — often the first noticeable benefit.
Skin, Hair & Collagen
GH and IGF-1 stimulate collagen synthesis. Improved skin elasticity, thickness, and hydration. Faster nail growth. Some report improved hair quality over weeks.
Joint & Connective Tissue
Enhanced collagen and tissue repair benefits tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Valuable for athletes and those with chronic joint issues.
Anti-Aging & Recovery
GH naturally declines ~14% per decade after age 30. Restoring youthful GH pulsing supports cellular repair, immune function, and overall vitality.
Reconstitution
You have two separate vials — each is reconstituted independently with the same method. Both are 10 mg vials, each reconstituted with 2 mL BAC water.
What You Need
CJC-1295 (No DAC)10 mg lyophilized vial
Ipamorelin10 mg lyophilized vial
Bacteriostatic WaterSterile BAC water — 2 mL per vial (4 mL total)
Insulin Syringes29–31 gauge, 0.5 mL or 1 mL
Alcohol SwabsFor sterilizing vial tops before every draw
Sharps ContainerFor safe disposal
Step-by-Step (Repeat for Each Vial)
1
Sterilize & Draw 2 mL BAC Water
Swab both the BAC water vial and the peptide vial with alcohol. Draw exactly 2 mL of BAC water.
2
Add Water to Vial
Inject BAC water slowly down the inside wall of the peptide vial. Do not spray onto the powder.
3
Dissolve Gently
Let sit 1–2 minutes. Gently roll between palms if needed. Never shake. Solution should be clear and colorless.
4
Label & Refrigerate
Label each vial clearly: peptide name, 5,000 mcg/mL, reconstitution date, 30-day expiry. Refrigerate at 2–8°C.
5
Repeat for Second Vial
Use a fresh syringe and repeat steps 1–4 for the other peptide. You now have two separately reconstituted vials ready to use.
Important — Two Separate Draws
When dosing, draw from each vial separately using the same syringe: draw CJC-1295 first, then draw Ipamorelin into the same syringe (or vice versa). This allows a single injection. Always swab each vial top before piercing.
Concentration — Both Vials Identical
Total peptide per vial: 10 mg = 10,000 mcg
BAC water added: 2 mL
Concentration: 10,000 mcg ÷ 2 mL = 5,000 mcg/mL
1 unit on syringe = 0.01 mL = 50 mcg
100 mcg = 0.02 mL = 2 units ← beginner
150 mcg = 0.03 mL = 3 units ← beginner+
200 mcg = 0.04 mL = 4 units
250 mcg = 0.05 mL = 5 units ← standard ✓
500 mcg = 0.10 mL = 10 units ← advanced
Beginner: 2–3 units CJC + 2–3 units Ipa = 4–6 units total
Standard: 5 units CJC + 5 units Ipa = 10 units total ✓
Advanced: 10 units CJC + 10 units Ipa = 20 units total
At 100 mcg/day (beginner): 10,000 ÷ 100 = 100 days per vial
At 250 mcg/day (standard): 10,000 ÷ 250 = 40 days per vial
At 500 mcg/day (advanced): 10,000 ÷ 500 = 20 days per vial
Quick Dosing Reference (Per Peptide)
| Dose (each) |
Units (per vial) |
Combined Units |
Days per Vial |
| 100–150 mcg |
2–3 units |
4–6 units total |
66–100 days (1x/day) |
| 250 mcg |
5 units |
10 units total ✓ |
40 days (1x/day) |
| 500 mcg |
10 units |
20 units total |
20 days (1x/day) |
Recommended Setup
At the standard 250 mcg of each per night, that's 5 units from each vial (10 units total) in a single syringe. Each 10 mg vial lasts ~40 days at this dose — plan to use within the 30-day reconstitution window. Beginners start at 100–150 mcg each (2–3 units per vial) to assess tolerance.
Dosing Protocols
Injection Technique
→
Combined Subcutaneous Injection
1. Swab both vial tops with alcohol
2. Draw CJC-1295 dose into insulin syringe (e.g. 5 units for standard)
3. Without changing needle, swab Ipamorelin vial and draw Ipamorelin dose into the same syringe (e.g. +5 units = 10 units total)
4. Choose injection site: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
5. Clean site with alcohol, pinch skin, inject at 45–90°
6. Inject slowly, release, dispose of syringe
Beginner Protocol
Dose: 100–150 mcg CJC + 100–150 mcg Ipamorelin (2–3 units + 2–3 units = 4–6 units total)
Frequency: 1x daily, before bed
Timing: 30–60 min before sleep, on empty stomach (no food for 2+ hours)
Cycle: 5 days on / 2 days off — or daily for 8 weeks, then 4 weeks off
Standard Protocol
Dose: 250 mcg CJC + 250 mcg Ipamorelin (5 units + 5 units = 10 units total)
Frequency: 1x daily, before bed on empty stomach
Cycle: 8–12 weeks on → 4 weeks off
Alternative cycle: 5 days on / 2 days off, ongoing
Advanced Protocol
Dose: 300–500 mcg of each per injection
Frequency: 2–3x daily
Timing:
→ Morning: fasted, upon waking
→ Post-workout: 30 min after training (optional, potent pulse window)
→ Before bed: on empty stomach (non-negotiable — this is the key dose)
Cycle: 8–12 weeks on → 4 weeks off
Note: Multi-dosing uses vials faster. At 300 mcg each, 2x/day = 600 mcg/day = ~16 days per vial.
Why Empty Stomach Matters
Food — especially carbs and fats — causes an insulin spike that blunts GH release. Always inject at least 2 hours after eating and wait 30+ minutes before eating after injection. The before-bed dose is the most important because it amplifies the natural nocturnal GH surge.
Dosing Summary
| Level |
Dose (each) |
Syringe |
Frequency |
Cycle |
| Beginner |
100–150 mcg + same |
4–6 units |
1x/day (bedtime) |
8 wks on / 4 off |
| Standard |
250 mcg + 250 mcg |
10 units |
1x/day (bedtime) |
8–12 wks on / 4 off |
| Advanced |
300–500 mcg + same |
12–20 units |
2–3x/day |
8–12 wks on / 4 off |
Timeline of Effects
Week 1–2
Improved sleep quality is often the first noticeable effect — deeper, more restorative sleep. Some experience mild water retention, tingling in hands/feet (sign of elevated GH). Increased dream vividness.
Week 3–4
Recovery from training noticeably faster. Energy and general vitality improving. Skin starting to look fuller and more hydrated. Fat loss may begin — especially if combined with training and nutrition.
Week 5–8
Body composition changes become visible. Improved muscle definition, reduced abdominal fat. Skin quality, hair, and nail growth noticeably improved. Joint and tendon comfort improving for many users.
Week 8–12
Peak effects. Full body recomposition benefits. Enhanced recovery allows harder training. Anti-aging effects visible. IGF-1 blood levels should be measurably elevated. This is when to take an off-cycle break (4 weeks) to maintain receptor sensitivity.
Stacking Strategies
CJC-1295 250 mcg + Ipamorelin 250 mcg before bed
Fasted sleep protocol — no food 3–4 hours before bed (maximizes GH + fat oxidation)
High protein 1.6–2.0 g/kg bodyweight daily
Resistance training 3–4x weekly
The foundation stack. Let GH handle overnight fat burning while protein and training protect muscle.
CJC-1295 250 mcg + Ipamorelin 250 mcg, 30 min before bed
DSIP 200 mcg subcutaneous, 30–60 min before bed (delta-wave sleep enhancer)
Magnesium Glycinate 400–600 mg, 90 min before bed
Glycine 3–5g before bed (supports GH pulsatility + sleep)
Best for: athletes in heavy training, injury recovery, poor sleep quality, anti-aging focus.
CJC-1295 250 mcg + Ipamorelin 250 mcg before bed
BPC-157 250–500 mcg daily (gut, tendon, and joint healing)
TB-500 2 mg twice weekly (systemic tissue repair and inflammation)
Best for: chronic joint issues, post-injury rehab, tendon/ligament repair, athletes with accumulated wear.
CJC-1295 100–250 mcg + Ipamorelin 100–250 mcg before bed
GHK-Cu 2 mg twice weekly (collagen, skin elasticity, wound healing)
Epitalon 10 mg daily for 10-day cycles, quarterly (telomere / pineal support)
Best for: 35+ adults wanting to address age-related GH decline, skin aging, and general vitality.
Safety & Side Effects
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are among the best-tolerated peptides in the GH secretagogue category. Ipamorelin in particular is prized for its selectivity — it raises GH without significantly spiking cortisol, prolactin, or causing the extreme hunger of older GHRPs like GHRP-6.
Common Side Effects
Water RetentionMild, especially first 1–2 weeks. GH causes some fluid retention. Usually normalizes. Reduce sodium intake if bothersome.
Tingling / NumbnessHands and feet. Sign of elevated GH. Mild and transient. Reduce dose if persistent.
Injection Site ReactionsMild redness, itching, or swelling. Rotate sites. Let solution reach room temperature.
Increased HungerMild with Ipamorelin (much less than GHRP-6). May notice slightly increased appetite.
Fatigue / LethargySome feel drowsy after bedtime dose. This is generally considered a benefit for sleep.
HeadacheOccasional, usually first few days. Stay hydrated.
Contraindications — Do Not Use If
Active cancer or history of cancer (GH can promote tumor growth) · Pregnant or breastfeeding · Diabetic retinopathy · Active intracranial lesions · Under 18 years old. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have diabetes or any hormone-sensitive condition.
Monitoring
Recommended Blood WorkIGF-1 levels (baseline + 4–6 weeks in), fasting glucose, HbA1c. GH raises blood sugar — monitor if diabetic/prediabetic.
Cycle BreaksEssential to maintain receptor sensitivity. 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off. Or 5 days on / 2 days off continuously.
Storage & FAQ
Storage
Lyophilized (Powder)Freezer (-20°C) for long-term or refrigerator (2–8°C). Stable for months sealed.
ReconstitutedRefrigerate at 2–8°C. Use within 30 days. Do not freeze.
Protect FromLight, heat, repeated temperature swings.
Degradation SignsCloudiness, particles, discoloration — discard immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix both in one syringe?Yes. Draw from one vial, then draw from the other into the same syringe. Single injection. Always swab each vial top before piercing.
Why empty stomach?Insulin blunts GH release. Food (especially carbs/fats) spikes insulin. Inject 2+ hours after eating, wait 30+ min before eating after.
Morning or night?Before bed is most important — it amplifies the natural nocturnal GH surge. If dosing 2x/day, add a fasted morning dose.
No DAC vs With DAC?No DAC (short half-life) preserves natural pulsatile GH rhythm. With DAC creates sustained elevation that blunts natural pulsing. No DAC is preferred.
Do I need to cycle?Yes. 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off to maintain receptor sensitivity. Or 5 on / 2 off continuously.
Can I use just one?You can, but results are significantly better together. Ipamorelin alone gives a modest pulse. CJC alone has limited effect without a trigger. Together = synergy.
How do I know it's working?First signs: improved sleep (week 1–2), faster recovery, vivid dreams. Lab confirmation: elevated IGF-1 at 4–6 weeks. Body composition changes: weeks 4–8+.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and research purposes only. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are research compounds not approved by the FDA for human use. This guide does not constitute medical advice. Individual responses vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any peptide protocol, especially if you have diabetes, cancer history, or hormone-sensitive conditions. Not for use by individuals under 18 or pregnant/breastfeeding individuals. GH secretagogues can elevate blood glucose — monitor if at risk.
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