BPC-157 Dosage Guide: Protocols, Calculator & What the Research Shows

BPC-157 is one of the most discussed peptides in the recovery and regenerative research space — and one of the most confusing when it comes to dosing. There are no completed human dose-ranging trials, no FDA-approved protocol, and the numbers you see online range from 100 mcg to over 1,000 mcg per day with little explanation of where they come from.

This guide breaks down everything: where the dosage ranges actually originate, how to calculate your dose based on body weight, step-by-step reconstitution, injection technique, cycle protocols, stacking options, safety data, and the most common mistakes people make. We also link to our free Peptide Dosage Calculator so you can get exact syringe draw volumes for your specific setup.

Important: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. BPC-157 is not FDA-approved and has no regulatory approval anywhere globally. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

What Is BPC-157?

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide — a chain of 15 amino acids — derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. The sequence (Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val) does not exist naturally in this isolated form but is a fragment of a larger protein called BPC, which plays a role in gastrointestinal mucosal protection.

The bulk of BPC-157 research comes from the University of Zagreb laboratory of Professor Predrag Sikiric, where it has been studied since the early 1990s across hundreds of preclinical models. These studies demonstrate effects on tissue repair, angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), collagen production, gut lining protection, and modulation of the nitric oxide system.

For a complete overview of BPC-157's mechanism of action, research data, and safety profile, see our full BPC-157 peptide page. If you're new to peptides entirely, start with the Beginner's Guide to Peptides.

How BPC-157 Dosage Is Determined

This is the section most guides skip — and it's the most important one for understanding why the numbers are what they are.

There are no completed human dose-ranging trials for BPC-157. The dosage ranges you see everywhere online (250-500 mcg/day) are not based on human clinical data. They come from three sources:

1. Animal Study Extrapolation

The majority of BPC-157 research uses a dose of approximately 10 mcg/kg body weight in rodent models. When researchers extrapolate from animal to human doses, they use allometric scaling factors that account for differences in metabolic rate, body surface area, and pharmacokinetics between species. The commonly cited 250-500 mcg/day range for humans falls roughly in the range you'd expect from this scaling for a 60-90 kg adult.

2. The Sikiric Protocol

Professor Sikiric's research group has used dosing regimens ranging from 10 mcg/kg to 50 mcg/kg in various animal models, with 10 mcg/kg being the most common. The higher end of human dosing (500+ mcg/day) extrapolates from the upper range of these preclinical protocols.

3. Community Consensus

Over the past decade, a practical consensus has emerged among researchers, clinicians offering peptide therapy, and the self-experimentation community. The 250-500 mcg/day range has become the de facto standard — not because of human trial data, but because it aligns with animal extrapolation and is the range most commonly reported in anecdotal accounts.

Strength of evidence: Preclinical evidence is extensive and consistent. Human dosing data is anecdotal. This doesn't mean the doses are wrong — it means they haven't been validated through controlled human trials. Keep that context in mind throughout this guide.

Standard BPC-157 Dosage Ranges

Subcutaneous / Intramuscular Injection

Protocol Level	Daily Dose	Frequency	Context
Conservative / Beginner	200–250 mcg	Once daily	First-time use, mild issues
Standard	250–500 mcg	Once daily	Most commonly reported range
Aggressive / Acute Injury	250–500 mcg	Twice daily (AM/PM)	Acute injuries, post-surgical

The standard range of 250-500 mcg per day is what you'll encounter most frequently. For a first cycle, starting at 250 mcg once daily for the first week and adjusting based on response is a reasonable approach.

Oral BPC-157 Dosage

Unlike most peptides, BPC-157 is remarkably stable in gastric acid — which makes sense given its origin as a fragment of a gastric protective protein. This stability means oral administration is theoretically viable, though absorption and bioavailability differ from injection.

Protocol Level	Daily Dose	Frequency	Notes
Standard Oral	250–500 mcg	Once or twice daily	Best suited for GI-focused goals
Higher Oral	500–1000 mcg	Once daily	Compensates for lower oral bioavailability

Oral BPC-157 is most commonly used for gut health applications (IBS, gastric ulcers, intestinal inflammation). For musculoskeletal goals (tendon repair, joint recovery), injection is generally preferred due to higher systemic bioavailability.

Weight-Based BPC-157 Dosage Chart

Using the 10 mcg/kg benchmark from preclinical research, here's how dosing scales across body weights at three protocol levels:

Body Weight	Conservative (5 mcg/kg)	Standard (10 mcg/kg)	Upper Range (15 mcg/kg)
120 lbs (54 kg)	270 mcg	540 mcg	810 mcg
140 lbs (64 kg)	320 mcg	640 mcg	960 mcg
160 lbs (73 kg)	365 mcg	730 mcg	1,095 mcg
180 lbs (82 kg)	410 mcg	820 mcg	1,230 mcg
200 lbs (91 kg)	455 mcg	910 mcg	1,365 mcg
220 lbs (100 kg)	500 mcg	1,000 mcg	1,500 mcg

Practical note: Most people use 250-500 mcg/day regardless of body weight. The weight-based chart above is derived from preclinical scaling and represents a theoretical framework. The community consensus has converged on 250-500 mcg/day as the practical range for most adults, with few reports of people routinely exceeding 500 mcg twice daily.

Calculate Your Exact BPC-157 Dose

Once you know your target dose in micrograms, you need to figure out how much liquid to draw into your syringe. This depends on how you reconstituted your vial.

Use our free Peptide Dosage Calculator to get exact numbers. Enter your vial size, water volume, and desired dose — the calculator shows you the exact syringe draw volume with a visual syringe display.

Worked Example

Here's the math for the most common setup:

Vial: 5 mg BPC-157
Bacteriostatic water added: 2 mL
Concentration: 5,000 mcg / 2 mL = 2,500 mcg per mL
Target dose: 250 mcg
Draw volume: 250 / 2,500 = 0.10 mL = 10 units on a standard insulin syringe

At 250 mcg per dose, a 5 mg vial provides 20 doses — enough for 20 days of once-daily use or 10 days of twice-daily use.

Vial Size	Water Added	Concentration	250 mcg Draw	500 mcg Draw	Doses per Vial (at 250 mcg)
5 mg	1 mL	5,000 mcg/mL	5 units	10 units	20
5 mg	2 mL	2,500 mcg/mL	10 units	20 units	20
10 mg	2 mL	5,000 mcg/mL	5 units	10 units	40
10 mg	3 mL	3,333 mcg/mL	7.5 units	15 units	40

Don't want to do the math manually? The Peptide Dosage Calculator handles all of this automatically.

How to Reconstitute BPC-157

BPC-157 arrives as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Before you can use it, you need to reconstitute it with bacteriostatic water.

What You Need

BPC-157 lyophilized vial
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) — not sterile water, which lacks the preservative
Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
Alcohol swabs
Clean, flat workspace

Step-by-Step Process

Clean your workspace and wash your hands thoroughly
Swab the stoppers of both the BPC-157 vial and the BAC water vial with alcohol pads
Draw your chosen volume of BAC water into a syringe (e.g., 2 mL)
Insert the needle into the BPC-157 vial at an angle, aiming the stream at the glass wall — not directly onto the powder cake
Slowly depress the plunger to let the water run down the wall and into the powder
Gently swirl the vial — never shake it, as this can denature the peptide
Inspect for clarity — the solution should be clear and colorless. If it's cloudy or has particles, do not use it

Reconstitution Math

The formula is straightforward:

Concentration (mcg per unit) = Total peptide (mcg) / Total water (mL) / 100

For a 5 mg (5,000 mcg) vial with 2 mL water: 5,000 / 2 / 100 = 25 mcg per unit on an insulin syringe. So 10 units = 250 mcg.

For a complete walkthrough with troubleshooting tips, see our Reconstitution Guide. For quick number crunching, use the Calculator.

Storage

Unreconstituted (powder): Room temperature or refrigerated, stable for months
Reconstituted (liquid): Refrigerate at 2-8°C (36-46°F), use within 4-6 weeks
Never freeze reconstituted peptides
Protect from light — store in original box or wrap in foil

BPC-157 Dosage by Goal

Different goals may warrant different dosing approaches. Here's how the commonly reported protocols break down by application:

Tendon & Ligament Injury

This is the most studied application for BPC-157 in preclinical research. Studies in rats have shown accelerated healing of transected Achilles tendons, with improvements in both functional recovery and histological scores.

Dose: 250-500 mcg/day
Route: Subcutaneous injection, ideally near the injury site
Duration: 4-8 weeks
Notes: Consider twice-daily dosing for the first 2 weeks if injury is acute

Gut Health & GI Issues

BPC-157's origin as a gastric juice fragment makes it particularly relevant for gastrointestinal applications. Preclinical studies show protective effects against gastric ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease models, and intestinal anastomosis healing.

Dose: 250-500 mcg/day
Route: Oral or subcutaneous
Duration: 4-8 weeks
Notes: Oral administration has theoretical relevance here given BPC-157's gastric stability

Joint Pain & Inflammation

Dose: 250-500 mcg/day
Route: Subcutaneous, near the affected joint
Duration: 4-8 weeks
Notes: Often combined with TB-500 for enhanced effect

Post-Surgical Recovery

Dose: 250-500 mcg, 1-2 times daily
Route: Subcutaneous
Duration: 2-6 weeks (coordinate timing with your surgeon)
Notes: Must be discussed with your surgical team — do not self-administer post-surgery without physician awareness

General Recovery & Wellness

Dose: 200-250 mcg/day
Route: Subcutaneous
Duration: 4 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off
Notes: Lower dose range for maintenance-style use

BPC-157 Injection Guide

Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injection

Subcutaneous injection is the most common administration route for BPC-157. It's simpler, less painful, and doesn't require targeting specific muscle groups.

Select your injection site — abdomen (1-2 inches from navel), front of thigh, or upper arm
Swab the area with an alcohol pad and let it dry
Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger
Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into the pinched skin fold
Depress the plunger slowly and steadily
Release the skin fold, withdraw the needle, and apply gentle pressure with a clean swab
Rotate injection sites between left and right sides, and between different body areas

Intramuscular (IM) Injection

Less common for BPC-157, but some prefer IM injection for injuries in specific muscle groups.

Use a slightly longer needle (1/2 to 1 inch)
Insert at 90-degree angle into the muscle
Common sites: deltoid, vastus lateralis (outer thigh), glute
Aspirate briefly before injecting to ensure you're not in a blood vessel

Injection Site Selection: Local vs. Systemic

A common question is whether you need to inject near the injury site or if systemic injection works just as well.

The preclinical evidence is mixed. Some studies show enhanced local effects when BPC-157 is administered near the injury. However, multiple studies also demonstrate systemic effects from intraperitoneal injection (the rodent equivalent of a systemic route) at sites distant from the injury.

Practical approach: If you have a specific injury site that's accessible for injection, injecting nearby is reasonable. If not, systemic subcutaneous injection (e.g., abdominal) appears to provide benefit based on the available preclinical data.

BPC-157 Cycle Duration & Timing

How Long to Run BPC-157

Most reported BPC-157 protocols last 4 to 8 weeks. Some extend to 12 weeks for chronic conditions, though there is no human data on long-term continuous use.

The rationale for cycling (taking breaks between use periods) is theoretical — based on the general principle that receptor systems can desensitize with continuous stimulation, and that periodic breaks may maintain responsiveness. No BPC-157-specific desensitization data exists in humans.

Cycling Protocols

Protocol	On Period	Off Period	Use Case
Acute Injury	4-6 weeks	2 weeks	Tendon tear, sprain, post-surgery
Chronic Condition	6-8 weeks	2-4 weeks	Ongoing joint pain, GI issues
Maintenance	2-4 weeks	4 weeks	Preventive, general recovery

Time of Day

Once daily: Any consistent time. Morning is most commonly reported.
Twice daily: Split AM and PM, approximately 10-12 hours apart.
With food or without: BPC-157 can be taken regardless of food timing for injections. For oral BPC-157, taking it on an empty stomach may improve absorption.

Stacking BPC-157 with Other Peptides

BPC-157 + TB-500 (The "Wolverine Stack")

This is the most popular peptide stack for injury recovery. BPC-157 and TB-500 work through complementary mechanisms:

BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis, growth factor modulation, and collagen production
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) regulates actin, promotes cell migration, and reduces inflammation

Peptide	Dose	Frequency	Duration
BPC-157	250-500 mcg	Daily (1-2x)	4-8 weeks
TB-500	2-5 mg	2x/week (loading, weeks 1-4)	4-8 weeks
TB-500	2 mg	1x/week (maintenance, weeks 5+)	Ongoing

For more detail on TB-500, see our TB-500 peptide page.

BPC-157 + GH Secretagogues (Ipamorelin, CJC-1295)

Some protocols combine BPC-157 with growth hormone secretagogues for synergistic tissue repair effects. The theory: elevated GH and IGF-1 levels enhance the anabolic environment while BPC-157 provides targeted tissue repair signals.

Peptide	Dose	Frequency	Notes
BPC-157	250-500 mcg	Daily	Core healing peptide
Ipamorelin	200-300 mcg	2-3x daily	GH pulse
CJC-1295 (no DAC)	100-200 mcg	2-3x daily	Extends GH release

Learn more about Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 on their respective pages.

Explore More Combinations

Use our Peptide Stack Builder to explore combinations based on your specific goals, or browse the Top 10 Peptide Stacks guide for the most popular combinations.

Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications

Reported Side Effects

BPC-157 has shown a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies, with a wide therapeutic margin. Commonly reported side effects in anecdotal human use include:

Common (mild):

Injection site redness, swelling, or irritation
Mild nausea (especially with oral use)
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Temporary fatigue

Less common:

Hot flashes
Headache
Drowsiness
GI discomfort

Most reported side effects are transient and resolve within the first few days of use. Serious adverse events have not been widely reported, though the absence of formal human safety trials means the true side effect profile is not fully characterized.

Contraindications

This section is critical and often missing from other guides.

The following groups should avoid BPC-157 or use it only under direct physician supervision:

Active cancer or history of cancer: BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) via VEGF upregulation. This is beneficial for healing but could theoretically promote tumor growth by supplying blood vessels to cancerous tissue. This is a theoretical risk based on mechanism, not demonstrated in studies — but it is a meaningful concern.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for pregnant or nursing individuals. Avoid entirely.
Children and adolescents: No pediatric safety data. Not recommended.
Individuals on blood thinners (anticoagulants): BPC-157's angiogenic and nitric oxide effects could theoretically interact with anticoagulation. Discuss with your prescribing physician.
Scheduled surgery: Discontinue at least 1-2 weeks before planned surgery and discuss with your surgical team. The angiogenic effects could theoretically affect bleeding or healing dynamics in a surgical context.

Drug Interactions

No formal drug interaction studies exist for BPC-157. The following are theoretical interactions based on known mechanisms:

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen): Both affect inflammation pathways. BPC-157 may have protective effects against NSAID-induced gastric damage (shown in preclinical studies), but the interaction in a therapeutic context is unknown.
Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, DOACs): Theoretical concern due to BPC-157's effects on blood vessel formation and nitric oxide pathways.
Immunosuppressants: Unknown interaction profile. BPC-157 modulates immune function in preclinical models — proceed with caution.
Other peptides: BPC-157 is commonly stacked with TB-500, Ipamorelin, and other peptides without widely reported adverse interactions, but no formal safety data exists for combinations.

When to Stop and Seek Medical Attention

Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience:

Facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing (signs of allergic reaction)
Chest pain or heart palpitations
Severe or persistent headache
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Persistent injection site reactions (growing redness, warmth, pus — signs of infection)

Regulatory Status

FDA: BPC-157 was placed on the FDA's Category 2 list in 2023, meaning it cannot be legally compounded by pharmacies in the United States due to insufficient safety and efficacy data.
WADA: Classified as a prohibited substance for competitive athletes.
Global: No regulatory approval in any country.

For a deep dive into the regulatory landscape, read our analysis: FDA Peptide Ban: What 75,000 Patients Reveal About Safety.

Common BPC-157 Dosing Mistakes

Starting at the top of the range. Begin at 200-250 mcg/day for the first week to assess tolerance before increasing.
Inconsistent dosing. Consistency matters more than dose size. Pick a dose and time, and stick to it daily.
Never cycling. Take breaks between use periods. Continuous use beyond 8-12 weeks is uncharted territory.
Getting the reconstitution math wrong. This is the most common practical error. Use the Peptide Dosage Calculator instead of mental math.
Ignoring storage requirements. Reconstituted BPC-157 must be refrigerated. Peptides degrade rapidly at room temperature once in solution.
Expecting overnight results. Most users report 2-4 weeks before noticeable effects. Tissue repair is a biological process, not an on/off switch.
Skipping third-party testing. BPC-157 is unregulated. Purity, identity, and sterility vary wildly between suppliers. Look for certificates of analysis from independent labs.
Not involving a physician. Even in the absence of FDA approval, a knowledgeable physician can help monitor your health markers, flag contraindications, and adjust your protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard BPC-157 dosage?

The most commonly reported dosage is 250-500 mcg per day, administered via subcutaneous injection. This range is based on extrapolation from preclinical studies using approximately 10 mcg/kg body weight. Most users start at 250 mcg once daily.

Can you take BPC-157 orally?

Yes. Unlike most peptides, BPC-157 is stable in gastric acid, making oral administration viable. Typical oral doses range from 250-500 mcg per day, sometimes higher (500-1000 mcg) to compensate for lower oral bioavailability. Oral BPC-157 is most commonly used for gut health goals.

How long does BPC-157 take to work?

Most users report noticing effects within 1-4 weeks, though this varies significantly by individual, injury type, and severity. Preclinical studies typically show measurable tissue changes within 1-2 weeks of administration. Some acute injury reports describe improvement in as little as a few days.

How do you reconstitute BPC-157?

Add bacteriostatic water to the lyophilized vial, aiming the stream at the glass wall — not directly on the powder. Gently swirl until dissolved. A common setup: 5 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 2,500 mcg/mL (250 mcg per 10 units on an insulin syringe). See our full Reconstitution Guide or use the Calculator.

Is BPC-157 safe?

BPC-157 has a favorable safety profile in preclinical studies with no established lethal dose. However, there are no completed human safety trials. The FDA classifies it as Category 2 (insufficient data for compounding). Commonly reported side effects are mild: injection site irritation, nausea, and dizziness.

How often should you inject BPC-157?

Most protocols involve 1-2 subcutaneous injections per day. Once daily is sufficient for most reported use cases. Twice daily (morning and evening, 10-12 hours apart) is used for acute injuries or more aggressive protocols.

Can BPC-157 be stacked with TB-500?

Yes — BPC-157 + TB-500 is the most popular peptide stack for injury recovery (sometimes called the "Wolverine stack"). They work through complementary mechanisms. See our Peptide Stacks Guide for detailed protocols.

Should you inject BPC-157 near the injury?

This is debated. Some preclinical evidence suggests local injection may concentrate effects at the injury site. Other studies show systemic benefit from distant injection sites. Both approaches are commonly reported. If the injury is accessible, injecting nearby is a reasonable strategy.

How many doses are in a 5 mg vial of BPC-157?

It depends on your dose and reconstitution volume. With 2 mL bacteriostatic water, a 5 mg vial at 250 mcg/dose yields 20 doses (20 days at once daily, or 10 days at twice daily). Use our Peptide Dosage Calculator for your specific setup.

Does BPC-157 need to be refrigerated?

Lyophilized (freeze-dried) BPC-157 can be stored at room temperature, though refrigeration extends shelf life. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, it must be refrigerated at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and used within 4-6 weeks. Never freeze reconstituted peptides.

Is BPC-157 legal?

BPC-157 is not approved by the FDA or any global regulatory authority. It was placed on the FDA's Category 2 list in 2023, meaning it cannot be legally compounded by US pharmacies. It is classified as a prohibited substance by WADA for competitive athletes.

What happens if you take too much BPC-157?

There is no established toxic dose in the published literature. In preclinical studies, BPC-157 showed a wide safety margin with no lethal dose identified. However, more is not necessarily better — there is no evidence that exceeding 500 mcg twice daily provides additional benefit. Stick to the established ranges.

Key Takeaways

Standard dose: 250-500 mcg/day, subcutaneous injection
Dosing basis: Extrapolated from preclinical studies (~10 mcg/kg), not human trials
Most common setup: 5 mg vial, 2 mL BAC water, 10 units on an insulin syringe for 250 mcg
Cycle length: 4-8 weeks, followed by 2-4 weeks off
Most popular stack: BPC-157 + TB-500 for injury recovery
Key safety concern: Angiogenesis — avoid with active or history of cancer
Regulatory status: FDA Category 2, WADA prohibited, no global approval
Use the Peptide Dosage Calculator for exact reconstitution and syringe draw volumes
Quick reference: See the Peptide Cheat Sheet for at-a-glance dosing info across all peptides
Explore more peptides: Browse the Peptide Directory

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. BPC-157 is not approved by the FDA and is classified as a research compound. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol. See our Medical Disclaimer for more information.

Key References:

Sikiric P, et al. "Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract." Curr Pharm Des. 2011.
Seiwerth S, et al. "BPC 157's effect on healing." J Physiol Paris. 1999.
Chang CH, et al. "BPC 157 promotes muscle regeneration by affecting key molecular pathways." Molecules. 2022.
Hsieh MJ, et al. "Therapeutic potential of BPC 157 for tendon healing." Biomedicines. 2021.
Kang EA, et al. "BPC 157 and its role in various wound healing models." Peptides. 2023.
Gwyer D, et al. "Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and its gastrointestinal protective effects." J Physiol Pharmacol. 2019.
Sikiric P, et al. "Brain-gut axis and pentadecapeptide BPC 157." Curr Neuropharmacol. 2016.
Vukojevic J, et al. "Rat inferior caval vein (ICV) ligature and BPC 157." Microvasc Res. 2018.