What is CJC-1295/Ipamorelin?
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are two peptides commonly used together to stimulate natural growth hormone (GH) release. This combination is one of the most popular peptide stacks for:
- Lean muscle growth
- Fat loss
- Improved sleep quality
- Enhanced recovery
- Anti-aging benefits
How They Work Together
CJC-1295 (Modified GRF 1-29) is a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog that tells your pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone.
Ipamorelin is a Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide (GHRP) that amplifies the signal and triggers the release of GH.
When combined, they work synergistically - like pressing the gas pedal while releasing the brake - resulting in a much larger GH pulse than either peptide alone.
Understanding CJC-1295: DAC vs No DAC
CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29)
- Half-life: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Dosing: 1-3 times daily
- Best for: Mimicking natural pulsatile GH release
- Recommended for Ipamorelin combo: YES
CJC-1295 with DAC
- Half-life: ~8 days
- Dosing: Once or twice weekly
- Pattern: Sustained GH elevation (plateau, not pulses)
- Recommended for Ipamorelin combo: Not ideal
For the Ipamorelin combination, CJC-1295 without DAC is strongly preferred because it creates natural GH pulses rather than constant elevation, which can lead to receptor desensitization.
Reconstitution Guide
For a Blend Vial (e.g., 2mg CJC/2mg Ipamorelin)
Recommended: Add 2mL of bacteriostatic water
This gives you a concentration where each 0.1mL (10 units) contains approximately 100mcg of each peptide.
Step-by-Step Mixing
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening
- Clean vial tops with alcohol swabs
- Draw 2mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall - avoid spraying directly onto powder
- Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved - DO NOT SHAKE
- Label with reconstitution date
- Refrigerate immediately at 2-8°C (36-46°F)
Storage After Reconstitution
- Use within 28-30 days
- Keep refrigerated at all times
- Never freeze reconstituted solution
- Unreconstituted vials can be stored frozen for 1-2 years
Dosing Protocol
Standard Protocol
| Component | Dose | Frequency |
|-----------|------|-----------|
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | 100-200 mcg | Once daily, before bed |
| Ipamorelin | 100-200 mcg | Once daily, before bed |
| Schedule | 5 days on, 2 days off | Weekly cycle |
Dosing by Body Weight
| Weight | CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin |
|--------|----------|------------|
| Under 150 lbs | 100-150 mcg | 100-150 mcg |
| 150-200 lbs | 200 mcg | 200 mcg |
| 200-250 lbs | 250-300 mcg | 250-300 mcg |
| Over 250 lbs | 300 mcg | 300 mcg |
Advanced Protocol (for experienced users)
Some users split dosing for enhanced GH pulsatility:
- Morning (fasted or post-workout): 100-150 mcg each
- Before bed: 100-150 mcg each
Timing is Critical
Best Time to Inject: Before Bed
The ideal injection time is 1-1.5 hours after your last meal, right before bed. This timing:
- Aligns with your body's natural nighttime GH surge
- Enhances deep sleep quality
- Maximizes recovery benefits
- Takes advantage of the fasted state
Important Timing Rules
DO:
- Inject on an empty stomach (2+ hours after eating)
- Be consistent with timing each day
- Take 2 rest days per week (e.g., Saturday/Sunday)
DON'T:
- Eat within 2 hours of injection (blunts GH response)
- Take 7 days per week continuously (causes receptor desensitization)
- Skip the 5-on-2-off protocol
Injection Guide
Injection Sites
Rotate between these subcutaneous sites:
- Abdomen (2 inches from navel, avoid the bellybutton)
- Thighs (front or outer)
- Upper arms (back of arm)
Injection Technique
- Clean injection site with alcohol swab
- Pinch a fold of skin
- Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle
- Inject slowly and steadily
- Wait a few seconds before withdrawing
- Apply gentle pressure (don't rub)
Syringe Tips
- Use insulin syringes (1mL/100 unit)
- For doses under 10 units, use 30 or 50-unit syringes for precision
- Always use a new sterile syringe
- Dispose in a sharps container
What to Expect
Week 1-2
- Improved sleep quality (often the first noticeable effect)
- More vivid dreams
- Feeling more rested upon waking
Week 4-8
- Increased energy levels
- Better recovery from workouts
- Subtle improvements in skin quality
- Beginning of body composition changes
Week 8-12
- Noticeable fat loss (especially abdominal)
- Improved muscle tone
- Enhanced workout performance
- Better overall well-being
Long-Term (3-6 months)
- Significant body composition improvements
- Anti-aging benefits (skin, hair, nails)
- Improved immune function
- Better cognitive function
Cycle Recommendations
Standard Cycle
- Duration: 12 weeks on
- Break: 4 weeks off
- Then: Resume for another 12 weeks
Why Cycling Matters
Taking continuous breaks helps:
- Prevent receptor desensitization
- Maintain peptide effectiveness
- Allow natural hormone regulation
Potential Side Effects
Common (usually mild and temporary)
- Water retention (first few weeks)
- Tingling or numbness in extremities
- Mild headache
- Increased hunger
- Tiredness (especially initially)
Rare
- Joint pain
- Carpal tunnel-like symptoms
- Insulin sensitivity changes
How to Minimize Side Effects
- Start with lower doses
- Stay well hydrated
- Follow the 5-on-2-off protocol
- Don't exceed recommended doses
Stacking Considerations
CJC-1295/Ipamorelin pairs well with:
- BPC-157 - Enhanced healing and gut health
- TB-500 - Tissue repair and flexibility
- NAD+ - Cellular energy and anti-aging
Important Notes
- This peptide combination works by stimulating your body's own growth hormone production
- Results are gradual and cumulative - patience is key
- Consistency with timing and dosing is crucial for results
- The 5-on-2-off protocol is essential for maintaining effectiveness
Research Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are research peptides. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen. Individual results may vary based on factors including age, diet, exercise, and overall health status.
