peptideInjectableNot FDA-approvedResearch chemicalProhibited in sport (WADA S2)
CJC-1295Benefits, Dosage & Interactions
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide classified as a Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog. It was originally developed with the intention of treating medical conditions such as lipodystrophy, a disorder characterized by abnormal fat distribution, and growth hormone deficiency. Research on CJC-1295 focuses on skin and hair and tissue recovery.
Researched by DoseRoutine R&D TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSELast updated
Evidence: Moderate — One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.
Evidence strengthModerate · 3/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.
Plasma half-life
~30 min (estimated)
Typical timing
bedtime
Food rule
empty stomach
Default unit
mcg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- Single subcutaneous amounts of 30, 60, 125 and 250 µg/kg were studied in the phase 1 trial[1]
- Route studied
- Subcutaneous injection[1]
- Frequency
- Single or weekly/biweekly administration in the phase 1 protocol[1]
- Cycle length
- Up to 49 days of follow-up in the published trial[1]
- Half-life
- Approximately 5.8–8.1 days for the DAC-conjugated form[1]
- Storage
- Lyophilized peptide refrigerated; reconstituted solution refrigerated[1]
Worked example: a 2 mg vial reconstituted with 2 ml of bacteriostatic water gives 1 mg/ml, so a 100 mcg amount measures 10 units on a U-100 syringe. Open this in the reconstitution calculator.
Reported for CJC-1295 in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
CJC-1295 compared with similar compounds
| Attribute | Sermorelin | Tesamorelin | CJC-1295 | Ipamorelin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class | GHRH (1-29) analog | Stabilized GHRH analog | GHRH analog (DAC-conjugated) | Selective ghrelin receptor (GHS-R) agonist |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous once daily | Subcutaneous injection | Subcutaneous injection |
| Half-life | ~11–12 minutes | ~26–38 minutes | ~5.8–8 days with DAC | ~2 hours |
| Evidence grade | Moderate | Strong | Limited | Preclinical |
| Oral stability | Not orally available | Not orally available | Not orally available | Not orally available |
| Typical published cycle | Daily dosing in published studies | 26–52 weeks in the pivotal trials | Weekly dosing in the published phase 1 work | No established human protocol |
| Main studied use | Growth hormone secretion / GH deficiency testing | HIV-associated visceral adiposity | Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation | Selective GH release without prolactin/cortisol rise |
References & evidence
Documents the CJC-1295 entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]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 adultsTeichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, et al. · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2006 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 16352683
How to track CJC-1295 doses
CJC-1295 is tracked as a protocol rather than a single reminder: a vial with a concentration, a schedule that may be titrated or cycled, and a rotation of injection sites. Here is the record that keeps all three consistent.
- 1
Record the vial and concentration
Log the vial strength and the volume of bacteriostatic water you added so CJC-1295 is stored as a concentration rather than a guess. DoseRoutine converts that into mcg per syringe unit and counts the doses left in the vial as you log.
- 2
Set the schedule, not just a reminder
Enter the dose in mcg and the frequency (typical timing: bedtime). Cycled protocols get a start and end date so the history stays accurate when CJC-1295 comes out of the routine.
- 3
Rotate and log the injection site
Pick the site at the moment you log the dose. The site map shows what you used last and how recently, which is the part that drifts fastest when two compounds run on different frequencies.
- 4
Log adherence, not intentions
Mark each dose taken, skipped or delayed as it happens. Weeks of honest logs are what make an adherence rate or a trend line meaningful; retrospective guessing is not.
- 5
Review against outcomes
Review CJC-1295 alongside your logged metrics and any relevant blood work every few weeks before changing the dose, so the change is a response to data rather than to a good or bad day.
What to log each time
- Dose in mcg and the syringe units it worked out to
- Vial: reconstitution date, concentration, doses remaining
- Injection site and time
- Any side effects in the 24 h after the dose
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document CJC-1295 dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is CJC-1295 studied for?
What is CJC-1295?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide classified as a Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog. It was originally developed with the intention of treating medical conditions such as lipodystrophy, a disorder characterized by abnormal fat distribution, and growth hormone deficiency. Its primary action is to stimulate the release of growth hormone (GH) from the pituitary gland. Unlike naturally occurring GHRH, CJC-1295 incorporates a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology which allows it to have a much longer half-life, meaning it remains active in the body for an extended period compared to natural GHRH. This prolonged action reduces the frequency of administration needed. It is not currently approved by the FDA for human use and is considered a research chemical, often found in contexts related to bodybuilding and anti-aging, though its safety and efficacy for these uses are not established.
CJC-1295 is an injectable compound and is classified as controlled, meaning its use must be directed by a licensed clinician.
What does the research say about CJC-1295?
Tap a section to expand.
CJC-1295 functions by mimicking the actions of endogenous Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). GHRH is a hypothalamic peptide that binds to specific GHRH receptors on somatotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. This binding stimulates these cells to synthesize and secrete growth hormone (GH). CJC-1295 specifically targets these GHRH receptors.
The unique aspect of CJC-1295 is its incorporation of a Drug Affinity Complex (DAC). The DAC allows CJC-1295 to bind reversibly to albumin, a common protein in blood plasma. This binding to albumin protects the peptide from enzymatic degradation, significantly extending its half-life from a few minutes (for natural GHRH) to several days. By having a prolonged presence in the bloodstream, CJC-1295 provides a sustained pulsatile release of growth hormone rather than a single acute burst. This sustained action is thought to more closely mimic the natural pulsatile release pattern of GH by the body, potentially leading to more consistent elevation of GH and subsequently, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels. IGF-1 is a key mediator of many of GH's anabolic effects. (PubChem)
Source for this section: Sources for How does CJC-1295 work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
While CJC-1295 is not approved for human therapeutic use, research and anecdotal reports suggest several potential benefits related to its growth hormone-releasing properties:
* **Increased Muscle Mass and Strength:** By elevating growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, CJC-1295 may promote protein synthesis and muscle cell proliferation, leading to an increase in lean muscle mass and improved strength. This is one of the primary reasons for its interest in bodybuilding circles.
* **Fat Loss:** Growth hormone is known to have lipolytic effects, meaning it can promote the breakdown of fat cells. Increased GH levels induced by CJC-1295 might contribute to a reduction in body fat, particularly visceral fat.
* **Improved Recovery:** Enhanced growth hormone levels can aid in tissue repair and regeneration, potentially leading to faster recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage or injury.
* **Enhanced Bone Density:** Growth hormone plays a crucial role in bone metabolism. Sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 might contribute to increased bone mineral density, which could be beneficial for bone health.
* **Improved Skin Elasticity and Collagen Production:** Growth hormone has been implicated in epidermal and dermal health. Increased GH levels might enhance collagen synthesis, potentially leading to improved skin elasticity and a more youthful appearance.
* **Better Sleep Quality:** Some anecdotal reports suggest improvements in sleep quality, although direct mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Growth hormone release is naturally higher during deep sleep.
It is important to reiterate that these potential benefits are largely derived from studies on growth hormone itself or early research on CJC-1295, and human clinical trials establishing the safety and efficacy of CJC-1295 for these specific outcomes are limited. This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Clinical research into CJC-1295 has investigated its potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly for conditions involving growth hormone deficiency or muscle wasting. Early studies in healthy adults demonstrated that a single injection of CJC-1295 could significantly increase plasma growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels for up to 14 days, with concentrations remaining above baseline for several weeks. These studies highlighted the long-acting nature of the compound due to its DAC technology (PubChem).
For example, a study published in the *Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism* (cited via PubChem) showed that CJC-1295 administration resulted in a sustained, dose-dependent increase in GH and IGF-1 in healthy subjects, with some subjects exhibiting elevated levels for over a week post-injection. The study noted that CJC-1295 maintained GH pulsatility, suggesting it acts in a physiological manner to stimulate GH release rather than causing a constant, unregulated flood.
However, it's crucial to note that while these early studies demonstrated efficacy in raising GH and IGF-1, comprehensive long-term human studies establishing the safety and efficacy of CJC-1295 for specific therapeutic uses like muscle building or anti-aging in non-deficient populations are limited or ongoing. The compound is not approved by major regulatory bodies like the FDA for therapeutic use. The evidence primarily supports its mechanism of action as a potent, long-acting GHRH analog, but not its established benefits for the general population in non-medical contexts. Further rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential, safety profile, and appropriate indications. (PubChem, DrugBank)
As with any compound that significantly alters hormonal levels, CJC-1295 can cause a range of side effects. These may include:
* **Injection Site Reactions:** Common side effects often include pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.
* **Headache:** Mild to moderate headaches have been reported.
* **Nausea and Dizziness:** Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset or lightheadedness.
* **Flushing:** A sensation of warmth and redness, particularly in the face and neck.
* **Fatigue:** Feelings of tiredness or lethargy.
* **Water Retention:** Due to growth hormone's effects on fluid balance, some users might experience temporary water retention or edema.
* **Increased Appetite:** Growth hormone can influence metabolism and appetite.
* **Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:** Sustained elevation of GH and IGF-1 can sometimes lead to nerve compression, particularly in the hands.
* **Acromegaly-like Symptoms (with prolonged, high-dose use):** Although less likely with controlled physiological release, excessive growth hormone over extended periods could theoretically lead to symptoms similar to acromegaly, such as joint pain, thickening of skin, and changes in facial features or extremity size. (MedlinePlus on high GH effects)
* **Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Fluctuations:** Growth hormone can antagonize insulin action, potentially leading to elevated blood glucose levels and, in susceptible individuals, increased risk of insulin resistance or exacerbation of pre-existing diabetes. (NIH ODS on growth hormone effects)
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
CJC-1295 is an unapproved research chemical, and its use carries significant warnings:
* **Regulatory Status:** CJC-1295 is not approved by the FDA or other major regulatory bodies for human therapeutic use. Its quality, purity, and safety outside of research settings are not guaranteed.
* **Hormonal Imbalance:** Modulating growth hormone levels can have profound and widespread effects on the endocrine system. Unsupervised use can lead to hormonal imbalances with unknown long-term consequences.
* **Potential for Abuse:** Due to its purported muscle-building and fat-loss effects, there is a risk of misuse or abuse in athletic and bodybuilding communities, often without medical supervision.
* **Effects on Glucose Metabolism:** Growth hormone can induce insulin resistance and elevate blood glucose. Individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes should exercise extreme caution, as it could worsen glycemic control. Regular monitoring of blood sugar is critical.
* **Cardiovascular Risks:** Long-term effects of elevated GH and IGF-1 on cardiovascular health in otherwise healthy individuals are not fully understood and warrant caution.
* **Cancer Risk:** The role of elevated IGF-1 in certain cancers is a subject of ongoing research. Unregulated increases in IGF-1 potentially could promote growth of existing cancerous cells, though definitive links in humans from GHRH mimetics are not established. (NIH ODS on IGF-1 and cancer)
* **Administration:** As an injectable compound, proper sterile techniques are crucial to avoid infections, abscesses, or other complications at the injection site.
* **Lack of Long-Term Safety Data:** Most studies are short-term. The long-term safety profile of CJC-1295, particularly in healthy individuals, is not well-established.
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
CJC-1295 should NOT be used by individuals with the following conditions or circumstances:
* **Active Cancer:** Due to the potential for growth hormone and IGF-1 to promote cell proliferation, individuals with any active cancer or a history of cancer, particularly those sensitive to growth factors, should avoid CJC-1295. (NIH ODS)
* **Uncontrolled Diabetes or Impaired Glucose Tolerance:** The compound can worsen glucose control and should be avoided by individuals with diabetes that is not well-managed or those with severe insulin resistance. (MedlinePlus)
* **Pituitary Tumors:** Individuals with any existing pituitary gland tumors or disorders should not use CJC-1295, as it directly acts on the pituitary gland and could exacerbate such conditions.
* **Hypersensitivity:** Known allergy or hypersensitivity to CJC-1295 or any of its components.
* **Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:** There is no safety data for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Due to its hormonal effects, it is contraindicated in these populations.
* **Children and Adolescents:** CJC-1295 is not intended for use in pediatric populations unless specifically indicated and supervised for growth hormone deficiency by an endocrinologist.
* **Acute Critical Illness:** As with other growth hormone secretagogues, it may be contraindicated in individuals experiencing acute critical illness due to potential adverse metabolic effects.
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
While specific drug-interaction studies for CJC-1295 are limited due to its research chemical status, based on its mechanism of action and effects on growth hormone, several categories of compounds should be approached with extreme caution or avoided:
* **Other Growth Hormone Secretagogues/Analogs:** Combining CJC-1295 with other compounds that raise growth hormone (e.g., GHRH mimetics, GHRPs like GHRP-2, GHRP-6, Ipamorelin, or exogenous growth hormone) can lead to excessive and potentially dangerous elevation of GH and IGF-1, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as acromegaly-like symptoms, insulin resistance, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
* **Insulin and Oral Antidiabetic Medications:** CJC-1295 can induce insulin resistance and increase blood glucose levels. If combined with insulin or other antidiabetic drugs, careful monitoring of blood glucose is critical, and dosage adjustments of antidiabetic medications may be necessary to prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. (MedlinePlus)
* **Corticosteroids:** Corticosteroids can suppress growth hormone secretion and action. Combining them with CJC-1295 might diminish its effectiveness or create conflicting physiological signals.
* **Thyroid Hormones:** Interactions between growth hormone and thyroid hormones are complex. Imbalances in one can affect the other, warranting caution and monitoring if both are used.
* **Sex Hormones (e.g., Estrogens, Androgens):** Sex hormones can influence growth hormone pulsatility and IGF-1 levels. Concurrent use may require close monitoring of hormonal balance.
This is educational information, not medical advice - consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
CJC-1295 is typically administered at bedtime. The rationale for nighttime administration is to synchronize with the body's natural pulsatile release of growth hormone, which is often highest during deep sleep. Administering it before bed aims to enhance these natural peaks and potentially optimize its effectiveness for subsequent physiological processes like muscle repair and recovery that occur overnight. Furthermore, some of the immediate side effects like drowsiness or mild dizziness, if they occur, would be less disruptive during sleep. It is typically advised to administer CJC-1299 on an empty stomach to potentially enhance absorption and prevent interference from food, particularly carbohydrates and fats, which can influence growth hormone release.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take CJC-1295?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
What interacts with CJC-1295?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IGF-1 LR3 | Caution | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | A GH secretagogue plus exogenous IGF-1 pushes the same GH/IGF-1 axis from two directions; redundant and can overstimulate with feedback effects.Source pending | Treat as same-axis stacking; needs provider oversight and a clear rationale. |
| Ipamorelin | Note | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | Commonly combined GH secretagogues that act on complementary receptors; frequently stacked intentionally rather than redundantly.Source pending | Often used together on purpose; still provider-supervised territory. |
| Sermorelin | Caution | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | Two GHRH-type analogs push the same node of the axis; redundant.Source pending | Same-axis redundancy; usually pick one. |
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a research peptide. What follows is drawn from peer-reviewed literature indexed on PubMed, FDA label text where a label exists, and NIH reference records.
CJC-1295 is commonly discussed in the context of supporting skin-hair and recovery. Individual response varies, and use should be reviewed with a licensed clinician who can weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.
For CJC-1295, it is typically administered by injection, it is typically taken in the evening, and it is usually taken on an empty stomach. Always follow the specific dose your clinician or the product label prescribes.
CJC-1295 carries potential side effects and drug interactions, documented in NIH, Mayo Clinic, and FDA label sources. CJC-1295 is classified as a controlled substance in some jurisdictions, so legal status and prescribing rules apply. Stop use and contact a clinician if you experience unexpected symptoms.
CJC-1295 is a peptide, and interactions are possible with prescriptions, hormones, peptides and other supplements in the same routine. Because CJC-1295 is usually taken in the evening, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers CJC-1295 with no sign-up.
Combining a peptide like CJC-1295 with TRT is usually a question of labs rather than a blanket yes or no: the ester, injection interval and any aromatase inhibitor all change the answer. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Each peptide class carries its own profile against CJC-1295: a healing peptide raises different questions than a GLP-1 agonist or a growth-hormone secretagogue. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for CJC-1295 varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken in the evening. Most protocols have it taken on an empty stomach. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of CJC-1295 depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. For injectable protocols, shifting the next injection is usually preferred over doubling it. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For an injectable like CJC-1295 the record needs more than a checkbox: vial concentration, the measured volume, and which site the last injection went into. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
Which studies looked at CJC-1295?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.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(opens PubMed in a new tab)J Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2006 · PMID 16352683 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16352683/
- 2.Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog(opens PubMed in a new tab)J Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2006 · PMID 17018654 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17018654/
- 3.Netnography of Female Use of the Synthetic Growth Hormone CJC-1295: Pulses and Potions(opens PubMed in a new tab)Subst Use Misuse · 2016 · PMID 26771670 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26771670/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 91971820(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/91971820
Verify at
Publisher search links for CJC-1295. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Institutes of Health · publisher search
- MedlinePlus(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- DailyMed labeling archive(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on CJC-1295?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide classified as a Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) analog. It was originally developed with the intention of treating medical conditions such as lipodystrophy, a disorder characterized by abnormal fat distribution, and growth hormone deficiency. Research on CJC-1295 focuses on skin and hair and tissue recovery.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/cjc-1295
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). CJC-1295 — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/cjc-1295
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