The synergy only works if you time both peptides right. Covers the 5mg/5mg blend protocol, reconstitution, and 8-week cycling.
CJC-1295 (GHRH analog) and Ipamorelin (ghrelin mimetic) activate two completely different receptor systems that converge on GH release. The result is synergistic -- 2-3x greater GH output than either alone (Bowers et al., 1991). This is the most widely used growth hormone peptide stack in the community. This is not medical advice.
Quick Reference: Standard Protocol
Parameter
Standard Protocol
Dose
250 mcg CJC-1295 + 250 mcg Ipamorelin
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Timing
AM and/or PM (empty stomach)
Frequency
5 days on, 2 days off
Cycle
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off
Vial size
5 mg / 5 mg blend
Reconstitution
2 mL bacteriostatic water → 2,500 mcg/mL per peptide
Draw amount
10 units on insulin syringe
Storage
Refrigerate, use within 28 days
Standard protocol: 250 mcg of each peptide, subcutaneous on empty stomach, AM and/or PM. 5 days on / 2 days off, 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off. If dosing once daily, before bed is optimal to amplify the natural nocturnal GH surge.
Run 250/250 mcg daily (5 on / 2 off) for 8 weeks, then 8 weeks off. No loading phase needed, but beginners may start lower:
Week 1-2: 100 mcg CJC-1295 + 100 mcg Ipamorelin, once daily before bed
Week 3-4: 200 mcg each, once daily before bed
Week 5+: 250 mcg each, 1-2x daily as desired
The 5-on/2-off pattern maintains receptor sensitivity and preserves long-term effectiveness. The 8-week cycle allows natural GH axis recovery.
Empty stomach essential: Insulin and blood glucose blunt GH release. Inject 30+ minutes before eating or 2+ hours after meals.
Routes of Administration
Subcutaneous injection (standard): Lower abdomen (most common), love handles, or outer thigh. Both peptides can be drawn into the same syringe. 29-31 gauge insulin syringe, 45-90 degree angle into a skin pinch. Rotate injection sites.
Do not use CJC-1295 with DAC in this stack -- the sustained GH elevation conflicts with the pulsatile release profile that makes this stack effective.
Reconstitution Quick Reference
Vial Size
BAC Water
Concentration
250/250 mcg Dose
5 mg / 5 mg blend
2 mL
2,500 mcg/mL per peptide
10 units
Math: Each peptide: 5,000 mcg / 2 mL = 2,500 mcg/mL. At 10 units (0.1 mL): 250 mcg of each. One vial lasts 20 doses.
If using separate vials (5 mg each with 2 mL BAC water), draw 10 units from each into the same syringe -- 20 units total per injection.
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.
GHRH + GHRP synergy: Bowers et al. demonstrated that combined GHRH + GHRP-6 produced GH peaks 2-3x higher than either alone (1991). The synergistic mechanism is identical for ipamorelin -- both act through GHSR-1a.
CJC-1295 pharmacology: Human studies confirmed dose-dependent IGF-1 increases of 35-120%, sustained over the dosing period (Teichman et al., 2006).
Ipamorelin selectivity: Human pharmacology confirms selective GH release without cortisol, prolactin, or ACTH elevation at therapeutic doses (Raun et al., 1998). This is why ipamorelin is preferred over GHRP-2 or GHRP-6 for most users.
Sleep architecture: GHRH administration enhances slow-wave sleep duration in both young and elderly subjects (Steiger et al., 1992), supporting the PM dosing strategy.
Body composition: Tesamorelin (FDA-approved GHRH analog) shows significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue (Falutz et al., 2007), supporting that GHRH-axis stimulation improves body composition.
What to Expect: Timeline
Week 1-2: Deeper sleep, vivid dreams, improved recovery, possible mild water retention
Week 3-4: Fat loss acceleration (visceral fat first), improved skin quality, better training performance
Week 6-8: Visible body recomposition, measurable lean mass changes, joint/connective tissue improvements
Week 8-12: Peak results -- sleep, body composition, recovery, and skin/hair at highest expression
Injection site reactions -- mild redness, itching (rotate sites)
Water retention -- first 1-2 weeks, transient
Tingling/numbness -- GH elevation effect; reduce dose if persistent
Vivid dreams -- enhanced slow-wave sleep; most consider this positive
Mild headache -- occasional, first week
Elevated fasting glucose -- monitor monthly during extended protocols
Joint stiffness -- at higher doses, from GH-mediated fluid retention
No testosterone suppression -- no PCT needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin dose?
250 mcg of each, subcutaneous on empty stomach, AM and/or PM. 5 days on / 2 days off, 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off. From a 5mg/5mg blend vial with 2 mL BAC water, draw 10 units per dose.
Should I inject them together or separately?
Together is fine -- both are compatible in the same syringe. Pre-mixed blend vials simplify this further.
What time should I inject?
AM and/or PM, always on an empty stomach. If choosing one time, before bed is optimal to amplify the nocturnal GH surge.
How long do cycles last?
8 weeks on, 8 weeks off. This allows natural GH production to reset while minimizing receptor downregulation.
Do I need PCT?
No. CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin don't suppress sex hormones. The pituitary GH axis recovers naturally.
Is this stack safe for women?
Yes. GH secretagogues don't affect sex hormone levels. Same dosing protocol applies.
