CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin
Growth Hormone Secretagogue Stack
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are two peptides commonly stacked together to stimulate natural growth hormone (GH) release. CJC-1295 is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that amplifies GH pulses, while Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin mimetic (GHRP) that triggers GH release with minimal side effects. Together they produce a synergistic, pulsatile GH elevation without the side effects of exogenous GH or stronger secretagogues like GHRP-6.
Quick Reference
CJC-1295 with DAC vs without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29)
CJC-1295 without DAC
Also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF
- Short half-life (~30 minutes)
- Produces natural pulsatile GH release
- Requires multiple daily injections
- More physiological GH pattern
- Preferred for most protocols
CJC-1295 with DAC
Drug Affinity Complex — extended release
- Extended half-life (~6-8 days)
- Produces sustained, elevated GH (GH bleed)
- Less frequent dosing (1-2x/week)
- Higher risk of side effects
- Less commonly recommended
Most protocols use CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) paired with Ipamorelin. The protocols below assume no-DAC unless stated otherwise.
Dosing Protocols
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are dosed together at equal amounts in the same injection. Timing matters — inject on an empty stomach and avoid eating for 20-30 minutes after.
Beginner / Anti-Aging
100 mcg each (CJC + Ipa)
Once daily before bed
8-12 weeks
Start here. The pre-bed injection aligns with natural GH secretion during sleep. Fasted state is important — no food 2 hours before or 30 minutes after.
Standard
200 mcg each
2x daily (morning fasted + before bed)
8-12 weeks
Most common protocol. Morning dose on empty stomach (at least 30 min before eating). Evening dose before bed on empty stomach.
Performance / Recovery
300 mcg each
2-3x daily
8-12 weeks
Higher dose for athletes or those seeking maximal GH output. Add a post-workout injection as a third dose. Monitor for side effects.
With DAC (alternative)
CJC-DAC 2 mg / Ipa 200 mcg
CJC-DAC 1-2x/week / Ipa 1-2x daily
8-12 weeks
If using CJC-1295 with DAC, inject DAC 1-2x/week and continue daily Ipamorelin. Less common but reduces injection frequency for CJC component.
Timing & Meal Considerations
Why timing matters
Carbohydrates and fats blunt GH release. Insulin is a direct GH antagonist. For maximum GH output, inject when insulin is low:
- Before bed — 2+ hours after last meal. Best single-injection window
- Morning fasted — immediately upon waking, before breakfast. Wait 20-30 min to eat
- Post-workout — if training fasted or 2+ hours after pre-workout meal. Wait 20-30 min to eat after injection
Avoid: Injecting within 2 hours of a carb-heavy meal. Eating immediately after injection. Taking with other peptides that spike cortisol (e.g., GHRP-6).
Reconstitution Guide
Example: 2 mg CJC-1295 vial + 1 mL BAC water
Concentration: 2,000 mcg ÷ 1 mL = 2,000 mcg/mL
For 100 mcg: 100 ÷ 2,000 = 0.05 mL = 5 units
For 200 mcg: 200 ÷ 2,000 = 0.10 mL = 10 units
Doses per vial: 2,000 ÷ 200 = 10 doses at 200 mcg
Combining in one syringe
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin can be drawn into the same syringe for a single injection. Draw one peptide first, then draw the second from its vial. This is common practice and does not affect stability. If both are 2 mg/mL, a 200/200 mcg dose = 10 + 10 = 20 units total.
Side Effects
Ipamorelin is one of the mildest GHRPs. Combined with CJC-1295 (no DAC), side effects are generally minimal:
Head rush / flushing
Increased hunger
Tingling / numbness in hands
Water retention
Drowsiness (evening dose)
Vivid dreams
Tingling and water retention are signs of elevated GH. If persistent, reduce dose. These typically subside within the first 1-2 weeks.
Expected Benefits
Improved sleep quality
1-2 weeksDeeper sleep, more vivid dreams. Often the first noticeable effect.
Fat loss
4-8 weeksGH promotes lipolysis. Most noticeable in abdominal area over 2-3 months.
Recovery
2-4 weeksFaster recovery from workouts, reduced soreness, improved injury healing.
Skin & hair quality
4-8 weeksImproved skin elasticity, thickness, and hydration. Some report improved hair quality.
Lean muscle
8-12 weeksModest lean mass gains over time. Not comparable to exogenous GH but measurable.
Joint support
4-8 weeksImproved collagen synthesis supports joint health and connective tissue.
Research Summary
CJC-1295 increased mean GH concentrations 2-10 fold and IGF-1 levels 1.5-3 fold for 6+ days after single injection in healthy adults
Teichman et al., 2006, J Clin Endocrinol Metab
Ipamorelin demonstrated selective GH release without significantly affecting cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH levels — unlike other GHRPs
Raun et al., 1998, Eur J Endocrinol
Ipamorelin improved bone mineral content and body composition in animal models of growth hormone deficiency
Svensson et al., 2000, J Endocrinol
CJC-1295 was well-tolerated in phase I/II trials with dose-dependent GH elevation and no serious adverse events
Ionescu & Bhatt, 2006, Clinical Pharmacology
FAQ
Why stack CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin instead of using one?
They work through different mechanisms. CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) amplifies the size of GH pulses, while Ipamorelin (ghrelin mimetic) increases the frequency of pulses. Together they produce synergistic GH elevation — more than either alone.
Should I use CJC-1295 with or without DAC?
Most protocols use CJC-1295 WITHOUT DAC (Modified GRF 1-29). The no-DAC version produces natural pulsatile GH release. The DAC version creates sustained elevated GH (GH bleed) which is less physiological and has more side effects.
Can I eat after injecting?
Wait at least 20-30 minutes after injection before eating. Carbohydrates spike insulin which directly suppresses GH release. Protein-only meals are less suppressive but waiting is still recommended.
How long until I see results?
Sleep improvement is typically noticed within 1-2 weeks. Body composition changes (fat loss, muscle) take 8-12 weeks. Many users report the most significant changes at the 3-month mark.
Do I need to cycle CJC-1295/Ipamorelin?
Most protocols recommend 8-12 week cycles with 4-6 week breaks. While there is no strong evidence of receptor desensitization, cycling is standard practice. Some anti-aging clinics prescribe continuous use under medical supervision.
Is this the same as HGH?
No. CJC-1295/Ipamorelin stimulates your pituitary to release your own growth hormone. Exogenous HGH (somatropin) replaces your natural production, which can suppress it over time. Secretagogues maintain your body's feedback loops.
Calculate your CJC/Ipa dosing
Get exact syringe units for your vial sizes and BAC water volumes.