CJC-1295 Dosage Calculator: Find Your Optimal Dose for Maximum Results
Calculate your ideal CJC-1295 dose with our dosing charts, reconstitution guide, and protocols for both DAC and no-DAC versions.
- CJC-1295 comes in two forms: with DAC (long-acting, dosed 1-2x weekly) and without DAC (short-acting, dosed daily)
- CJC-1295 without DAC typically ranges from 100-300 mcg daily, often combined with Ipamorelin for enhanced effects
- CJC-1295 with DAC is typically dosed at 1-2 mg once or twice per week due to its extended 6-8 day half-life
- Bedtime administration aligns with your body's natural growth hormone release cycle for optimal results
- All CJC-1295 therapy requires prescription and supervision by a licensed healthcare provider
Important: Compounded medications are not FDA-reviewed for safety, quality, or efficacy. A licensed healthcare provider must evaluate whether CJC-1295 is appropriate for you.
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What is CJC-1295 and How Does It Work?
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that mimics growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It signals your pituitary gland to produce and release more growth hormone naturally, rather than introducing synthetic growth hormone directly into your body.
What makes CJC-1295 unique is its modified structure that resists enzymatic breakdown, allowing it to remain active longer than natural GHRH. This results in sustained, dose-dependent increases in both growth hormone and IGF-1 levels.
The key distinction: There are two versions of CJC-1295, and understanding the difference is critical for proper dosing:
- CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex): Binds to albumin in your blood, extending its half-life to 6-8 days
- CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Mod GRF 1-29): Has a shorter half-life of approximately 30 minutes, mimicking natural pulsatile GH release
CJC-1295 DAC vs No DAC: Which Version and Why It Matters for Dosing
Choosing between these two versions significantly impacts your dosing schedule, frequency, and protocol design.
When to Choose CJC-1295 Without DAC
- You want to mimic natural pulsatile GH release patterns
- You prefer more control over timing and can adjust quickly if needed
- You plan to stack with Ipamorelin or other peptides
- You want flexibility to stop or adjust dosing rapidly
When to Choose CJC-1295 With DAC
- You prefer less frequent injections (1-2x per week)
- Convenience is a priority
- You want sustained, continuous GH elevation
- You're focused on long-term anti-aging or recovery protocols
CJC-1295 Dosage Ranges by Version
CJC-1295 Without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) Dosing
CJC-1295 With DAC Dosing
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin Combination Dosing
The most popular protocol combines CJC-1295 (no DAC) with Ipamorelin for synergistic effects. CJC-1295 stimulates GH release through the GHRH pathway, while Ipamorelin works through the ghrelin receptor pathway. Together, they amplify growth hormone release without significantly affecting cortisol or prolactin.
How to Calculate Your CJC-1295 Dose
Calculating your dose requires understanding the relationship between vial concentration, syringe units, and your target mcg dose.
Step 1: Determine Your Vial Concentration
After reconstitution, your concentration depends on how much bacteriostatic water you add:
For CJC-1295 Without DAC (typical 2mg or 5mg vials):
For CJC-1295 With DAC (typical 2mg or 5mg vials):
Step 2: Calculate Units on Your Syringe
Using a standard U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 ml):
Formula: Units to draw = (Desired dose in mcg / Concentration in mcg/ml) x 100
Example calculations for CJC-1295 No DAC at 1 mg/ml (1000 mcg/ml):
Example calculations for CJC-1295 DAC at 2.5 mg/ml (2500 mcg/ml):
Quick Reference Cards
For a 2 mg CJC-1295 No DAC vial reconstituted with 2 ml bacteriostatic water (1 mg/ml):
For a 5 mg CJC-1295 DAC vial reconstituted with 2 ml bacteriostatic water (2.5 mg/ml):
Reconstitution: Mixing Your CJC-1295 Properly
Proper reconstitution ensures your peptide maintains potency and delivers accurate doses.
What You Need
- CJC-1295 lyophilized powder vial
- Bacteriostatic water (not sterile water or saline)
- Sterile syringes (one for mixing, separate ones for injections)
- Alcohol swabs
- Clean, flat work surface
Reconstitution Process
1. Prepare your workspace: Clean your surface and wash your hands thoroughly. Gather all supplies before starting.
2. Clean the vial tops: Wipe the rubber stoppers of both the CJC-1295 vial and bacteriostatic water with alcohol swabs. Allow to air dry.
3. Draw the bacteriostatic water: Using a sterile syringe, draw your calculated amount of bacteriostatic water.
4. Add water to the CJC-1295 vial: Insert the needle at an angle, aiming the stream at the glass wall rather than directly onto the powder. Add water slowly.
5. Allow to dissolve: Let the vial sit for 1-2 minutes. The powder should dissolve on its own. If needed, gently roll the vial between your palms. Never shake the vial as this can damage the peptide structure.
6. Inspect the solution: The reconstituted CJC-1295 should be clear and colorless. Do not use if cloudy, discolored, or containing visible particles.
Storage After Reconstitution
- Refrigerate at 36-46°F (2-8°C)
- Keep away from light
- Use within 28-30 days of reconstitution
- Never freeze reconstituted peptide
- Lyophilized (unreconstituted) powder can be stored frozen at -4°F (-20°C) for longer shelf life
Administration Protocol
Timing Your Injection
For CJC-1295 Without DAC:Administer at bedtime, approximately 30-60 minutes before sleep. This aligns with your body's natural growth hormone release pattern during deep sleep.
Timing guidelines:
- Inject on an empty stomach (at least 90-120 minutes after eating)
- Avoid eating for 30-60 minutes after injection
- Maintain consistent timing each night
- If stacking with Ipamorelin, inject both at the same time
For CJC-1295 With DAC:Timing is less critical due to the extended half-life. Many users inject in the evening for convenience, but morning dosing is also acceptable. Maintain consistent days (e.g., every Monday and Thursday).
Injection Technique
CJC-1295 is administered via subcutaneous injection into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin.
Preferred injection sites:
- Abdomen (2 inches away from navel)
- Front or outer thigh
- Back of upper arm
Site rotation: Alternate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation, scarring, or lipodystrophy.
Weekly Schedule Options
CJC-1295 Without DAC (Standard Protocol):
- 5 days on, 2 days off (e.g., Sunday-Thursday, rest Friday-Saturday)
- Or daily dosing for 8-12 weeks
CJC-1295 With DAC:
- Once weekly (e.g., every Monday)
- Or twice weekly, spaced 3-4 days apart (e.g., Monday and Thursday)
Treatment Phases and Cycle Length
Phase 1: Initial Assessment (Weeks 1-2)
Your body is adjusting to CJC-1295 therapy. Start with conservative doses to assess tolerance.
What to expect:
- Improved sleep depth and quality (often the first noticeable effect)
- Possible injection site reactions (mild, temporary)
- Some users report vivid dreams
Phase 2: Optimization (Weeks 3-8)
Benefits become more noticeable as growth hormone and IGF-1 levels optimize.
What to expect:
- Increased energy and mental clarity
- Improved recovery from exercise
- Enhanced skin quality and elasticity
- Early body composition changes
Phase 3: Full Benefits (Weeks 8-12+)
Maximum benefits typically manifest by week 8-12.
What to expect:
- Continued body composition improvements (muscle gain, fat loss)
- Sustained energy and sleep benefits
- Improved workout recovery
- Potential dose adjustments based on lab work
Cycle Duration
CJC-1295 Without DAC: Most protocols run 8-12 weeks continuously, followed by a 4-6 week break. Some practitioners extend to 16 weeks with careful monitoring.
CJC-1295 With DAC: Similar 8-12 week cycles are common. The longer half-life means effects persist for several days after stopping, so plan your off-cycle accordingly.
Signs Your Dose May Need Adjustment
Signs Your Dose May Be Too Low
- No improvement in sleep quality after 2-3 weeks
- Minimal energy changes after 6-8 weeks
- Lab work shows IGF-1 levels unchanged from baseline
Signs Your Dose May Be Too High
- Water retention (puffy hands, ankles, face)
- Tingling or numbness in extremities (paresthesia)
- Joint stiffness or discomfort
- Headaches, particularly in the morning
- Carpal tunnel-like symptoms
- Changes in blood sugar levels
If you experience these symptoms, contact your provider. Dose reduction or temporarily stopping typically resolves these effects within a few days (faster with no-DAC version due to shorter half-life).
Factors That Affect Your Response
Lifestyle Factors
Sleep: CJC-1295 works synergistically with your natural sleep-related GH release. Poor sleep habits can significantly diminish results.
Diet: Avoid eating close to injection time. Elevated insulin blunts growth hormone release. A protein-adequate diet supports anabolic effects.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, particularly resistance training, enhances CJC-1295's effects on body composition.
Fasting State: Inject when insulin levels are low (fasted or at least 90+ minutes after eating) for maximum GH response.
Medical Factors
Age: Older individuals may require dose adjustments and typically experience more gradual results.
Body composition: Higher body fat percentages may require dosing considerations.
Other medications: Glucocorticoids, thyroid hormones, and insulin can interact with CJC-1295's effects.
Underlying conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other hormonal conditions require careful monitoring during therapy.
CJC-1295 vs Sermorelin: Key Differences
Both peptides stimulate growth hormone release, but they differ in important ways:
Common Questions
How long until I see results?
Most users notice sleep improvements within 1-2 weeks. Energy and body composition changes typically become apparent by weeks 6-12.
Should I use CJC-1295 alone or stack it?
CJC-1295 without DAC is commonly stacked with Ipamorelin for synergistic effects. CJC-1295 with DAC is often used alone due to its sustained action.
What if I miss a dose?
For no-DAC: Take your dose when you remember, unless it's close to your next scheduled dose. Don't double up.For DAC: Due to the long half-life, missing one dose has less impact. Simply resume your regular schedule.
Can I switch between DAC and no-DAC versions?
Yes, but don't use both simultaneously. If switching, allow the previous version to clear your system first (a few days for no-DAC, 1-2 weeks for DAC).
Is CJC-1295 safe long-term?
Clinical studies have shown CJC-1295 to be well-tolerated with minimal side effects at appropriate doses. Long-term safety requires ongoing monitoring with your healthcare provider.
Working With Your Healthcare Provider
CJC-1295 therapy requires a prescription and medical supervision. Your provider should:
- Evaluate your medical history and current health status
- Order baseline lab work (IGF-1, metabolic panel, hormones)
- Help you choose between DAC and no-DAC versions based on your goals
- Determine an appropriate starting dose
- Monitor your progress with follow-up labs and consultations
- Adjust your protocol based on your response
Be proactive in communicating with your provider about your response, any side effects, and your treatment goals.
Important Safety Information
- CJC-1295 is a prescription medication requiring evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider
- Compounded CJC-1295 is not FDA-reviewed for safety, quality, or efficacy
- Do not use if you have active cancer, diabetic retinopathy, or are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly
- Store and handle your medication according to pharmacy instructions
- Never share your medication with others
- Do not combine DAC and no-DAC versions simultaneously
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Individual results vary based on numerous factors including age, health status, and adherence to treatment protocols.
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