CJC-1295 + GHRP-2 Stack Protocol
CJC-1295 (no DAC) combined with GHRP-2 creates one of the most well-characterized synergistic growth hormone releasing stacks in peptide research. CJC-1295 is a modified GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) analog that amplifies GH pulse amplitude, while GHRP-2 is a potent ghrelin mimetic that initiates GH pulses through a separate receptor pathway. When administered together, they produce GH release 3-5 times greater than either peptide alone, closely mimicking the natural pulsatile pattern of endogenous GH secretion. This protocol covers combined SubQ dosing, timing optimization, reconstitution for both peptides, cycling, and advanced stacking strategies.
Protocol Overview
- Compounds
- CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) + GHRP-2
- Category
- Growth Hormone Optimization Stack
- Mechanism
- GHRH analog + Ghrelin mimetic; synergistic pituitary GH release via dual-receptor activation (GHRH-R + GHS-R1a)
- Half-Life
- CJC-1295: ~30 min | GHRP-2: ~15-25 min
- Form
- Lyophilized powder (CJC-1295 2mg, GHRP-2 5mg vials)
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Frequency
- 2-3x daily on empty stomach
- Cycle Length
- 12-16 weeks on, 4-8 weeks off
Dosing Protocol
| Protocol | CJC-1295 | GHRP-2 | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory | 100 mcg | 100 mcg | 2x daily (AM + PM) | 2 weeks |
| Standard | 100 mcg | 100 mcg | 3x daily (AM, post-WO, PM) | 12-16 weeks |
| Advanced | 100 mcg | 200 mcg | 3x daily (AM, post-WO, PM) | 12-16 weeks |
| Saturation | 1 mcg/kg | 1-2 mcg/kg | 3x daily | 12-16 weeks |
Key principle: Both peptides must be taken on an empty stomach. Fat and carbohydrates blunt GH release. Wait at least 30 minutes after injection before eating. The pre-bed dose is most important as it amplifies the natural nocturnal GH surge.
Reconstitution Guide
CJC-1295 no DAC (2mg vial)
- Diluent: 2mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 1mg/mL (1,000mcg/mL)
- 100mcg dose: 10 units on insulin syringe
- Vial yield: 20 doses at 100mcg
GHRP-2 (5mg vial)
- Diluent: 2.5mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 2mg/mL (2,000mcg/mL)
- 100mcg dose: 5 units on insulin syringe
- Vial yield: 50 doses at 100mcg
- Note: Can be drawn into same syringe as CJC-1295
Administration Guide
Injection Protocol
- Syringe: 29-31ga insulin syringe
- Sites: Abdominal fat, thigh, deltoid
- Combine: Draw both peptides into one syringe
- Fasting: No food 30 min before/after injection
- Best timing: AM fasted, post-workout, 30 min before bed
Storage & Handling
- Pre-reconstitution: Room temp or refrigerated
- Post-reconstitution: Refrigerate at 2-8°C
- Stability: 28-30 days once reconstituted
- Do not freeze: Freezing damages reconstituted peptides
Expected Timeline
Side Effects & Monitoring
Common Side Effects
- Increased appetite/hunger (GHRP-2 ghrelin effect)
- Water retention in first 1-2 weeks
- Tingling/numbness in extremities (transient)
- Mild head rush immediately post-injection
- Vivid dreams/deeper sleep
GHRP-2 has stronger appetite stimulation than GHRP-6 but less than MK-677. This can be managed with timing.
Precautions
- Monitor blood glucose (GH can reduce insulin sensitivity)
- GHRP-2 raises cortisol and prolactin transiently
- Avoid exceeding saturation dose (diminishing returns)
- Not recommended with active cancer (GH/IGF-1 proliferative)
- Cycle appropriately to maintain pituitary sensitivity
Stacking Recommendations
Compatible Compounds
- Ipamorelin: Can alternate with GHRP-2 for lower cortisol/prolactin
- BPC-157: Enhanced recovery and gut health
- TB-500: Tissue repair synergy
- AOD-9604: Additional fat loss via hGH fragment pathway
- MK-677: Oral GH secretagogue for off-injection days
Popular Stacks
- GH Optimization: CJC/GHRP-2 3x/day + MK-677 25mg at night
- Recovery: CJC/GHRP-2 2x/day + BPC-157 + TB-500
- Recomp: CJC/GHRP-2 3x/day + AOD-9604 300mcg
Blood Work Recommendations
| Panel | Markers | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| GH / IGF-1 | IGF-1, GH serum | Baseline, Week 6, Week 12 |
| Metabolic Panel | Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c | Baseline, Week 8, Week 16 |
| Hormonal | Cortisol, prolactin, thyroid (TSH, fT3, fT4) | Baseline, Week 8 |
| Liver/Kidney | CMP, ALT, AST, creatinine | Baseline, Week 12 |
IGF-1 is the primary marker for GH axis optimization. Monitor fasting glucose as chronic GH elevation can reduce insulin sensitivity. Check prolactin if using GHRP-2 long-term.
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