How CJC-1295 Dosage Calculation Works
The CJC 1295 dosage calculator on this page converts your dose in mcg to syringe units and volume for U-100 or U-40 syringes. CJC-1295 (no DAC) is dosed in micrograms per injection — because doses are small (100–200 mcg), reconstituting with more BAC water improves measurement accuracy by increasing the number of syringe units per dose.
- Concentration (mcg/mL) = Vial size (mg) × 1,000 ÷ BAC water added (mL)
- Units to draw = (Target dose in mcg ÷ Concentration) × 100 for U-100 syringe
Example: 10 mg vial + 3 mL BAC water = 3,333 mcg/mL. A 200 mcg dose ≈ 6 units on U-100 (0.06 mL). For more accurate measurement, add 6 mL BAC water (1,667 mcg/mL) — 200 mcg ≈ 12 units on U-100 (0.12 mL). Enter your values above for instant results.
CJC-1295 No-DAC vs. DAC — Dosing Comparison
The two forms of CJC-1295 have very different dosing schedules because of their different half-lives:
- CJC-1295 no DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): half-life ~30 minutes. Dosed 100–200 mcg per injection, up to 3× daily alongside a GHRP like ipamorelin.
- CJC-1295 with DAC: half-life ~6–8 days (albumin-bound). Dosed 1–2 mg once or twice per week. Creates a sustained GH "bleed" rather than pulsatile release.
This calculator defaults to the no-DAC form. If you are using CJC-1295 with DAC, switch the dose unit to mg and enter 1–2 mg. Use the peptide reconstitution calculator to find the right BAC water volume for either form.
Stacking CJC-1295 with Ipamorelin
CJC-1295 (no DAC) and ipamorelin are the most popular peptide stack for GH optimization. CJC-1295 (a GHRH analog) primes the pituitary by increasing the population of activated somatotrophs; ipamorelin (a GHRP) then triggers the GH pulse. Used together, they produce a synergistic GH release significantly larger than either peptide alone.
Standard stack protocol: 100–200 mcg of each, injected simultaneously. Draw the CJC-1295 dose first into the syringe, then add the ipamorelin dose on top. Inject subcutaneously 30–60 minutes before sleep on an empty stomach. See the ipamorelin dosage calculator for ipamorelin-specific unit math.
Choosing BAC Water Volume for CJC-1295
For a 10 mg CJC-1295 vial, here are common reconstitution options:
- 3 mL BAC water: 3,333 mcg/mL — 200 mcg ≈ 6 units on U-100; 100 mcg ≈ 3 units (imprecise).
- 6 mL BAC water: 1,667 mcg/mL — 200 mcg ≈ 12 units; 100 mcg ≈ 6 units. Good balance.
- 10 mL BAC water: 1,000 mcg/mL — 200 mcg = 20 units; 100 mcg = 10 units. Best for 100 mcg doses.
For standard 200 mcg doses, 6 mL gives a readable 12-unit draw. If you are dosing at the lower 100 mcg end, 10 mL gives a more readable 10-unit draw.
Injection Timing
CJC-1295 (no DAC) has a short half-life and should be injected close to the desired GH pulse window. Most common timing: bedtime on an empty stomach (to amplify the nocturnal GH pulse), or immediately pre-workout. Food and elevated insulin suppress the pituitary GH response, so fasting for at least 2 hours before injection is standard practice. When stacking with ipamorelin, inject both at the same time.
CJC-1295 vs. Sermorelin and Tesamorelin
All three are GHRH analogs, but they differ in peptide sequence and stability. Sermorelin is the original 29-amino-acid GHRH fragment; CJC-1295 (no DAC) is a modified version with four amino acid substitutions that improve its stability and half-life from ~7 minutes (sermorelin) to ~30 minutes. Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog that is FDA-approved and studied for visceral fat reduction in HIV lipodystrophy. All three work by the same GHRH mechanism and pair well with a GHRP for maximum GH output. See the sermorelin dosage calculator and tesamorelin dosage calculator.
CJC-1295 Benefits and Research
CJC-1295 (no DAC) works by binding to pituitary GHRH receptors and extending the duration of each natural GH pulse. The four amino acid substitutions that distinguish it from sermorelin (Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27 substitutions in the original GHRH sequence) increase plasma stability and receptor binding affinity, extending the half-life from approximately 7 minutes to ~30 minutes. This longer active window allows each injection to recruit significantly more somatotrophs into the pulse, amplifying GH output per dose.
The downstream effect of elevated GH pulses is increased hepatic IGF-1 production. Sustained IGF-1 elevation drives the benefits associated with GH optimization: increased lean body mass via nitrogen retention and protein synthesis, reduced adiposity (particularly visceral fat), improved sleep architecture, enhanced recovery from exercise, and improved skin collagen production. When stacked with ipamorelin, the GHRH priming effect of CJC-1295 and the GHRP triggering effect of ipamorelin produce a synergistic pulse significantly larger than either produces alone.
- GH pulse amplitude: 2–4× enhancement over GHRP alone when stacked (estimated from research on GHRH/GHRP combinations)
- Body composition: improved lean mass and reduced fat from sustained IGF-1 elevation over 8–12 weeks
- Sleep quality: deeper slow-wave sleep; GH secretion and sleep architecture are closely linked
- Recovery: improved exercise recovery and reduced muscle soreness reported by users
- Pulsatility preservation: short half-life maintains natural on/off GH pulsing, unlike DAC or exogenous GH
CJC-1295 Side Effects and Safety
CJC-1295 (no DAC) is generally well-tolerated, with a side effect profile driven primarily by the GH response rather than direct peptide toxicity. Effects are typically mild and transient, especially with low to moderate doses.
- GH flush — warmth, tingling, flushing sensation for 10–30 minutes post-injection; very common at first, typically diminishes over weeks
- Water retention — mild peripheral edema from IGF-1 elevation; usually resolves with dose adjustment or cycling
- Fatigue — mild, often reported after the first few injections; typically resolves as the body adapts
- Headache — transient; most common in the first week of use
- Injection site reactions — minor pain or erythema; rotate injection sites to reduce
- Numbness or tingling in extremities — from IGF-1 elevation; more common at higher doses or in longer protocols
CJC-1295 is not FDA-approved. It is available as a research peptide. Avoid use with a history of pituitary tumors, active malignancy, or untreated hypothyroidism, as GH stimulation in these conditions carries additional risks. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any GH peptide protocol.
Safe Handling and Storage
Reconstituted CJC-1295 should be refrigerated at 2–8°C and used within 28 days. Never freeze reconstituted peptide. Lyophilized powder should be stored frozen at −20°C for long-term storage. Always use aseptic technique: wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab before each draw and use a fresh needle for every injection. Dispose of sharps in a puncture-resistant container.
Sources & References
- Bacteriostatic Water for Injection — FDA Information — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Insulin Syringe and Injection Guidance — American Diabetes Association
- Safe Injection Practices and Reconstitution Guidance — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention