CJC-1295 DAC (5 mg) + Ipamorelin (5 mg) Stack Dosage Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
This stacked protocol combines CJC-1295 DAC, a long-acting GHRH analog with extended half-life via albumin binding[1], and Ipamorelin, a selective ghrelin-receptor agonist that triggers potent GH pulses with minimal ACTH/cortisol release[2]. Together, these peptides amplify endogenous growth hormone secretion and IGF-1 signaling through complementary mechanisms[3].
- CJC-1295 DAC: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 2.5 mg/mL; inject once weekly.
- Ipamorelin: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 1.67 mg/mL; inject once daily.
- Easy measuring: CJC-1295 DAC: 1 unit = 25 mcg; Ipamorelin: 1 unit ≈ 16.7 mcg on U-100 syringes.
- Storage: Lyophilized: ≤−15 °C (5 °F); reconstituted: 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 3–4 weeks[5].
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for stacked GH secretagogue protocol
CJC-1295 DAC (5 mg Vial) — Subcutaneous, Once Weekly
Reconstitution: 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 2.5 mg/mL (2500 mcg/mL) → 25 mcg per unit
| Phase | Weekly Dose (mcg / mg) | Units (mL) per Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 40 units (0.40 mL) | Once weekly |
| Aggressive | 2000 mcg (2.0 mg) | 80 units (0.80 mL) | Once weekly |
Note: At 2.5 mg/mL, each 5 mg vial provides 2.5 standard doses (1 mg each) or 1.25 aggressive doses (2 mg each).
CJC-1295 DAC Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming or direct stream onto powder.
- Gently swirl/roll until fully dissolved (do not shake).
- Label with date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F).
Ipamorelin (5 mg Vial) — Subcutaneous, Once Daily
Reconstitution: 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 1.67 mg/mL (1666.7 mcg/mL) → 16.67 mcg per unit
| Phase | Daily Dose (mcg / mg) | Units (mL) per Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (Initiation) | 100 mcg (0.1 mg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) | Once daily |
| Weeks 3–4 (Titration) | 150 mcg (0.15 mg) | 9 units (0.09 mL) | Once daily |
| Weeks 5+ (Maintenance) | 200 mcg (0.2 mg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) | Once daily |
| Aggressive (Optional) | 300 mcg (0.3 mg) | 18 units (0.18 mL) | Once daily or split 2×/day |
For ≤10-unit (≤0.10 mL) administrations, consider 30- or 50-unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
Ipamorelin Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label with date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F).
Combined Stack Schedule — Standard Approach
| Week | CJC-1295 DAC (Weekly) | Ipamorelin (Daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 1000 mcg (40 units) once weekly | 100 mcg (6 units) once daily |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1000 mcg (40 units) once weekly | 150 mcg (9 units) once daily |
| Weeks 5–12 | 1000 mcg (40 units) once weekly | 200 mcg (12 units) once daily |
Timing: CJC-1295 DAC is typically administered on a fixed day each week. Ipamorelin is commonly administered before bed to coincide with natural nocturnal GH pulses[4].
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8–16 week stacked protocol with standard dosing (CJC-1295 DAC 1 mg/week + Ipamorelin 200 mcg/day at maintenance).
-
CJC-1295 DAC Vials (5 mg each):
- 8 weeks (8 mg total) → 2 vials
- 12 weeks (12 mg total) → 3 vials
- 16 weeks (16 mg total) → 4 vials
-
Ipamorelin Vials (5 mg each):
- 8 weeks (56 days at ~200 mcg/day) → 3 vials
- 12 weeks (84 days) → 4 vials
- 16 weeks (112 days) → 5 vials
-
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- Per week: 1 (CJC) + 7 (Ipamorelin) = 8 syringes
- 8 weeks: 64 syringes
- 12 weeks: 96 syringes
- 16 weeks: 128 syringes
- For Ipamorelin doses ≤10 units, 30- or 50-unit syringes improve accuracy.
-
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles):
- 8 weeks: CJC (2 × 2 mL = 4 mL) + Ipam (3 × 3 mL = 9 mL) = 13 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
- 12 weeks: CJC (3 × 2 mL = 6 mL) + Ipam (4 × 3 mL = 12 mL) = 18 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
- 16 weeks: CJC (4 × 2 mL = 8 mL) + Ipam (5 × 3 mL = 15 mL) = 23 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
-
Alcohol Swabs:
- Per week: ~16 swabs (2/day for Ipamorelin + 2 for CJC weekly)
- 8 weeks: 128 swabs → 2 × 100-count boxes
- 12 weeks: 192 swabs → 2 × 100-count boxes
- 16 weeks: 256 swabs → 3 × 100-count boxes
Protocol Overview
Concise summary of the stacked GH secretagogue regimen.
- Goal: Amplify endogenous GH/IGF-1 secretion through dual GHRH and ghrelin-receptor pathways[3].
- Schedule: CJC-1295 DAC once weekly + Ipamorelin once daily for 8–16 weeks.
- CJC-1295 DAC Dose: 1–2 mg weekly (standard: 1 mg).
- Ipamorelin Dose: 100–300 mcg daily with gradual titration.
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Dosing Protocol
Suggested approach for the stacked regimen.
- CJC-1295 DAC: 1 mg (40 units) subcutaneously once per week on a consistent day.
- Ipamorelin: Start at 100 mcg (6 units) daily; titrate to 200 mcg (12 units) by Week 5.
- Timing: Ipamorelin before bed aligns with natural nocturnal GH release[4].
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks standard; extend to 16 weeks if tolerated.
- Injection Sites: Rotate abdomen, thighs, and upper arms.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide integrity and efficacy.
- Lyophilized (dry powder): Store at ≤−15 °C (5 °F); preferably ≤−50 °C (−58 °F) for long-term storage[5].
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 3–4 weeks[6].
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to minimize condensation uptake.
- Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of reconstituted solutions.
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use a new sterile insulin syringe for each injection; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily Ipamorelin doses and weekly CJC-1295 DAC administrations to maintain consistency.
- Keep CJC-1295 DAC and Ipamorelin in separate vials; do not pre-mix.
How This Works
CJC-1295 DAC functions as a synthetic GHRH analog that stimulates pituitary GH release. Its Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) moiety binds to serum albumin, extending its half-life to approximately 6–8 days and producing sustained, dose-dependent elevations in GH and IGF-1[1]. Ipamorelin is a selective growth hormone secretagogue that activates the ghrelin receptor (GHSR) to trigger rapid GH pulses without significantly affecting ACTH, cortisol, or prolactin[2]. When combined, these peptides act through complementary pathways—GHRH receptor and ghrelin receptor—to synergistically amplify endogenous GH secretion[3].
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from preclinical and clinical literature on GH secretagogues.
- Body composition: GH secretagogues have demonstrated improvements in lean mass and reductions in fat mass in clinical studies[7].
- Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation: CJC-1295 DAC produces prolonged elevations lasting 6–11 days per administration[1].
- Selectivity: Ipamorelin does not significantly increase cortisol or ACTH at therapeutic doses[2].
- Tolerability: Both peptides were well tolerated in human studies, with transient injection-site reactions being the most common adverse effect[8].
- Water retention, mild headache, and transient numbness/tingling have been reported with GH-elevating compounds.
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies for optimal outcomes.
- Pair with a balanced, protein-forward diet tailored to individual energy and recovery needs.
- Combine resistance training and aerobic activity to support anabolic adaptations.
- Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep; GH secretion peaks during deep sleep[4].
- Manage stress and avoid chronic caloric restriction, which can blunt GH response.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources[9].
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry completely.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue[9].
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[10].
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
- Limit each injection to ≤1 mL; split larger volumes into separate injections[9].
Recommended Source
We recommend Pure Lab Peptides for high-purity CJC-1295 DAC (5 mg) and Ipamorelin (5 mg).
Why Pure Lab Peptides?
- High-purity, third-party-tested lots with batch COAs.
- Consistent, ISO-aligned handling and documentation.
- Reliable fulfillment to maintain cold-chain integrity.
Product IDs: CJC-1295 DAC 5mg | Ipamorelin 5mg
Important Note
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
-
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
— Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295 in healthy adults -
European Journal of Endocrinology
— Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue -
Endocrine Reviews
— Growth hormone secretagogues: mechanisms and clinical applications -
Sleep Medicine Reviews
— Sleep and the GH/IGF-1 axis: physiological and clinical implications -
Bachem
— Handling and storage guidelines for peptides (lyophilized stability) -
Bachem
— Reconstituted peptide storage and stability recommendations -
Translational Andrology and Urology (PMC)
— GH secretagogues in body composition management for hypogonadal males -
International Journal of Surgery (PubMed)
— Ipamorelin for postoperative ileus: tolerability and safety in bowel resection patients -
NCBI Bookshelf
— Parenteral medication administration: subcutaneous injection technique -
CDC
— Vaccine administration guidelines: subcutaneous route (no aspiration required) -
Growth Hormone & IGF Research (ScienceDirect)
— Ipamorelin induces longitudinal bone growth in rats -
Physiological Reviews
— The somatotropic axis: GH and IGF-1 regulation and actions -
Clinical Drug Investigation (PMC)
— Subcutaneous drug delivery: pharmacokinetic considerations -
Pure Lab Peptides
— CJC-1295 DAC (5 mg) product page -
Pure Lab Peptides
— Ipamorelin (5 mg) product page