CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Dosage Protocol
Pre-bed combined protocol (100 mcg of each), cycle length, and the 1×/day vs 3×/day question — the dominant GH-secretagogue stack in 2026 peptide therapy.
Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.
Evidence framing
CJC-1295 and ipamorelin individually have small-scale human pharmacokinetic data; the combination is well-established in clinical practice but has not been studied in formal Phase 2 or Phase 3 RCTs. The protocol below reflects standard practitioner use, not validated FDA dosing. Both peptides are not FDA-approved.
The CJC-1295 (no-DAC) + ipamorelin stack pairs a GHRH analog with a ghrelin-receptor agonist to produce a synergistic, pulsatile growth-hormone release. It is the dominant GH-secretagogue protocol in modern peptide therapy because the two peptides act on different receptors with complementary timing. Compounding pharmacies often supply pre-mixed CJC/Ipa blend vials.
What's in the CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Protocol Phases
Total cycle: 8–12 weeks of active dosing followed by a 4-week off-cycle (12–16 weeks total). Each phase below shows the dose and frequency for every component during that window.
Single-Dose Protocol (most common)
Weeks 1–8 (or 1–12)| Component | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | 100 mcg | Pre-bed, 5–7 nights per week |
| Ipamorelin | 100 mcg | Pre-bed, same dose as CJC, same injection or separate |
Multi-Dose Protocol (athletic / aggressive)
Weeks 1–8| Component | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | 100 mcg | 3× per day (AM fasted, post-workout, pre-bed) |
| Ipamorelin | 100 mcg | 3× per day (matched to CJC) |
Off-Cycle
Weeks 9–12| Component | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 | — | Hold |
| Ipamorelin | — | Hold |
Injection Site Notes
Both peptides are administered subcutaneously, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper outer arm. Site rotation between doses minimizes local tissue irritation. Many compounding pharmacies supply CJC-1295 + ipamorelin as a pre-mixed blend vial — in that case, both peptides come out of the same draw and same injection. If supplied as separate vials, you may inject in the same site or two adjacent sites; do not co-mix in the same syringe without explicit pharmacy guidance.
Why People Stack These
CJC-1295 (no DAC) stimulates GH release via the GHRH receptor; ipamorelin stimulates the same release via the ghrelin receptor. The two pathways are synergistic — combined dosing produces a larger GH pulse than either alone. Ipamorelin is selected over GHRP-2, GHRP-6, or hexarelin because it does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin at typical doses. The stack is positioned as the cleanest, most-physiologic GH-secretagogue protocol available in 2026 compounded peptide therapy.
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin stack has the cleanest published side-effect profile among GH-secretagogue combinations, but raises the same chronic-GH concerns as any GH-elevating therapy.
- •Common side effects: injection-site reactions, transient flushing, mild head-rush after dosing, vivid dreams, transient hunger increase.
- •Ipamorelin selectivity is the main safety advantage — it does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin.
- •Theoretical concern with chronic GH/IGF-1 elevation: insulin resistance, fluid retention, possible facilitation of cancer growth in patients with malignancy.
- •Long-term safety beyond 12-week cycles is not formally validated.
- •Do not run continuously — cycle 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin FAQ
Once-daily pre-bed is the entry-level and most-compliance-friendly protocol — it captures the overnight GH pulse and is the most popular option. Three-times-daily produces multiple GH pulses and is used by athletes or patients prioritizing body composition who can manage the compliance burden. Start with once-daily and step up only if needed.
Elevated insulin from a recent meal blunts GH release. Most protocols specify at least 90 minutes after the last meal, and longer (2–3 hours) for the pre-bed dose, to maximize the GH pulse triggered by the peptides.
Sleep quality and recovery improvements are typically reported within 2–4 weeks. Body composition changes (lean mass gains, fat loss) typically take 8–12 weeks. Skin, hair, and anti-aging effects are reported over 3–6 months. None of these are clinically validated outcomes — they are practitioner- and patient-reported.
Most clinicians do not. The standard pattern is 8–12 weeks on followed by a 4-week off-cycle. Continuous indefinite use is not formally validated and may produce receptor desensitization or reduce response over time.
Yes. 'CJC/Ipa' is the common shorthand for this stack in peptide therapy. Pre-mixed CJC/Ipa blend vials from compounding pharmacies are how the stack is most often supplied.
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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.