CJC-1295 DAC Dosing: 2mg Twice Weekly

CJC-1295 DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a long-acting synthetic GHRH analog that covalently binds to serum albumin, extending its half-life to approximately 8 days. It is the only GHRH analog with human clinical trial data demonstrating dose-dependent, prolonged GH and IGF-1 elevation. Community dosing is not based on clinical trial goals. This is not medical advice.

Note: CJC-1295 DAC is NOT in the cheat sheet. The protocol below is a Community Protocol based on clinical trial data and community experience.

Quick Reference: Community Protocol

Key advantage: Weekly or twice-weekly dosing vs 2-3 daily injections for the no-DAC version. Significantly better adherence.

For the full CJC-1295 DAC peptide profile, vendor pricing, and comparisons, see our CJC-1295 DAC peptide page.

Cycling Details

Due to the ~8-day half-life, steady-state levels are reached after approximately 2-3 injections (10-14 days). IGF-1 begins rising within 2-3 days of first injection.

Weeks 1-2: Start at 1-2 mg twice weekly. Blood work at week 4 recommended to verify IGF-1 is in the target range (upper-normal, not supraphysiological).

Dose adjustment: If IGF-1 is too high (>350 ng/mL), reduce to once weekly or lower dose. If response is insufficient, increase to 2 mg twice weekly.

Timing is less critical than with no-DAC due to the long half-life. Evening injection is preferred by many but not essential. Fasting less critical. Pick consistent days (e.g., Monday/Thursday).

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous injection (standard): The only route used in clinical trials and community protocols. Abdomen, love handles, thighs, or deltoid area. Typical volume 0.2-0.5 mL. 29-31 gauge insulin syringe.

Reconstitution Quick Reference

Math: 5,000 mcg / 2.5 mL = 2,000 mcg/mL (2 mg/mL). For 2 mg: 2,000 / 2,000 = 1 mL = 100 units. For 1 mg: 50 units.

Swirl gently -- do not shake. Refrigerate at 2-8°C and use within 28 days. For step-by-step instructions, see the CJC-1295 Reconstitution Guide.

Where These Numbers Come From

CJC-1295 DAC is unique among GH secretagogues in having direct human clinical trial data.

Pivotal study: Teichman et al. studied CJC-1295 DAC in 36 healthy adults (21-61 years). Single doses of 30, 60, or 120 mcg/kg produced dose-dependent GH and IGF-1 increases. IGF-1 increased 1.5-3 fold and remained elevated for 6-14 days. Mean half-life: 5.8-8.1 days (Teichman et al., 2006).

Preserved pulsatility: Despite continuous GHRH stimulation, pulsatile GH secretion was maintained. GH pulse frequency preserved with 2-fold increases in mean GH and pulse mass (Ionescu & Bhatt, 2006).

Animal studies: CJC-1295 normalized growth in GHRH knockout mice with once-daily dosing (Alba et al., 2006).

Community doses (1-4 mg twice weekly) target upper-normal IGF-1 based on clinical dose ranges and empirical blood work confirmation.

Stacking Protocols

Stacking tips: Avoid combining with other GHRH analogs (sermorelin, no-DAC CJC) -- redundant receptor activation. GHRP addition is optional. Monitor IGF-1 carefully when stacking. Do not combine with exogenous GH.

Side Effects & Safety

• Injection site reactions -- most common in clinical trials (mild erythema, pain)
• Flushing/warmth -- transient, 15-30 min post-injection
• Water retention -- more pronounced than no-DAC due to sustained GH elevation
• Numbness/tingling -- carpal tunnel-like symptoms at higher doses
• Joint stiffness -- GH-mediated fluid retention
• Insulin resistance -- monitor fasting glucose; sustained GH can impair glucose tolerance
• No serious adverse events reported in published clinical trials
• Contraindications -- active malignancy, diabetic retinopathy, pregnancy

Monitoring: IGF-1 at baseline + week 4 + every 8 weeks (target 250-330 ng/mL). Fasting glucose monthly. HbA1c every 3 months if concerned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard CJC-1295 DAC dose?

2 mg subcutaneous twice weekly is the most common community protocol. Start at 1-2 mg and adjust based on IGF-1 blood work.

How often do I inject CJC-1295 DAC?

Once or twice weekly. The ~8-day half-life allows infrequent dosing. Twice weekly provides more stable levels. Pick consistent days.

Does CJC-1295 DAC produce natural GH pulses?

Yes -- clinical studies confirmed pulsatile GH is preserved, though baseline GH between pulses is higher than with no-DAC.

CJC-1295 DAC vs no DAC -- which should I choose?

DAC: convenient weekly dosing, sustained IGF-1, better compliance. No-DAC: more physiological pulsatile pattern, better GHRP synergy, more controllable timing.

Is CJC-1295 DAC better than MK-677?

DAC has a cleaner side effect profile with less hunger and insulin resistance risk, but requires injection. MK-677 is oral and cheaper but causes significant hunger and greater insulin resistance.

Related Guides

• CJC-1295 DAC Peptide Page -- Full profile, vendor pricing, and comparisons
• CJC-1295 DAC Benefits -- What sustained GH elevation does for body composition
• CJC-1295 No DAC Dosing Guide -- Short-acting version for pulsatile protocols
• CJC-1295 DAC vs No DAC -- Head-to-head comparison
• CJC-1295 Reconstitution Guide -- Step-by-step mixing and dilution charts
• CJC-1295 Results Timeline -- Week-by-week expectations for DAC and no-DAC
• CJC-1295 Bloodwork Guide -- What labs to track
• MK-677 Dosing Guide -- Oral GH secretagogue comparison
• Calculate Your CJC-1295 DAC Cycle Cost -- estimate vials needed and total cost for your protocol
• Best Peptides for Muscle Growth (2026) -- all 10 muscle-building peptides ranked

References

For educational and research purposes only. This is not medical advice. CJC-1295 DAC has human clinical data for GH/IGF-1 stimulation but has not been approved for anti-aging or body composition use.