Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 Stack: Dosage, Timing & Protocol Guide

Why This Stack Is the Gold Standard

The Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 (no DAC) combination is the most widely used growth hormone secretagogue stack in peptide therapy. The reason is straightforward: these two peptides activate different receptors in the GH signaling cascade, and their combined effect on growth hormone release is significantly greater than either one alone.

Research suggests the synergistic effect can produce GH pulses two to ten times larger than either peptide administered individually. This is not simply additive — it is genuinely synergistic.

Understanding the Synergy Mechanism

How Ipamorelin Works

Ipamorelin is a growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) that mimics the hormone ghrelin. It binds to the GHS-R (growth hormone secretagogue receptor) in the pituitary gland, directly triggering a pulse of growth hormone release.

Key advantage: Ipamorelin is highly selective. Unlike older GHRPs such as GHRP-6 or GHRP-2, Ipamorelin does not significantly elevate cortisol, prolactin, or aldosterone at standard doses. This makes it the cleanest GHRP available.

• Half-life: approximately 2 hours
• Onset: GH pulse within 15–30 minutes of injection
• Duration of GH elevation: approximately 2–3 hours

How CJC-1295 (no DAC) Works

CJC-1295 without DAC — also called Modified GRF (1-29) or Mod GRF — is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. It binds to the GHRH receptor, which amplifies the magnitude of the GH pulse.

Think of it this way: Ipamorelin pulls the trigger, and CJC-1295 amplifies the signal.

• Half-life: approximately 30 minutes
• Effect: amplifies the GH pulse initiated by Ipamorelin
• Does not independently produce a large GH pulse — it works best alongside a GHRP

Why Both Together

The pituitary gland releases GH through a two-signal system: GHRH stimulation and GHRP stimulation. When both signals arrive simultaneously, the pituitary responds with a much larger GH release than either signal alone can produce. This dual-receptor activation is the biological basis for the stack.

Dosing Both Peptides

Flat-Dose Protocol (Most Common)

Both peptides are administered together at each injection.

Weight-Based Protocol

For more precise dosing, use a weight-based approach:

• Ipamorelin: 1–3 mcg/kg per injection
• CJC-1295 (no DAC): 1–2 mcg/kg per injection

Use the Dosage Calculator to determine your personalized dose based on body weight.

Starting Recommendations

Begin at the low end of each range (100 mcg Ipamorelin, 100 mcg CJC-1295) with twice-daily injections for the first two weeks. If well tolerated, increase to 200 mcg each or add a third injection.

Optimal Timing Windows

Timing is critical for this stack because food — particularly carbohydrates and fats — blunts GH release. All injections should be administered on an empty stomach (at least 90 minutes after eating, and do not eat for 30 minutes after injection).

The Three Best Injection Windows

1. First thing in the morning (fasted)

You wake up in a fasted state with naturally elevated GH. Injecting amplifies this natural morning pulse.

2. Pre-workout (45–60 minutes before training)

Enhances the exercise-induced GH release. This is especially valuable for recovery and body composition goals.

3. Before bed (the most important window)

The largest natural GH pulse occurs during deep sleep. Injecting 30 minutes before bed amplifies this critical overnight pulse.

If you can only inject once per day, choose the before-bed window. If twice daily, use morning and bedtime. Three times daily adds the pre-workout injection.

Sample 12-Week Protocol

Weeks 1–2: Assessment Phase

• Ipamorelin: 100 mcg, 2x daily (morning + bedtime)
• CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100 mcg, 2x daily (morning + bedtime)

Weeks 3–8: Standard Phase

• Ipamorelin: 200 mcg, 2–3x daily
• CJC-1295 (no DAC): 100–200 mcg, 2–3x daily

Weeks 9–12: Maintenance or Increase

• Continue at standard doses, or increase Ipamorelin to 300 mcg if response has plateaued
• After 12 weeks, take a 4-week break before repeating

Cycling

A common approach is 5 days on, 2 days off (weekdays on, weekends off). This helps prevent receptor desensitization. Alternatively, run 8–12 weeks continuously followed by 4 weeks off.

Reconstitution Tips

Both peptides arrive as lyophilized powder and must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use.

Standard Reconstitution

• Add 2 mL of BAC water to each vial
• For a 5 mg Ipamorelin vial: 5,000 mcg / 2 mL = 2,500 mcg/mL
• For a 2 mg CJC-1295 vial: 2,000 mcg / 2 mL = 1,000 mcg/mL

Use the Reconstitution Calculator for exact concentrations and injection volumes based on your specific vial sizes.

Co-Administration in One Syringe

You can draw both peptides into a single syringe to reduce injections:

• Draw Ipamorelin first
• Then draw CJC-1295 into the same syringe
• Administer as a single subcutaneous injection

Storage

Reconstituted vials should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within 3–4 weeks. Never freeze reconstituted peptides.

Expected Timeline of Effects

• Week 1–2: Improved sleep quality is typically the first noticeable effect. Vivid dreams are common.
• Week 3–4: Increased energy and faster recovery from workouts. Some users report mild water retention.
• Week 5–8: Gradual improvements in body composition, skin quality, and recovery speed.
• Week 8–12: Cumulative effects become more apparent. GH optimization is a slow process — expect gradual, not dramatic, changes.

Side Effects to Monitor

• Water retention — common in the first few weeks, usually resolves
• Tingling or numbness in hands — a sign of GH activity; reduce dose if persistent
• Increased hunger — Ipamorelin mimics ghrelin and may increase appetite
• Fatigue or lethargy — usually indicates dosing too high; reduce and reassess

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are research peptides not approved by the FDA for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any peptide protocol.