01 · At a glance
Quickstart Highlights
This educational page pairs two separate research peptides — CJC-1295 DAC, a long-acting GHRH analog, and Ipamorelin, a selective ghrelin-receptor (GHS-R) growth-hormone secretagogue — supplied as a 2 mg vial and a 5 mg vial respectively, each reconstituted and injected from its own syringe[1][2]. Both are unapproved research chemicals, not medicines, and the specific combination protocol below is not clinically validated — presented for research and educational use only.
CJC-1295 DAC
~1–2 mg per week, given as 1–2 injections weekly. Reconstitute its own 2 mg vial separately.
Ipamorelin
~200–300 mcg per day (usually 1 daily injection). Reconstitute its own 5 mg vial separately — never mix the two in one syringe.
Cycle
Common cycle length is 4–6 weeks, based on research requirements; assess then repeat with periodic breaks.
Storage
Reconstitute the CJC-1295 DAC vial in 1 mL and the Ipamorelin vial in 2 mL bacteriostatic water; keep reconstituted vials refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within 30 days.
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Important: Neither CJC-1295 DAC nor Ipamorelin is FDA-approved; both are unapproved research chemicals (assigned 503A Category 2 and difficult to compound). The “synergy” of the stack is theorized, not proven. Before viewing any protocol, please consult our Prep & Injection Guide for essential preparation and safety instructions.
02 · Dosing & reconstitution
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Each peptide reconstituted in its own vial — CJC-1295 DAC dosed in mg, Ipamorelin in mcg
CJC-1295 DAC (2 mg Vial): Standard / Gradual Approach (1 mL = 2 mg/mL)
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Reconstitute: Add 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water to the 2 mg vial → final concentration 2 mg/mL (20 mcg/unit). Each full vial = 2 mg total.
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Typical weekly total: 1 mg per week, given as one injection (or split into 2).
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Easy measuring: At 2 mg/mL, 0.5 mg ≈ 25 units (0.25 mL) and 1 mg ≈ 50 units (0.5 mL) on a U-100 syringe.
Week Weekly Total Per Injection Volume (U-100 units / mL) Frequency Weeks 1–4 1 mg/week 1 mg ~0.5 mL (50 units) 1× per week
To split for smoother IGF-1 levels, administer 0.5 mg (25 units) twice weekly. Draw 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water along the vial wall, swirl gently (do not shake), and refrigerate at 2–8 °C protected from light; use within 30 days.
CJC-1295 DAC (2 mg Vial): Advanced / Aggressive Approach (1 mL = 2 mg/mL)
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Reconstitute: Add 1.0 mL bacteriostatic water to the 2 mg vial → 2 mg/mL (20 mcg/unit). The full vial delivers a single 2 mg weekly dose.
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Easy measuring: At 2 mg/mL, 2 mg ≈ 100 units (1 mL) and 1 mg ≈ 50 units (0.5 mL) on a U-100 syringe.
Week Weekly Total Per Injection Volume (U-100 units / mL) Frequency Weeks 1–4 2 mg/week 2 mg ~1 mL (100 units) 1× per week
Alternatively, split into 1 mg (50 units) twice weekly. Draw 1.0 mL of bacteriostatic water along the vial wall, swirl gently (do not shake), and store at 2–8 °C protected from light; use within 30 days and do not freeze.
Ipamorelin (5 mg Vial): Recommended Approach (2 mL = 2.5 mg/mL)
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Reconstitute: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water to the 5 mg vial → concentration 2.5 mg/mL (25 mcg/unit), improving small-dose accuracy.
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Easy measuring: At 2.5 mg/mL, 200 mcg ≈ 8 units (0.08 mL) and 300 mcg ≈ 12 units (0.12 mL) on a U-100 syringe.
Week Daily Total Per Injection Volume (U-100 units / mL) Frequency Weeks 1–4 300 mcg/day 300 mcg ~0.12 mL (12 units) 1× daily
Daily dosing typically runs 200–300 mcg (8–12 units) as a single injection. Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water along the vial wall, swirl gently until dissolved, and refrigerate at 2–8 °C protected from light; discard after 30 days or if cloudy. If your injection volume falls below ~10 units, a smaller (50-unit) syringe improves precision.
Combining the two in a stack
Many researchers run these peptides together on the same protocol day for potentially enhanced GH release: CJC-1295 DAC at 1–2 mg/week (1–2 injections) and Ipamorelin at 200–300 mcg/day (1 daily injection). Reconstitute each peptide in its own vial and never combine them into the same syringe. Use separate syringes and injection sites. This combined protocol is not clinically validated.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.
03 · What you’ll need
Supplies Needed
Basic materials for a typical 4–6 week research cycle. Adjust total vials based on dosage and cycle length.
✓CJC-1295 DAC (2 mg Vial)
One separate vial, reconstituted on its own. At 1–2 mg/week, a 2 mg vial covers roughly 1–2 weeks of dosing.
✓Ipamorelin (5 mg Vial)
One separate vial, reconstituted on its own. At ~200–300 mcg/day, a 5 mg vial covers roughly 16–25 days of dosing.
✓Insulin Syringes (U-100)
One new sterile syringe per injection (30–100 unit size). Use a separate syringe for each peptide.
✓Bacteriostatic Water + Alcohol Swabs
1× 30 mL bacteriostatic water (or as needed) and one box of alcohol swabs for stoppers and injection sites.
04 · Good to know
Important Notes
Tips for safe, consistent research usage across the two-vial stack.
▪Sterile technique: Use new, sterile insulin syringes for each injection and rotate injection sites. ▪Never mix: Never combine CJC-1295 DAC and Ipamorelin in the same syringe; reconstitute each in its own vial. ▪Consistency: Maintain a consistent protocol; peptides often show best outcomes with regular dosing. ▪Monitoring: Monitor for adverse reactions; consult a professional if concerns arise. ▪Regulatory note: Both peptides are not FDA-approved and are prohibited by WADA at all times (class S2) for athletic use[6].
05 · How it works
How This Works
CJC-1295 DAC and Ipamorelin both target the growth-hormone (GH) axis, but through different mechanisms.
CJC-1295 DAC is a long-acting GHRH(1–29) analog; its Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) binds serum albumin, giving it a multi-day half-life and sustained GH release with elevated IGF-1 over time[1][3].
Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin / GHS-R agonist — a GH secretagogue known for triggering a clean GH pulse with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin[2].
The rationale for stacking a GHRH analog with a ghrelin-receptor agonist is a theorized synergy: sustained GH elevation (from CJC-1295) plus consistent GH peaks (from Ipamorelin). This proposed synergy and the specific doses here are not clinically validated, and neither compound has approved human use.
06 · Daily habits
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies that may support outcomes alongside the protocol.
▪Nutrition: Maintain a protein-rich diet and stay well hydrated. ▪Activity & rest: Engage in regular exercise and allow adequate rest and recovery. ▪Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep, which supports the natural GH/IGF-1 axis[4]. ▪Stress: Manage stress with evidence-based practices.
07 · What to expect
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Research explores various benefits, with caution for side effects; human evidence for this combination is limited and results vary.
Potential Benefits
▪GH / IGF-1 (theorized): Increased GH and IGF-1 may support tissue repair in certain models. ▪Recovery (preclinical): Possible support for muscle repair, injury recovery and collagen synthesis. ▪Note on humans: These benefits are not established for this combination — no approved human use and no validation of the stack.
Common Side Effects
▪Mild reactions: Possible injection-site irritation, water retention or headaches. ▪Unknown long-term profile: Long-term safety and efficacy continue to be investigated; human safety data is limited. ▪Sport restriction: Both peptides are WADA-prohibited (class S2) at all times.
08 · Injection technique
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[7][8]. Apply the same steps to each vial, using a separate syringe per peptide.
Pre-Injection Preparation
▪Wash your hands well with soap and water. ▪Wipe each vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry. ▪Choose a site (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully[8]. ▪Draw the intended dose for that peptide, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger. ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[7]. ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn’t needed[7]. ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it’s fully down. ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle. ▪Return each reconstituted vial to the fridge right away. ▪Rotate the injection site each time to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[9]. ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
09 · Where to source
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides for both CJC-1295 DAC and Ipamorelin.
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA. ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition. ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch. ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain. ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
Shop at Prime Lab Peptides →
10 · The evidence
References
1
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Prolonged stimulation of GH and IGF-I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, in healthy adults.
View Source ↗ 2
European Journal of Endocrinology
Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue, with minimal effect on cortisol and prolactin.
View Source ↗ 3
Endocrine Reviews
Growth hormone secretagogues: mechanisms of action and clinical applications.
View Source ↗ 4
Sleep Medicine Reviews
Sleep and the GH/IGF-1 axis: physiological and clinical implications.
View Source ↗ 5
Bachem
Handling and storage guidelines for peptides (lyophilized and reconstituted stability).
View Source ↗ 6
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
Prohibited List — class S2 (peptide hormones, growth factors and GH secretagogues), prohibited at all times.
View Source ↗ 7
CDC
Vaccine administration guidelines: subcutaneous route and injection angle (no aspiration required).
View Source ↗ 8
NCBI Bookshelf
Parenteral medication administration: subcutaneous injection technique.
View Source ↗ 9
Diabetes Therapy (PMC)
Injection-site rotation and prevention of lipohypertrophy in subcutaneous administration.
View Source ↗