What It Is
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin is a combination of two peptides that work together to increase your body's natural growth hormone production. This blend has become one of the most popular peptide stacks for muscle growth, fat loss, recovery, and overall body composition improvement.
The two peptides work through different pathways in your brain, which is why they are combined. CJC-1295 mimics a hormone called growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), which tells your pituitary gland to make more growth hormone. Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin, a different hormone that also signals growth hormone release. When you activate both pathways at the same time, the effect is stronger than either one alone.
This combination is often called the "gold standard" entry point for growth hormone peptides because both compounds are highly selective. They increase growth hormone without raising cortisol, prolactin, or other hormones that cause unwanted side effects. That makes this stack safer and more predictable than older peptides like GHRP-6.
Neither peptide is FDA approved. They are available through peptide suppliers for research purposes.
How It Works
Your pituitary gland releases growth hormone in pulses throughout the day and night. The biggest pulses happen during deep sleep. CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin work together to make those pulses bigger and more frequent.
CJC-1295 (The Sustained Signal)
CJC-1295 is a modified version of growth hormone releasing hormone. Your body naturally produces GHRH in the hypothalamus, and it tells your pituitary gland to release growth hormone. CJC-1295 does the same thing, except it lasts longer in your body.
The version without DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) has a shorter half life, making it more suitable for daily dosing. It maintains the natural pulsatile pattern of growth hormone release rather than creating one sustained elevation.
When CJC-1295 binds to GHRH receptors, it increases both the amount of growth hormone released per pulse and the baseline level of circulating growth hormone. Clinical trials showed that a single injection increased growth hormone levels 2 to 10 times above baseline for 6 or more days.
Ipamorelin (The Rapid Pulse)
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide, meaning it has just five amino acids. It works by binding to ghrelin receptors in the pituitary gland. Ghrelin is the hunger hormone, but its receptor also controls growth hormone release.
Ipamorelin has a short half life of about 2 hours. It creates a rapid spike in growth hormone that peaks around 40 minutes after injection and then returns to baseline. This sharp pulse is different from the sustained effect of CJC-1295.
What makes ipamorelin special is its selectivity. Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, which also increase cortisol and prolactin, ipamorelin affects only growth hormone. Even at doses 200 times higher than needed for growth hormone release, ipamorelin did not increase ACTH or cortisol in animal studies.
The Combined Effect
When you inject both peptides together, you get the best of both mechanisms. Ipamorelin creates an immediate growth hormone pulse. CJC-1295 amplifies that pulse and maintains elevated baseline levels. Research suggests the combination produces 3 to 5 times more growth hormone release than ipamorelin alone.
The combination also preserves your body's natural feedback systems. Unlike synthetic growth hormone injections, which can suppress your pituitary gland, this peptide stack works with your body's normal signaling. Your pituitary still controls the ebb and flow of growth hormone. The peptides just shift the entire range higher.
Benefits
Increased Growth Hormone Production
The primary effect is higher growth hormone output. Clinical trials showed CJC-1295 increased mean plasma growth hormone concentrations by 2 to 10 fold, with effects lasting 6 or more days after a single injection. IGF-1 levels increased 1.5 to 3 times above baseline for 9 to 11 days.
Improved Muscle Growth and Recovery
Higher growth hormone levels support protein synthesis, which is how your body builds new muscle tissue. Growth hormone also stimulates the production of IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor 1), which directly promotes muscle cell growth and repair. Users typically report faster recovery between workouts and improved ability to build lean mass.
Fat Loss
Growth hormone increases lipolysis, which is the breakdown of stored fat for energy. The effect is particularly noticeable in visceral fat (abdominal fat around organs). One clinic reported that patients on CJC-1295/Ipamorelin protocol experienced an average of 12 pounds of fat loss over their first six weeks, with 4 pounds of that being visceral fat.
Better Sleep Quality
Growth hormone release naturally spikes during deep sleep. By enhancing this process, the peptide combination often improves sleep quality. Many users report falling asleep faster, sleeping more deeply, and waking up feeling more refreshed. Better sleep creates a positive feedback loop since quality sleep further supports growth hormone production.
Enhanced Skin and Connective Tissue
Growth hormone stimulates collagen production. Users frequently notice improvements in skin elasticity and thickness, faster healing of minor wounds, and reduced joint discomfort. These effects take longer to notice than changes in body composition, typically appearing after 8 to 12 weeks.
Cognitive Function
Growth hormone receptors exist throughout the brain. Some users report improved mental clarity, focus, and mood stability. The research on cognitive effects is less robust than the body composition data, but the anecdotal reports are consistent.
What the Science Shows
Both peptides have been studied in human clinical trials, though they were tested separately rather than as a combination.
CJC-1295 Human Studies (Teichman et al., 2006)
Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Two randomized, placebo controlled, double blind trials enrolled healthy adults aged 21 to 61.
Results after a single subcutaneous injection:
• Growth hormone increased 2 to 10 times above baseline
• Elevated GH levels persisted for 6 or more days
• IGF-1 increased 1.5 to 3 times for 9 to 11 days
• Half life estimated at 5.8 to 8.1 days
After multiple weekly doses:
• IGF-1 levels remained above baseline for up to 28 days
• Evidence of cumulative effect with repeated dosing
• No serious adverse reactions reported
• Well tolerated at doses of 30 or 60 mcg/kg
Ipamorelin Human Studies (Gobburu et al., 1999)
Published in Pharmaceutical Research. Dose escalation trial in 40 healthy male volunteers.
Results:
• Short half life of approximately 2 hours
• Growth hormone release peaked at 0.67 hours (40 minutes) after injection
• Dose dependent response across all tested doses
• Exponential decline to baseline at all dose levels
Ipamorelin Selectivity Studies (Raun et al., 1998)
Published in European Journal of Endocrinology. This study established ipamorelin as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue.
Key finding: Ipamorelin did not release ACTH or cortisol at any dose tested, even at doses more than 200 times higher than the effective dose for growth hormone release. This is a major advantage over GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, which increase cortisol at therapeutic doses.
CJC-1295 Pulsatility Study (Ionescu & Frohman, 2006)
Published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. This study confirmed that CJC-1295 preserves the natural pulsatile pattern of growth hormone secretion even during continuous stimulation.
Sources:
• Teichman SL, et al. "Prolonged stimulation of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I secretion by CJC-1295." J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2006)
• Gobburu JV, et al. "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin." Pharm Res (1999)
• Raun K, et al. "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue." Eur J Endocrinol (1998)
• Ionescu M, Frohman LA. "Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295." J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2006)
Dosing Protocol
The most common protocol uses daily subcutaneous injections at bedtime. This timing aligns with the natural growth hormone surge during sleep.
Standard Protocol
• CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100 to 300 mcg per day
• Ipamorelin: 100 to 300 mcg per day
• Timing: Once daily before bed, on an empty stomach
• Schedule: 5 days on, 2 days off
• Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks
Typical Dosing by Body Weight
• Under 150 lbs: 100 to 150 mcg of each peptide
• 150 to 200 lbs: 200 mcg of each peptide
• 200 to 250 lbs: 250 to 300 mcg of each peptide
• Over 250 lbs: 300 mcg of each peptide
Split Dosing Protocol (Advanced)
Some users split the daily dose for increased growth hormone pulsatility:
• Morning (fasted): 100 to 150 mcg of each
• Before bed: 100 to 150 mcg of each
This creates two separate growth hormone pulses per day. The morning dose is best taken on an empty stomach before food to prevent glucose from interfering with growth hormone release.
Important Notes:
Take the injection at least 2 hours after eating. Food, especially carbohydrates, can blunt the growth hormone response by raising insulin levels.
The 5 days on, 2 days off schedule prevents receptor desensitization. Your pituitary gland receptors need periodic breaks to maintain their sensitivity to the peptides.
Start at the lower end of the dosing range and increase gradually based on response. More is not always better with growth hormone secretagogues.
Draw Volumes by Vial Size
Most pre mixed blends contain 5 mg of CJC-1295 and 5 mg of Ipamorelin (10 mg total). Calculations below assume standard reconstitution volumes.
10 mg Blend Vial (2 mL reconstitution = 5 mg/mL total)
This concentration means each 0.1 mL contains 500 mcg total (250 mcg of each peptide).
Dose (each) Total Dose Volume Units on Syringe
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
100 mcg 200 mcg 0.04 mL 4 units
150 mcg 300 mcg 0.06 mL 6 units
200 mcg 400 mcg 0.08 mL 8 units
250 mcg 500 mcg 0.10 mL 10 units
300 mcg 600 mcg 0.12 mL 12 units
Vial duration at 400 mcg/day (200 mcg each): 25 days
10 mg Blend Vial (3 mL reconstitution = 3.33 mg/mL total)
This dilution provides easier measurement for smaller doses.
Dose (each) Total Dose Volume Units on Syringe
────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
100 mcg 200 mcg 0.06 mL 6 units
150 mcg 300 mcg 0.09 mL 9 units
200 mcg 400 mcg 0.12 mL 12 units
250 mcg 500 mcg 0.15 mL 15 units
300 mcg 600 mcg 0.18 mL 18 units
Vial duration at 400 mcg/day (200 mcg each): 25 days
Reconstitution
Materials Needed:
• Peptide vial (lyophilized powder)
• Bacteriostatic water
• Sterile syringe for reconstitution
• Alcohol swabs
Instructions:
1. Wipe the vial stopper and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol swabs
2. Draw 2 to 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (your choice based on concentration preference)
3. Insert needle through rubber stopper at an angle
4. Let water trickle down the inside wall of the vial slowly
5. Do not inject directly onto the powder
6. Swirl gently until fully dissolved (do not shake)
7. Solution should be clear. If cloudy or contains particles, do not use
The peptide will dissolve within a few minutes. Avoid agitating or shaking the vial as this can damage the peptide structure.
Side Effects
CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin have a favorable side effect profile compared to other growth hormone peptides. Most effects are mild and transient.
Common (usually resolve within 2 weeks):
• Injection site redness or irritation
• Water retention (mild)
• Tingling or numbness in fingers/hands (transient)
• Increased hunger (especially with ipamorelin)
• Lightheadedness (more common at higher doses)
• Vivid dreams
Less Common:
• Headache
• Fatigue during initial adaptation
• Temporary blood sugar fluctuations
What to Watch For:
• Persistent joint pain or swelling (reduce dose)
• Carpal tunnel symptoms (reduce dose or discontinue)
• Signs of elevated blood sugar if diabetic or pre diabetic
Unlike GHRP-2 and GHRP-6, this combination does not significantly increase cortisol or prolactin. The hunger increase from ipamorelin is generally milder than what users experience with GHRP-6.
Contraindications and Precautions
Do Not Use If You Have:
• Active cancer or history of cancer (growth hormone can stimulate cell growth)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Use Caution With:
• Type 2 diabetes or pre diabetes (monitor blood sugar)
• History of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Heart disease or high blood pressure
• Kidney or liver disease
Drug Interactions:
Growth hormone can affect insulin sensitivity. If you use insulin or oral diabetes medications, blood sugar management may change. Work with a healthcare provider to adjust doses as needed.
Glucocorticoids (prednisone, etc.) can blunt the growth hormone response.
Success Tips
Timing Matters
Take your injection 2 to 3 hours after your last meal, ideally right before bed. Eating, especially carbohydrates, raises insulin and blunts growth hormone release. An empty stomach maximizes the effect.
Stay Consistent
Growth hormone peptides work through cumulative effects. Stick to your protocol consistently for at least 8 weeks before evaluating results. Skipping days or inconsistent timing reduces effectiveness.
Prioritize Sleep
The largest natural growth hormone pulses happen during deep sleep. The peptides enhance this process, but you need to actually be sleeping for it to work. Aim for 7 to 9 hours per night.
Train Hard
Growth hormone supports muscle growth, but you still need the stimulus. Resistance training 3 to 4 times per week provides the signal for your body to use that extra growth hormone for building muscle rather than just general metabolism.
Eat Enough Protein
Higher growth hormone levels increase protein synthesis capacity. Take advantage of it. Aim for 0.8 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily.
Track Your Progress
Changes happen gradually. Take measurements, progress photos, and track your recovery between workouts. Weight alone does not tell the full story since you may be gaining muscle and losing fat simultaneously.
Need Help With Training or Nutrition?
Peptides work best when paired with proper training and nutrition. If you want structured guidance on building muscle, losing fat, or optimizing your overall health approach, check out our website: turawellness.com
Injection Technique
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Clean the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and allow to air dry
3. Draw the appropriate dose into a sterile insulin syringe
4. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab
5. Pinch a skinfold and insert the needle at 45 to 90 degrees into subcutaneous tissue
6. Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections
7. Inject slowly and steadily
8. Withdraw needle and apply light pressure with gauze if needed
9. Dispose of syringe immediately in a sharps container. Never recap needles.
10. Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) at least 1 inch apart
Storage and Handling
Before Reconstitution:
• Store lyophilized (powder) vials in the freezer at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius)
• Can also be stored in the refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit
• Protect from light
• Do not use past expiration date
After Reconstitution:
• Refrigerate at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit
• Use within 14 to 28 days
• Do not freeze after reconstitution
• Keep the stopper clean
• If solution becomes cloudy or contains particles, discard and use a new vial
Comparison to Other Growth Hormone Peptides
Peptide Mechanism Half Life Cortisol Effect Typical Use
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
CJC-1295 + Ipam GHRH + Ghrelin Mixed None Gold standard
Sermorelin GHRH only 10 to 20 min None Anti-aging
GHRP-2 Ghrelin 30 min Increases Stronger GH pulse
GHRP-6 Ghrelin 20 min Increases Appetite increase
Hexarelin Ghrelin 30 min Increases Most potent GHRP
MK-677 Ghrelin (oral) 24+ hrs None Oral option
Tesamorelin GHRH analog 26 to 38 min None FDA approved
HGH Direct GH 2 to 3 hrs N/A Direct hormone
The CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin combination is often recommended as the starting point for growth hormone optimization because it offers strong results with minimal side effects and no impact on stress hormones.
Legal Status
United States: CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin are not FDA approved for any medical use. They are classified as research chemicals.
WADA Status: Both peptides are prohibited at all times under the World Anti Doping Agency rules. CJC-1295 is listed as a growth hormone releasing factor, and ipamorelin is listed as a growth hormone secretagogue.
Competitive Athletes: Do not use if you are subject to drug testing in any sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CJC-1295 with DAC and without DAC?
The DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) version has a much longer half life of 6 to 8 days. It creates sustained growth hormone elevation rather than pulses. The no DAC version (also called Mod GRF 1-29) has a shorter half life and preserves natural pulsatile release. Most blends use the no DAC version because it mimics natural physiology more closely.
How long until I see results?
Most users notice improved sleep quality within 1 to 2 weeks. Body composition changes typically become visible by 6 to 8 weeks. Full effects on recovery, muscle growth, and fat loss develop over 3 to 6 months of consistent use.
Can I stack this with other peptides?
Yes. Common additions include BPC-157 or TB-500 for recovery and healing. Some users add MK-677 for around the clock growth hormone elevation, though this can increase hunger and water retention.
Why inject at bedtime?
Growth hormone naturally peaks during deep sleep. Taking the injection before bed amplifies this natural surge and takes advantage of the body's existing rhythm.
Will this suppress my natural growth hormone production?
Unlike synthetic growth hormone injections, secretagogues work through your body's own signaling pathways. They stimulate your pituitary to produce more of its own growth hormone rather than replacing it. Most evidence suggests pituitary function remains intact and may even improve with the 5 on/2 off protocol.
Is hunger a major side effect?
Ipamorelin can increase appetite because it binds to ghrelin receptors, but the effect is milder than GHRP-6. Most users find the hunger manageable or even beneficial if trying to eat more for muscle gain.
What happens when I stop?
Growth hormone levels return to baseline. There is no withdrawal or crash, but the benefits (improved recovery, body composition) will gradually diminish without continued use or lifestyle changes that support natural growth hormone production.
Product Source
Research Grade CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Blend available at: turawellness.com
Disclaimer
This guide provides educational information about CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin based on published scientific literature and clinical trial data. This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before using any peptide or medication.
References
1. 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)
2. Gobburu JV, et al. "Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of ipamorelin, a growth hormone releasing peptide, in human volunteers." Pharm Res (1999)
3. Raun K, et al. "Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue." Eur J Endocrinol (1998)
4. Ionescu M, Frohman LA. "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)
5. Alba M, et al. "Once-daily administration of CJC-1295, a long-acting growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog, normalizes growth in the GHRH knockout mouse." Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab (2006)
6. Ishida J, et al. "Growth hormone secretagogues: history, mechanism of action, and clinical development." JCSM Rapid Communications (2020)

