Key Takeaways
Standard dose: 100–300 mcg of CJC-1295 (no DAC) combined with 100–300 mcg of ipamorelin per injection, given subcutaneously — most protocols start at 100 mcg of each, once or twice daily, and titrate up.
The 10 mg blend: Many clinics dispense CJC-1295 (no DAC) + ipamorelin as a single 10 mg blended vial. Reconstitution volume sets your concentration, and your concentration sets how many syringe units each dose is.
Timing matters: Inject 30–60 minutes before meals or at bedtime on an empty stomach to align with natural growth hormone (GH) pulses.
Half-lives differ: CJC-1295 no DAC (mod GRF 1-29) has a short ~30-minute half-life, so it is dosed frequently; the DAC-modified version lasts 6–8 days. Ipamorelin clears in ~2 hours.
Cycle length: Typically 8–12 weeks followed by a 4-week break to preserve receptor sensitivity.
Regulatory status: Neither peptide is FDA-approved; both are dispensed through licensed compounding pharmacies. Use requires medical supervision.
Combination rationale: CJC-1295 activates GHRH receptors while ipamorelin activates the ghrelin (GHS-R) receptor, giving a synergistic GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin.
How CJC-1295 (no DAC) + Ipamorelin Works in the Body
CJC-1295 is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that binds GHRH receptors in the anterior pituitary, stimulating your own GH production. The no-DAC form (also called modified GRF 1-29) has a short half-life of roughly 30 minutes, which is why it is injected frequently and timed to natural GH pulses. The DAC-modified version binds albumin and extends the half-life to 6–8 days — a different molecule with different dosing logic. This guide focuses on the no-DAC blend, the version most commonly paired with ipamorelin in a 10 mg vial.
Ipamorelin works through a separate mechanism as a selective ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) agonist. This pentapeptide is highly selective, so it stimulates GH release without the cortisol and prolactin spikes seen with older secretagogues. Ipamorelin raises GH within 15–30 minutes of injection, peaking around 60–90 minutes.
"The combination of CJC-1295 and ipamorelin provides complementary mechanisms targeting both the GHRH and ghrelin pathways, producing a more sustained and physiological growth hormone release than single-agent therapy."
Combining the two creates a dual-phase release: ipamorelin drives an immediate GH pulse, while CJC-1295 primes the somatotrophs so the pulse is larger. Subcutaneous absorption is high (85–95%) for both. Clinicians often track IGF-1 as a biomarker of GH activity, targeting age-appropriate increases rather than supraphysiological levels.
Standard CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Dosage Ranges (By Form)
Subcutaneous injection is the primary route — it offers the best bioavailability and is easiest to self-administer. Compounding pharmacies typically supply the blend as a lyophilized powder (commonly a 10 mg vial) that you reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Standard dosing is 100–300 mcg of each peptide, 1–3 times daily, usually 30 minutes before meals or at bedtime.
Subcutaneous
100–300 mcg
1–3× daily
85–95%
Gold-standard route
Intramuscular
110–330 mcg
80–90%
Alternative for site rotation
Oral (experimental)
500–1500 mcg
3× daily
5–15%
Poor absorption, limited data
Nasal (research)
200–600 mcg
2× daily
20–30%
Investigational only
Oral and nasal routes remain experimental because peptides are degraded in the gut and poorly absorbed across mucosa. For practical purposes, subcutaneous injection is the only route with a reliable dose-response.
The blend's stability profile matters: lyophilized powder is stable for many months frozen at -20°C, while reconstituted solution keeps potency for about 28–30 days refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Most patients are prescribed a 30-day supply to keep the peptide fresh.
Reconstituting the 10 mg Blend: Concentration and Syringe Units
With a blended vial, the number you actually draw on the syringe depends entirely on how much bacteriostatic water you add.
10 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 5 mg/mL. A 300 mcg dose = 0.06 mL = 6 units on a U-100 insulin syringe.
10 mg vial + 1 mL BAC water = 10 mg/mL. A 300 mcg dose = 0.03 mL = 3 units.
Because these doses are tiny, most people use a 0.3 mL (30-unit) insulin syringe for accuracy. To get exact units for your own vial size, water volume, and dose, use our peptide reconstitution calculator or the peptide units converter, and see the full walkthrough on how to reconstitute peptides.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Dosage by Use Case
Growth Hormone Optimization & Anti-Aging
Anti-aging protocols use moderate doses of 100–200 mcg of each peptide once or twice daily, targeting physiological GH optimization rather than supraphysiological spikes. A common schedule for adults over 35 is 100 mcg of each 30 minutes before breakfast and again before bed, cycled 12–16 weeks with a 4-week washout. Clinicians often check IGF-1 monthly, aiming for a 50–100 ng/mL increase while staying within age-appropriate ranges.
Athletic Performance & Recovery
Performance-focused protocols run higher, around 200–300 mcg of each peptide 2–3 times daily, timed around training and sleep. A typical pattern is a dose 30 minutes pre-workout, one immediately post-workout, and one before bed to capture recovery windows. Post-exercise dosing coincides with the natural GH response to training.
Body Composition
Fat-loss and lean-mass protocols use 150–250 mcg of each peptide 2–3 times daily on an empty stomach to maximize lipolysis. Cycles of 12–20 weeks are common, with body-composition changes assessed every 8–12 weeks.
Sleep Quality
Because most endogenous GH is released during deep sleep, a bedtime-only protocol of 100–200 mcg of each peptide 1–2 hours before sleep is popular for sleep and recovery. Many users report improved sleep quality within 2–3 weeks. It is often paired with magnesium and good sleep hygiene.
Titration Protocol: How to Ramp Up Safely
Gradual dose escalation prevents the water retention, joint stiffness, and transient fatigue that can accompany an aggressive start. A conservative titration begins at 50 mcg of each peptide once daily and builds over several weeks.
1
50 mcg
Once daily (AM)
Tolerance evaluation
2
75 mcg
Side-effect monitoring
3
100 mcg
Twice daily (AM/PM)
Efficacy assessment
4
150 mcg
Twice daily
Target-dose evaluation
5–8
200 mcg
Maintenance protocol
9+
200–300 mcg
2–3× daily
Individualized optimization
Hold the current dose an extra week if you develop headaches, joint stiffness, or notable fluid retention (>2 kg weight gain). IGF-1 testing around weeks 6–8 guides the final dose.
How Long Should You Take CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin?
Most cycles run 8–16 weeks followed by a 4–8 week washout to restore receptor sensitivity. Clinical experience suggests benefits are strongest during weeks 6–12, with diminishing returns beyond 20–24 weeks of continuous use.
Weeks 1–2: improved sleep and subtle energy gains; injection-site tolerance improves as technique develops.
Weeks 3–8: the primary therapeutic window — measurable recovery, strength, and body-composition changes; IGF-1 typically peaks here.
Months 3–6: watch for plateauing IGF-1 or diminished response, which signals it is time to cycle off.
After stopping, IGF-1 usually returns to baseline within 4–6 weeks. Rebound effects are typically mild.
Administration Protocol: How to Inject the Blend
Use a 29–31 gauge insulin syringe with a 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) needle. Clean each site with 70% isopropyl alcohol and let it air-dry before injecting.
Reconstitute: Add 1–2 mL of bacteriostatic water down the vial wall (not directly onto the powder) to avoid foaming.
Draw the dose: Pull the calculated volume into the syringe (often just 3–6 units — verify with the calculator).
Select a site: Rotate between abdomen (2+ inches from the navel), anterior thigh, and back of the upper arm.
Pinch the skin: Lift a 1–2 inch fold of subcutaneous tissue.
Insert: 45° for leaner tissue, 90° with an adequate fold.
Deliver slowly: Depress the plunger over 5–10 seconds.
Withdraw and cover: Remove the needle and apply gentle pressure with an alcohol pad.
Dispose safely: Use a sharps container.
Store reconstituted vials refrigerated at 2–8°C; never freeze the reconstituted solution. For the complete method, see how to reconstitute peptides.
Stacking CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin for Better Results
+ BPC-157 (recovery)
Pairing the blend with BPC-157 targets systemic GH optimization plus localized tissue repair. A common stack is 200 mcg each of CJC-1295 and ipamorelin twice daily with 250–500 mcg BPC-157, cycled 8–12 weeks.
+ GHRP-2 (GH amplification)
Adding GHRP-2 (about 100 mcg per injection) can further amplify GH pulses, though it is less selective than ipamorelin and more likely to raise appetite.
+ Tesamorelin (advanced anti-aging)
Some advanced protocols add tesamorelin, an FDA-approved GHRH analog, at 1–2 mg nightly alongside 100–150 mcg each of CJC-1295 and ipamorelin. Monitor IGF-1 closely to avoid stacking into supraphysiological ranges.
+ TB-500 (tissue repair)
For comprehensive recovery, TB-500 at 2–5 mg twice weekly can be combined with 150–200 mcg each of the blend for 4–6 weeks.
Factors That Affect Your Dosage
Body weight: Dosing often scales at roughly 1–3 mcg/kg per peptide; heavier individuals may need the upper range.
Age: GH responsiveness falls with age. Adults over 65 typically start lower (50–75 mcg) and titrate slowly.
Treatment goals: Anti-aging uses lower doses; performance uses higher.
Kidney/liver function: Impaired clearance may warrant 25–50% dose reductions.
Concurrent medications: Insulin sensitizers may enhance effects; glucocorticoids may blunt them.
Individual response: Genetics drive wide variability — titrate to IGF-1 and clinical response, not a fixed number.
Common Dosing Mistakes to Avoid
Escalating too fast — starting at 200–300 mcg instead of titrating causes water retention and joint aches.
Inconsistent timing — injecting at random times blunts the GH-pulse benefit; keep to 30-minute windows.
Poor site rotation — repeated same-site injections cause lipodystrophy and reduce absorption.
Skipping the empty-stomach rule — eating close to injection (especially carbs/fat) suppresses the GH response.
Bad storage — freezing reconstituted solution or leaving it at room temperature degrades potency.
Self-adjusting without labs — chasing symptoms instead of IGF-1 leads to under- or over-dosing.
Cost and Access
Through licensed compounding pharmacies, a CJC-1295 + ipamorelin program commonly runs about $150–$500 per month depending on dose, pharmacy, and whether consults and labs are bundled. For a full breakdown of clinic pricing, consult and lab fees, and how to compare quotes, see our CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin cost guide.
Legal and Regulatory Status
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are not FDA-approved but have historically been compoundable through 503A/503B pharmacies. Regulatory status can change, so obtain the blend only through a licensed provider and pharmacy — never a gray-market "research chemical" source. To find a qualified provider, use our clinic finder.
Who Should Not Use CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
Avoid, or use only with specialist oversight, if you have:
Active or prior cancer — GH/IGF-1 stimulation is a theoretical growth risk.
Diabetes or poor glucose control — GH can reduce insulin sensitivity.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Active cardiovascular disease without clearance.
Always complete baseline labs (fasting glucose, HbA1c, IGF-1) before starting.
Drug Interactions
Specific interactions are not well documented, but use caution alongside other hormone therapies, insulin or GLP-1 agonists, and glucocorticoids, which can all shift the GH/IGF-1 response. Review your full medication list with your prescriber.
What the Evidence Does Not Show
Long-term safety beyond ~24 weeks of continuous use is not established, and there are no head-to-head dose-ranging trials defining an "optimal" protocol. Combination-versus-single-agent superiority is supported by mechanism but not by large controlled trials. High-risk groups (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer history, over-65) are under-studied. Treat all dosing numbers as clinical-experience ranges, not guarantees.
FAQ — Your Top CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Dosage Questions
What is the standard dose of the CJC-1295 + ipamorelin blend?
100–300 mcg of each peptide, subcutaneously, 1–3 times daily. Most people start at 100 mcg of each twice daily and titrate to 200 mcg based on response and IGF-1.
How many units is a 300 mcg dose from a 10 mg blend vial?
It depends on your water volume. At 5 mg/mL (10 mg + 2 mL), 300 mcg = 0.06 mL = 6 units on a U-100 syringe. At 10 mg/mL (10 mg + 1 mL), it is 3 units. Confirm with the peptide calculator.
What time of day should I inject?
30–60 minutes before meals and/or at bedtime, on an empty stomach, to align with natural GH pulses.
What if I miss a dose?
If it has been under ~4 hours, take it when you remember. If longer, skip it and resume your schedule — never double up.
Do men and women use the same dose?
Ranges are similar, though women sometimes start 10–20% lower. Individual titration matters more than sex.
How long until I see results?
Sleep and energy often improve in 1–2 weeks; body-composition and recovery changes appear over weeks 4–8, tracking the IGF-1 rise.
Do I need to cycle off?
Yes — most protocols run 8–16 weeks with a 4–8 week washout to prevent receptor desensitization.
Is a loading dose needed?
No. Start low (50–75 mcg each) and titrate over 3–4 weeks.
What is the maximum safe dose?
Most protocols cap at 300 mcg of each peptide per injection. Higher doses raise side-effect risk without proportional benefit.
Related CJC-1295 & Ipamorelin Guides
CJC-1295 dosage guide (solo, DAC vs no-DAC)
Ipamorelin dosage guide (solo)
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin side effects
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin cost per month
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin peptide profile
Finding the Right Dosage for You
The right CJC-1295 + ipamorelin dose comes from careful titration guided by IGF-1, your goals, and how you tolerate the blend — not a one-size-fits-all number. Start conservatively at 100–150 mcg of each peptide twice daily, give it 3–4 weeks, and adjust with your provider. Use our clinic finder to locate a qualified prescriber experienced in growth hormone secretagogue therapy.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosage information is compiled from published research and clinical protocols. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Use our clinic finder to locate a qualified provider near you.
References
Teichman SL, et al. "Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. PMID: 16352683
Beck DE, et al. "The role of ghrelin in the regulation of growth hormone secretion in normal and pathological conditions." Front Endocrinol. 2013;4:24. PMID: 23431145
Svensson J, et al. "Two-month treatment of obese subjects with the oral growth hormone (GH) secretagogue MK-677 increases GH secretion, fat-free mass, and energy expenditure." J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998;83(2):362-369. PMID: 9467542