These compounds push the body’s own growth hormone release instead of replacing it. Tesamorelin is the only one approved today; the rest rely on older trials or community practice.
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved (Egrifta WR, 1.28 mg daily) to reduce belly fat in HIV lipodystrophy. The label builds in IGF-1 and blood sugar checks.
CJC-1295 with DAC lasts about a week per dose; without DAC it lasts about 30 minutes. The two are dosed completely differently.
Anything that raises growth hormone can raise blood sugar and cause fluid retention. IGF-1 and fasting glucose are the numbers to track.
| Compound | Evidence | Common dose | Frequency | Cycle, first 26 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TesamorelinGHRH analog | Approved drug | 1–2 mg daily | Once daily | Continuous |
| SermorelinGHRH analog | Human studies | 200–300 mcg nightly | Once nightly | No set cycle |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC)GHRH analog | Preclinical | 100 mcg, 1–3× daily | 1–3× daily (bedtime most common) | 12 weeks on, 4 off |
| CJC-1295 with DACLong-acting GHRH analog | Human studies | 1 mg weekly | Once weekly | 12 weeks on, 4 off |
| IpamorelinGhrelin-receptor agonist (GHRP) | Human studies | 100–300 mcg, 1–3× daily | 1–3× daily (bedtime most common) | 12 weeks on, 4 off |
| CJC-1295 + IpamorelinGH secretagogue blend | Blend | 100 mcg of each, nightly | Once nightly | 12 weeks on, 4 off |
| Tesamorelin + IpamorelinGH secretagogue blend | Blend | 1 mg tesamorelin share, nightly | Once daily | 12 weeks on, 4 off |
| IGF-1 LR3IGF-1 analog | Preclinical | 20–50 mcg daily | Once daily | 4 weeks on, 4 off |
Each draw is worked out for the vial and water shown. The calculator can plan a whole run, including how many vials it takes.
| Period | Dose | Draw |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–1284 doses | 100 mcg | 5 units |
Mixed as 5 + 5 mg + 2.5 mL (2 mg/mL CJC-1295 (no DAC)). One vial holds 50 doses, about 7.1 weeks at this pace.
One nightly shot on an empty stomach, 2–3 hours after the last meal. Each draw carries 100 mcg of each peptide.
| Period | Dose | Draw |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–1212 doses | 1 mg | 40 units |
Mixed as 5 mg + 2 mL (2.5 mg/mL). One vial holds 5 doses, about 5 weeks at this pace.
The flat 1 mg weekly dose is community practice. The 2006 trials dosed by weight (30–60 mcg/kg).
| Period | Dose | Draw |
|---|---|---|
| Months 1–391 doses | 200 mcg | 10 units |
Mixed as 5 mg + 2.5 mL (2 mg/mL). One vial holds 25 doses, about 3.6 weeks at this pace.
Adult clinic practice. The only approved dose was for children (30 mcg/kg). Some start at 100 mcg.
| Period | Dose | Draw |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | 1 mg | 20 units |
Mixed as 10 mg + 2 mL (5 mg/mL). One vial holds 10 doses, about 10 days at this pace.
Research vials aren’t the approved Egrifta products, whose doses (1.28 or 1.4 mg) don’t transfer. Community use runs 1–2 mg daily.
Food, especially carbs and fat, blunts the growth hormone pulse. Guides time doses 2–3 hours after the last meal, usually at bedtime.
CommunityCheck IGF-1 and fasting glucose before starting and again 4–8 weeks in. The tesamorelin label says to consider stopping if IGF-1 stays well above normal.
Hand numbness or tingling (carpal tunnel), swollen hands or feet and joint aches point to too much growth hormone or IGF-1. Lower the dose or stop.
Pairs like CJC-1295 + ipamorelin add up. Don’t stack another GH-axis compound on top.
CJC-1295 with DAC stays active for days, so side effects last days too. Never dose it like the no-DAC version.
TrialDoses tagged Community come from public dosing guides and user reports, checked against at least two of them. Those sites aren’t named here because many of them sell peptides or earn commissions on them.
Each compound’s page lists its own sources.
The approved GLP-1 drugs, the newer investigational ones, and fat-loss peptides with far less evidence.
BPC-157, TB-500 and their blends, plus peptides aimed at joints, the gut and nerves.
Copper peptides, a cosmetic peptide and the two melanotans.
Selank, Semax, their blend, Adamax, Pinealon, DSIP and Cerebrolysin.
NAD+, MOTS-c, SS-31, glutathione and the bioregulator courses.
PT-141, hCG, kisspeptin-10 and oxytocin.
Thymosin alpha-1, Thymalin, KPV and VIP.