CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Stack Guide
The Gold Standard GH Stack — the most popular growth hormone secretagogue combination for optimizing sleep, body composition, recovery, and anti-aging. Complete dosing protocols, timing, reconstitution, and safety for CJC-1295 (no DAC) and Ipamorelin together.
In This Guide
Stack Overview
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combination — commonly called the “Gold Standard GH Stack” — is the most widely used growth hormone secretagogue stack for optimizing natural GH production. It pairs CJC-1295's ability to amplify GH pulse amplitude (as a GHRH analog) with Ipamorelin's clean, selective GH release (as a ghrelin mimetic) to produce a synergistic GH pulse significantly greater than either peptide alone.
Key Characteristics:
- 2-peptide stack — CJC-1295 without DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) + Ipamorelin (selective ghrelin mimetic/GHRP)
- Primary goal — growth hormone optimization — improved sleep quality, body composition, recovery, anti-aging, and overall well-being
- Complementary mechanisms — CJC-1295 amplifies GH pulse amplitude via GHRH receptor activation; Ipamorelin triggers a clean GH pulse via the ghrelin receptor without raising cortisol or prolactin
- Experience level — suitable for beginners; one of the most well-documented and well-tolerated GH peptide stacks
- Typical cycle — 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off. No loading phase required.
- Administration — subcutaneous injection, both peptides injected together on an empty stomach (fasted state required)
Use our Peptide Dosage Calculator to calculate exact doses for both peptides based on your vial sizes and reconstitution volumes.
Why This Stack Works
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin stack is effective because it stimulates growth hormone release through two independent but synergistic pathways. Rather than relying on a single receptor system, this combination activates both the GHRH and ghrelin pathways simultaneously, producing a GH pulse that is significantly larger than either peptide can achieve alone.
CJC-1295 (no DAC): The Amplifier
- GHRH receptor agonist: binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells, stimulating them to produce and release growth hormone
- Pulse amplitude: increases the amplitude (size) of each GH pulse without disrupting the natural pulsatile pattern
- Short half-life (~30 min): the no-DAC form produces discrete GH pulses that mimic natural physiology, unlike the DAC version which creates sustained elevation
- IGF-1 elevation: sustained use increases circulating IGF-1 levels, supporting tissue repair, muscle protein synthesis, and fat metabolism
Ipamorelin: The Clean Trigger
- Ghrelin receptor agonist (GHRP): mimics the hunger hormone ghrelin to trigger GH release from a completely different receptor than CJC-1295
- Selective GH release: unlike other GHRPs (GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Hexarelin), Ipamorelin does not significantly elevate cortisol or prolactin, making it the cleanest GHRP available
- Dose-dependent response: produces a predictable, dose-dependent GH release with minimal desensitization over time
- Mild hunger signaling: may slightly increase appetite through ghrelin mimicry, but far less than GHRP-6 or GHRP-2
The Synergy
CJC-1295 tells the pituitary “make more GH and release bigger pulses” via the GHRH pathway. Ipamorelin simultaneously tells the pituitary “release GH now” via the ghrelin pathway. When both signals arrive together, the pituitary responds with a GH pulse that is substantially larger than either signal could produce alone. Research on GHRH + GHRP combinations has demonstrated this synergistic effect, with combined administration producing GH output that exceeds the simple sum of each peptide's individual effect.
Individual Peptide Breakdown
Each peptide in this stack has a dedicated dosage guide with complete individual protocols. Here is a summary of each peptide's role in this stack.
CJC-1295 (Modified GRF 1-29, no DAC)
- Type: Synthetic GHRH analog (29 amino acids, modified for stability)
- Origin: Modified version of the first 29 amino acids of endogenous GHRH
- Role in stack: Amplifies GH pulse amplitude via GHRH receptor activation
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency: 1–3 times daily (fasted)
Ipamorelin (Selective GHRP)
- Type: Synthetic pentapeptide ghrelin mimetic (5 amino acids)
- Origin: Designed as a selective growth hormone secretagogue with minimal side effects
- Role in stack: Triggers clean GH release via ghrelin receptor without cortisol/prolactin elevation
- Route: Subcutaneous injection
- Frequency: 1–3 times daily (fasted)
Dosing Protocol
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are dosed at the same frequency and injected together in the same syringe. The standard dose range is 100–300 mcg of each peptide per injection, taken 1–3 times daily on an empty stomach.
Standard Protocol (Most Common)
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 | 100 mcg | Once daily (before bed) | SubQ (abdomen) | Inject fasted, at least 2–3 hours after last meal |
| Ipamorelin | 100 mcg | Once daily (before bed) | SubQ (abdomen) | Can be combined in the same syringe as CJC-1295 |
Accelerated Protocol (Twice Daily)
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 | 100–200 mcg | Twice daily | SubQ (abdomen) | Morning (fasted) + before bed (fasted) |
| Ipamorelin | 100–200 mcg | Twice daily | SubQ (abdomen) | Same syringe as CJC-1295 at each injection |
Advanced Protocol (Three Times Daily)
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 | 100 mcg | Three times daily | SubQ (abdomen) | Morning fasted + pre-workout fasted + before bed fasted |
| Ipamorelin | 100 mcg | Three times daily | SubQ (abdomen) | Same syringe as CJC-1295 at each injection |
Calculate Your Doses
Both peptides are supplied as lyophilized powder and need reconstitution with bacteriostatic water. The dose you draw depends on the concentration after reconstitution.
CJC-1295 (no DAC) — 2 mg Vial
- Vial size: 2 mg (2,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
- Concentration: 2,000 ÷ 2 = 1,000 mcg/mL
- 100 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 20 doses at 100 mcg
CJC-1295 (no DAC) — 5 mg Vial
- Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2.5 mL
- Concentration: 5,000 ÷ 2.5 = 2,000 mcg/mL
- 100 mcg dose = 0.05 mL = 5 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 50 doses at 100 mcg
Ipamorelin — 2 mg Vial
- Vial size: 2 mg (2,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2 mL
- Concentration: 2,000 ÷ 2 = 1,000 mcg/mL
- 100 mcg dose = 0.1 mL = 10 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 20 doses at 100 mcg
Ipamorelin — 5 mg Vial
- Vial size: 5 mg (5,000 mcg)
- Bacteriostatic water: 2.5 mL
- Concentration: 5,000 ÷ 2.5 = 2,000 mcg/mL
- 100 mcg dose = 0.05 mL = 5 units on insulin syringe
- Doses per vial: 50 doses at 100 mcg
Skip the Math — Use Our Calculator
Enter your vial size, water volume, and desired dose for each peptide — get instant calculations with zero manual math.
Reconstitution Guide
Both peptides follow the same reconstitution process. Reconstitute each vial separately with bacteriostatic water.
| Peptide | Vial Size | Bac Water | Concentration | Standard Dose Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 | 2 mg | 2 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 10 units (0.1 mL) for 100 mcg |
| CJC-1295 | 5 mg | 2.5 mL | 2,000 mcg/mL | 5 units (0.05 mL) for 100 mcg |
| Ipamorelin | 2 mg | 2 mL | 1,000 mcg/mL | 10 units (0.1 mL) for 100 mcg |
| Ipamorelin | 5 mg | 2.5 mL | 2,000 mcg/mL | 5 units (0.05 mL) for 100 mcg |
Wash Hands & Prepare Workspace
Wash hands thoroughly. Lay out supplies: peptide vials, bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes, and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.
Swab Both Vial Stoppers
Remove plastic caps and swab the rubber stoppers of the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol pads. Let air-dry for 10–15 seconds.
Add Water to Peptide Vial
Draw the appropriate volume of bacteriostatic water. Insert needle into peptide vial and direct the stream down the inside glass wall — never squirt directly onto the powder. Release slowly.
Dissolve Gently
Let the vial sit for 1–2 minutes, then gently swirl or roll between palms until fully dissolved. Solution should be clear and colorless. Never shake.
Label & Refrigerate
Write the reconstitution date, peptide name, and concentration on each vial. Store refrigerated at 2–8°C. Use within 28–30 days.
For a detailed visual walkthrough, see our Reconstitution Guide.
Timing & Daily Schedule
Timing is critical for this stack. Both peptides must be injected on an empty stomach to avoid insulin-mediated GH suppression. Here is how a typical day looks for each protocol:
Once Daily Protocol (Bedtime)
| Time | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Last meal of the day | Finish eating at least 2–3 hours before injection |
| 9:30–10:00 PM | Inject CJC-1295 (100 mcg) + Ipamorelin (100 mcg) | Combined in one syringe, SubQ in abdomen |
| 10:00–10:30 PM | Sleep | GH pulse synergizes with natural nocturnal release |
Twice Daily Protocol (Morning + Bedtime)
| Time | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30–7:00 AM | Inject CJC-1295 (100 mcg) + Ipamorelin (100 mcg) | Immediately upon waking, while still fasted |
| 7:00–7:30 AM | Wait 20–30 minutes, then eat breakfast | Allow GH pulse to peak before introducing food |
| 7:00 PM | Last meal of the day | Finish eating 2–3 hours before bedtime injection |
| 9:30–10:00 PM | Inject CJC-1295 (100 mcg) + Ipamorelin (100 mcg) | Combined in one syringe, SubQ in abdomen |
Timing Notes
- Fasting is non-negotiable: Always inject at least 2–3 hours after your last meal. Food (especially carbs) raises insulin and blunts the GH pulse.
- Bedtime is the highest-value injection: If dosing only once daily, choose bedtime. This synergizes with the natural nocturnal GH pulse, which is the body's largest daily GH release.
- Post-injection eating window: Wait at least 20–30 minutes after injection before eating. If injecting before bed, simply go to sleep (no food needed).
- Pre-workout timing: If adding a third daily injection, inject 20–30 minutes before exercise on an empty stomach. The GH pulse may enhance workout performance and recovery.
Cycling & Duration
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin stack is typically run for 8–12 weeks followed by a 4-week break. No loading phase is needed — both peptides are effective from the first injection.
| Phase | Duration | CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Cycle | Weeks 1–8 (or 1–12) | 100–300 mcg, 1–3x daily | 100–300 mcg, 1–3x daily |
| Break | 4 weeks off | None | None |
| Repeat (if desired) | 8–12 weeks | Resume protocol | Resume protocol |
Cycle Length Guidance
- 8 weeks: Minimum recommended cycle length. Sufficient for sleep improvement, early body composition changes, and recovery benefits.
- 10–12 weeks: Preferred for body composition goals (fat loss, muscle tone), anti-aging benefits (skin quality, hair), and IGF-1 elevation. Most community protocols target this range.
- Beyond 12 weeks: Some users run extended cycles of 16–20 weeks. While no tolerance buildup has been definitively established, periodic breaks are recommended to maintain receptor sensitivity and assess progress.
Why Take a Break?
The break period serves several purposes: (1) maintain pituitary sensitivity to GHRH and ghrelin signaling, (2) assess your baseline status without peptide support to confirm lasting benefits, (3) reduce cumulative exposure to research compounds, and (4) reset any mild side effects like water retention that may have developed. Most users find that sleep quality and recovery improvements persist for several weeks into the break period.
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Common Side Effects
- Water retention — mild fluid retention, especially in the first 1–2 weeks. Usually resolves as the body adjusts.
- Tingling or numbness in hands — carpal tunnel-like symptoms from elevated GH. A sign the peptides are working. Dose-dependent.
- Increased hunger — Ipamorelin is a ghrelin mimetic and may mildly increase appetite, though far less than GHRP-6 or GHRP-2.
- Mild headache — occasionally reported in the first few days of use. Usually transient.
- Injection site redness or irritation — minor and temporary at SubQ injection sites.
- Fatigue or drowsiness — some users feel sleepy after bedtime injection, which is typically considered a benefit rather than a side effect.
Contraindications
- Active cancer or history of cancer: Growth hormone promotes cell proliferation and can accelerate tumor growth. Do not use GH secretagogues with active malignancies or unmonitored cancer history.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for either peptide during pregnancy or nursing. Avoid entirely.
- Diabetes (uncontrolled): GH elevation can increase insulin resistance and raise blood glucose. Diabetic users should monitor blood sugar closely and consult their physician.
- Active pituitary disorders: Conditions such as pituitary tumors (including prolactinomas) or hypopituitarism may be worsened by GH secretagogue stimulation.
- Children and adolescents: Manipulating the GH axis during growth and development is not recommended without direct medical supervision.
Stack-Specific Safety Notes
- No known negative interaction: CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin operate through different receptors (GHRH and ghrelin respectively) and are designed to be used together.
- Ipamorelin selectivity advantage: Unlike GHRP-2, GHRP-6, and Hexarelin, Ipamorelin does not significantly raise cortisol or prolactin. This makes it the preferred GHRP for this combination.
- No pituitary suppression: Unlike exogenous HGH, this stack stimulates your own pituitary to release GH. It does not suppress the natural GH axis and does not require post-cycle therapy.
Common CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Mistakes
Avoid these common errors to get the most out of your CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin protocol:
Food intake raises insulin, which directly suppresses growth hormone release. Injecting within 2–3 hours of a meal — especially carbohydrates — can blunt your GH pulse by 50–80%. Always inject on an empty stomach and wait at least 20–30 minutes before eating afterward.
CJC-1295 with DAC has a 6–8 day half-life and produces a constant GH elevation rather than natural pulses. It requires completely different dosing (once or twice weekly) and does not pair correctly with Ipamorelin’s acute pulsatile mechanism. The no-DAC version (Mod GRF 1-29) is the correct form for this stack.
While once daily (before bed) is a solid starting protocol, adding a second fasted injection in the morning roughly doubles your total daily GH output. Users seeking meaningful body composition changes or recovery benefits should consider twice-daily dosing. Three times daily (morning, pre-workout, bedtime) is the maximum useful frequency.
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin optimizes your natural GH production — it does not deliver supraphysiological hormone levels like exogenous HGH or anabolic steroids. Benefits are real but gradual: improved sleep, better recovery, modest fat loss, and improved skin quality over 8–12 weeks. This is an optimization tool, not a transformation shortcut.
Both CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin degrade rapidly at room temperature after reconstitution. Always refrigerate reconstituted vials at 2–8°C and use within 28–30 days. Unreconstituted (lyophilized) vials can be stored at room temperature short-term but should ideally be refrigerated or frozen for long-term storage.
GH secretagogue stacks work through cumulative, consistent stimulation of the pituitary. Skipping days reduces the overall GH elevation and slows results. Dose every day at the same time(s) for the entire cycle duration. If you cannot commit to daily injections, this may not be the right protocol for you.
Research suggests that GH release from GHRP/GHRH combinations reaches a saturation point around 100–200 mcg per peptide per injection. Doses above 200–300 mcg do not produce proportionally more GH but do increase side effects like water retention, numbness, and hunger. Stay within the 100–300 mcg range per peptide per injection.
After injection, the GH pulse takes approximately 20–30 minutes to peak and 60–90 minutes to fully resolve. Eating immediately after injection (especially carbohydrates) raises insulin and truncates the tail end of the GH pulse. Wait at least 20–30 minutes after injection before eating, and avoid high-glycemic foods in that first meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is the gold standard GH secretagogue stack — combining GHRH (amplitude) and GHRP (trigger) pathways for synergistic GH release
- Standard dose: 100 mcg of each peptide per injection, SubQ, 1–3 times daily on an empty stomach
- Fasting is essential — inject at least 2–3 hours after eating to avoid insulin-mediated GH suppression
- Best injection time is before bed — synergizes with the natural nocturnal GH pulse for maximum effect
- Use CJC-1295 WITHOUT DAC (Modified GRF 1-29) for this stack — the DAC version requires a different protocol
- Typical cycle: 8–12 weeks on, 4 weeks off — no loading phase needed
- Well-tolerated — Ipamorelin is the cleanest GHRP with no significant cortisol or prolactin elevation
- Refrigerate reconstituted vials at 2–8°C and use within 28–30 days
- No PCT required — this stack stimulates your own pituitary and does not suppress the natural GH axis
- Neither peptide is FDA-approved for human use. Both are classified as research peptides and banned by WADA.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are not approved by the FDA for human use and are classified as research peptides. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any research peptide, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are taking medications, or are pregnant or nursing. See our Medical Disclaimer.
References
- Bowers CY, et al. “On the in vitro and in vivo activity of a new synthetic hexapeptide that acts on the pituitary to specifically release growth hormone.” Endocrinology. 1984;114(5):1537-1545.
- Raun K, et al. “Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.” Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561.
- Ionescu M, Bhatt DL, et al. “Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(12):4792-4797.
- Teichman SL, et al. “Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295, a long-acting analog of GH-releasing hormone, in healthy adults.” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805.
- Bowers CY. “Growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP).” Cell Mol Life Sci. 1998;54(12):1316-1329.
- Ghigo E, et al. “Growth hormone-releasing peptides.” Eur J Endocrinol. 1997;136(5):445-460.
- Veldhuis JD, et al. “Mechanisms and pathophysiology of the neuroendocrine control of growth hormone secretion.” Endocr Rev. 2009;30(2):152-177.
Next Steps
Continue your research with these resources.
CJC-1295 Dosage Guide
Complete individual dosing protocols, reconstitution, and injection guide for CJC-1295 (no DAC).
Read GuideIpamorelin Dosage Guide
Complete individual dosing protocols, timing, and safety for Ipamorelin as a standalone GHRP.
Read GuideDosage Calculator
Calculate exact doses for both peptides based on vial size and reconstitution volume.
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