CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin: Dosage, Side Effects, FDA Status

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin: Why This Growth Hormone Peptide Stack Works

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is a two-peptide stack that raises your own growth hormone (GH): CJC-1295 is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that strengthens the pituitary's release signal, and ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin mimetic that triggers the GH pulse itself. In healthy adults a single CJC-1295 injection raised mean GH 2 to 10 fold for 6 days or more (Teichman et al., 2006), but neither peptide is FDA approved and the combination has not been tested in a published human trial.

CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin individually stimulate growth hormone release through different pathways, and combined they produce a synergistic effect that is greater than either peptide alone. The stack has become one of the most widely used growth hormone peptide protocols in functional and regenerative medicine. Prescribers favor it because it offers some of the effects of growth hormone therapy at a fraction of the cost of synthetic HGH, with a lower risk of the side effects seen at high HGH doses, although long-term safety data are limited.

Next step: Read the peptide therapy guide, then find vetted clinics that list CJC-1295 and ipamorelin-style peptides.

Peptide therapy guide · Find vetted peptide therapy clinics

If you have been curious about growth hormone optimization but do not want to jump straight to synthetic HGH (which carries higher risks and costs), the CJC-1295/Ipamorelin stack is the starting point many peptide prescribers suggest. It is usually prescribed by functional medicine physicians, age management and longevity clinics, nurse practitioners and some endocrinologists, as part of broader peptide therapy.

Key Takeaways

A single injection of CJC-1295 raised mean GH 2 to 10 fold for 6 days or more and IGF-1 1.5 to 3 fold for 9 to 11 days in healthy adults, with an estimated half-life of 5.8 to 8.1 days, according to Teichman et al. (2006).
Ipamorelin was described by Raun et al. (1998) as the first selective growth hormone secretagogue, because it released GH without the cortisol and prolactin rise seen with GHRP-6 and GHRP-2.
GHRH and GH-releasing peptides act synergistically in people, according to Bowers et al. (1990), which is the rationale for the stack; no published human trial has tested CJC-1295 and ipamorelin together.
Neither peptide is FDA approved: the FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted against adding ipamorelin (October 2024) and CJC-1295 (December 2024) to the 503A bulks list for compounding.
Clinic protocols typically use 100 to 300 mcg of each peptide at bedtime for 8 to 12 week cycles, with IGF-1 and fasting glucose checks; these doses come from clinical practice rather than trials.

At a Glance

CJC-1295 is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog that extends the natural GH pulse signal
Ipamorelin is a growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) that mimics ghrelin to trigger a GH pulse
Combined, they stimulate growth hormone through two complementary pathways, producing a stronger and more physiologic GH release than either alone
Reported benefits include improved body composition (less fat, more lean mass), better sleep quality, faster recovery, improved skin quality, and enhanced joint health
Available with DAC (drug affinity complex, for longer-acting effects) or without DAC (for sharper, more pulsatile GH release)
Typical protocols involve subcutaneous injections once daily (usually at bedtime) for 8 to 12 week cycles
Side effects are generally mild: water retention, occasional numbness/tingling, increased hunger with ipamorelin
Lab monitoring (IGF-1, fasting glucose) is recommended during use

Understanding the Two Peptides

CJC-1295: The GHRH Analog

Your pituitary gland releases growth hormone in pulses throughout the day, with the largest pulse occurring during deep sleep. These pulses are triggered by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which is produced in the hypothalamus. CJC-1295 is a synthetic analog of GHRH, meaning it mimics the natural signal that tells your pituitary to release GH.¹

What makes CJC-1295 different from natural GHRH is stability. Natural GHRH is broken down in the blood within minutes. CJC-1295 has been modified to resist enzymatic degradation, giving it a much longer active life. This means each dose sustains the “release GH” signal for hours rather than minutes.

CJC-1295 comes in two forms:

CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex): DAC allows the peptide to bind to albumin in the blood, extending its half-life to approximately 6 to 8 days. This creates a sustained, steady elevation of growth hormone levels. Dosed once or twice per week.
CJC-1295 without DAC (also called Modified GRF 1-29 or Mod GRF): Shorter half-life of approximately 30 minutes. This produces sharper, more defined GH pulses that more closely mimic natural physiology. Dosed once or twice daily.

Ipamorelin: The Ghrelin Mimetic

Ipamorelin belongs to a different class of growth hormone secretagogues. Rather than mimicking GHRH, it mimics ghrelin, the “hunger hormone” that also triggers GH release through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) in the pituitary.²

What makes Ipamorelin stand out among GH-releasing peptides is its selectivity. Older GHRPs like GHRP-6 and GHRP-2 also stimulate GH release, but they come with significant spikes in cortisol and prolactin. Ipamorelin is highly selective for GH release with minimal effect on cortisol or prolactin. This cleaner profile is why it has become the preferred GHRP for most clinical applications.

Ipamorelin also causes less intense hunger spikes compared to GHRP-6, though some appetite increase is still common (ghrelin receptors are involved in appetite signaling).

Much of the selectivity data for ipamorelin comes from animal and cell studies. In people, the largest controlled trial of ipamorelin tested it as an intravenous treatment for postoperative ileus after bowel surgery, not for growth hormone goals, so human evidence for the way clinics use it remains thin.⁹

The Synergy: Why Combining Them Works Better

CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin stimulate GH release through two distinct receptor pathways:

CJC-1295 activates the GHRH receptor (amplifying the release signal)
Ipamorelin activates the GHS receptor (initiating the release pulse)

When both pathways are activated simultaneously, the pituitary releases more GH than either signal alone would produce. Human research supports the principle: Bowers et al. (1990) gave native GHRH together with a GH-releasing peptide to 18 healthy men and found that submaximal doses stimulated GH release synergistically, which suggests the two signals act independently.⁸ The figure often quoted for this exact pair, pulses 2 to 3 times larger than either peptide alone, has not been measured in a published human trial of CJC-1295 with ipamorelin.

The combination also aims for a more natural GH release pattern. Your body normally releases GH in pulses (not as a steady stream), and the CJC-1295 without DAC plus Ipamorelin combination is designed to preserve this pulsatile pattern. Ionescu and Frohman (2006) found that GH pulses persisted even during continuous stimulation with long-acting CJC-1295.³ This matters because continuous GH exposure (as seen with high-dose HGH injections) can cause more side effects than pulsatile release at the same total GH output.

With DAC vs. Without DAC

CJC-1295 with DAC produces a sustained GH elevation over days. Some practitioners prefer this for convenience (less frequent dosing). The downside is that it raises the baseline between pulses and creates a more continuous elevation, which is less physiologic and may carry slightly more risk of side effects like water retention.

CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29) produces sharper, shorter GH pulses that more closely resemble your body’s natural rhythm. Many peptide clinicians prefer this form when combined with Ipamorelin because the pulsatile pattern appears to deliver benefits with fewer side effects.

Both forms raise GH. The “without DAC” version combined with Ipamorelin is the more commonly prescribed protocol in current clinical practice.

Benefits: What the Evidence and Clinical Experience Show

The benefits below come mainly from patient and prescriber reports and from what is known about growth hormone itself. Controlled trials of the CJC-1295/Ipamorelin stack have not confirmed them.

Body Composition

Improved body composition is the most consistently reported benefit. Growth hormone plays a central role in fat metabolism (particularly visceral fat) and lean muscle maintenance. Patients on CJC-1295/Ipamorelin protocols typically report:

Reduction in abdominal and visceral fat (usually noticeable by 6 to 8 weeks)
Modest increase in lean muscle mass, particularly when combined with resistance training
Improved muscle recovery between workouts
Better muscle tone and definition without significant weight change (body recomposition)

The fat loss effect is driven by GH’s lipolytic action: it signals fat cells to release stored fatty acids for energy. The lean mass preservation occurs because GH promotes protein synthesis and inhibits protein breakdown in muscle tissue.⁴

Sleep Quality

Many patients report improved sleep as one of the first noticeable benefits, often within the first 1 to 2 weeks. This makes physiological sense: the largest natural GH pulse occurs during slow-wave (deep) sleep. By amplifying this pulse, CJC-1295/Ipamorelin may enhance the restorative quality of deep sleep.

Common reports include falling asleep faster, sleeping more deeply, waking more refreshed, and having more vivid dreams (a marker of deeper sleep cycles). Persistent insomnia has many causes that a peptide will not address, and the insomnia treatment guide covers the options with stronger evidence.

Recovery and Joint Health

Growth hormone is essential for tissue repair. Patients using CJC-1295/Ipamorelin often report faster recovery from workouts, reduced joint stiffness, improved healing from minor injuries, and better exercise tolerance. Athletes and active adults frequently cite recovery benefits as their primary motivation for using this combination.⁵

Clinics sometimes pair it with BPC-157 for soft tissue injuries. Competitive athletes should know that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits GHRH analogs and GH secretagogues, including both peptides in this stack, in and out of competition.

Skin and Hair Quality

GH stimulates collagen production and skin cell turnover. After 2 to 3 months on a CJC-1295/Ipamorelin protocol, many patients notice improved skin thickness, better hydration, reduced fine lines, and improved hair texture. These cosmetic benefits are secondary to the tissue repair effects but are frequently reported.

What Does the Research Actually Show?

The research on CJC-1295 and ipamorelin is small, mostly older, and was carried out for different purposes than the way clinics use the stack today. CJC-1295 was studied as a long-acting treatment for GH deficiency, and ipamorelin was studied as a gut motility drug after surgery.

Study	Who or what was studied	What it found
Teichman et al., 2006 (J Clin Endocrinol Metab)	Healthy adults aged 21 to 61, CJC-1295 with DAC	GH rose 2 to 10 fold for 6 days or more and IGF-1 rose 1.5 to 3 fold for 9 to 11 days after one injection; no serious adverse reactions were reported
Ionescu and Frohman, 2006 (J Clin Endocrinol Metab)	Healthy adults, CJC-1295 with DAC	GH pulses persisted during continuous CJC-1295 stimulation while baseline GH rose
Raun et al., 1998 (Eur J Endocrinol)	Animal and pituitary cell studies, ipamorelin	Ipamorelin released GH selectively, without the ACTH and cortisol rise seen with older GHRPs
Bowers et al., 1990 (J Clin Endocrinol Metab)	18 healthy men, native GHRH plus a GH-releasing peptide	The two signals together released GH synergistically
Beck et al., 2014 (Int J Colorectal Dis)	117 bowel surgery patients, intravenous ipamorelin	Ipamorelin was well tolerated but did not shorten recovery of gut function compared with placebo
Liu et al., 2007 (Ann Intern Med)	Systematic review of GH in healthy older adults	GH produced small body composition changes and more side effects such as swelling and joint pain

No published randomized trial has tested CJC-1295 and ipamorelin together, measured long-term outcomes such as fat loss or sleep quality, or followed users for years. According to the systematic review by Liu et al. (2007), growth hormone itself did not justify routine use for anti-aging in healthy older adults, and that finding is worth keeping in mind when a peptide is marketed as a gentler route to the same goal.⁶

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin vs. Synthetic HGH

Factor	CJC-1295/Ipamorelin	Synthetic HGH
Mechanism	Stimulates your pituitary to release your own GH	Directly provides exogenous GH
GH pattern	Pulsatile (more natural)	Bolus injection (less natural timing)
Pituitary function	Preserved; works with your own feedback loops	Can suppress natural GH production over time
GH output	Moderate increase (2 to 3x baseline pulses is the figure clinics quote; not measured in a trial of the pair)	Can achieve much higher levels (dose-dependent)
Side effect risk	Lower (stays within physiologic range)	Higher at therapeutic doses (water retention, insulin resistance, joint pain, carpal tunnel)
Cost	$150 to $400/month (compounding pharmacy)	$600 to $3,000+/month
Prescription required	Yes	Yes
FDA approval	Not approved for any use	Approved for diagnosed GH deficiency and a few other specific conditions, not for anti-aging
Monitoring needed	IGF-1, fasting glucose (periodic)	IGF-1, fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c (more frequent)
Best for	Optimization, anti-aging, mild to moderate GH decline	Significant GH deficiency, specific clinical indications

The key advantage of CJC-1295/Ipamorelin over synthetic HGH is that it works through your body’s own regulatory system. Your pituitary still controls how much GH is released, and your feedback loops remain intact. This makes overshoot less likely compared to injecting a fixed dose of exogenous HGH. The tradeoff is that the GH output is more modest, which means the effects are real but subtler than what aggressive HGH dosing can achieve.⁶

Synthetic HGH (somatropin) is an FDA approved drug with decades of safety data in diagnosed GH deficiency, while CJC-1295 and ipamorelin are unapproved peptides with limited human data. Adults with a confirmed deficiency belong with an endocrinologist, often alongside hormone replacement therapy or testosterone replacement therapy review when other hormones are low.

How Does It Compare With Sermorelin, Tesamorelin and Other GH Peptides?

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is one of several ways to raise growth hormone through the pituitary rather than by injecting it. The closest alternatives are other GHRH analogs, such as sermorelin and tesamorelin, and other ghrelin mimetics, such as hexarelin, GHRP-6 and the oral compound MK-677 (ibutamoren).

Peptide	Class	FDA status	How clinics use it
CJC-1295 (with or without DAC)	GHRH analog	Not approved	Paired with ipamorelin for body composition, sleep and recovery
Ipamorelin	Ghrelin mimetic (GHRP)	Not approved; ipamorelin acetate is on the FDA 503B Category 2 safety risk list	The GHRP half of the stack, chosen for its selectivity
Sermorelin	GHRH analog (GHRH 1-29)	Was approved for children with GH deficiency, then discontinued by its manufacturer	An older, shorter acting alternative to CJC-1295
Tesamorelin	GHRH analog	Approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy	Prescribed off label for visceral fat
MK-677 (ibutamoren)	Oral ghrelin mimetic	Not approved; on the FDA Category 2 list after a heart failure safety signal	Oral GH secretagogue, often bought outside clinics

For a side by side on the two most common choices, see sermorelin vs. ipamorelin. Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog with an FDA approval today, and the evidence behind it is covered in tesamorelin for visceral fat.

Dosing Protocols

There is no FDA labeled dose for CJC-1295/Ipamorelin. The protocol below reflects common clinical practice among peptide prescribers, not doses tested in a trial, and your prescriber should adjust it to your labs and response.

Standard CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Protocol

CJC-1295 without DAC (Mod GRF 1-29): 100 to 300 mcg per injection

Ipamorelin: 100 to 300 mcg per injection

Combined dose: Typically administered together in the same syringe, subcutaneously

Timing: Once daily, injected 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach (food, particularly carbohydrates and fats, blunts GH release)

Cycle length: 8 to 12 weeks on, followed by 4 to 6 weeks off

Alternative timing: Some protocols add a morning dose (upon waking, before eating) for enhanced results. The bedtime dose is more important if only dosing once daily.

Important Dosing Notes

Empty stomach is critical: Insulin suppresses GH release. Eating (especially carbohydrates) within 30 to 60 minutes of injection reduces the GH pulse significantly. Inject at least 2 hours after your last meal.
Bedtime dosing capitalizes on natural physiology: Your largest natural GH pulse occurs during early deep sleep. Injecting before bed amplifies this pulse.
Cycling prevents desensitization: Continuous use without breaks can lead to reduced pituitary responsiveness. The 4 to 6 week break allows receptor sensitivity to reset.
Start low: Begin at the lower dose range (100 mcg each) and increase after 2 weeks if well tolerated and if blood work supports continuation.

The injections themselves are small subcutaneous shots into the abdomen or thigh with an insulin syringe, rotated between sites. The peptide injection guide covers technique, storage and sterile handling.

How Long Does CJC-1295/Ipamorelin Take to Work?

Most patients notice better sleep within 1 to 2 weeks, visible changes in body fat by 6 to 8 weeks, and skin changes after 2 to 3 months. These timelines come from patient and clinician reports rather than trials, and many people notice little change at all. IGF-1 is the objective check, usually repeated 4 to 6 weeks after starting.

Time on protocol	What patients commonly report
Weeks 1 to 2	Deeper sleep, more vivid dreams, mild water retention or tingling in some users
Weeks 4 to 6	Better workout recovery; follow-up IGF-1 test to confirm a response and guide the dose
Weeks 6 to 8	Reduction in abdominal fat, most visible with resistance training and a steady diet
Months 2 to 3	Skin thickness, hydration and hair texture changes; end of a typical 8 to 12 week cycle

Side Effects

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is generally well-tolerated, especially compared to synthetic HGH. Common side effects include:

Water retention: Mild fluid retention is the most common side effect, particularly in the first 2 to 4 weeks. It typically presents as slight puffiness in the hands, feet, or face. Usually resolves as the body adjusts or responds to dose reduction.
Numbness and tingling: Occasional tingling or numbness in the extremities (hands, feet), related to fluid shifts around nerves. More common at higher doses.
Increased hunger: Ipamorelin activates ghrelin receptors, which can increase appetite. This is usually mild (less intense than GHRP-6) but notable for patients trying to lose body fat.
Injection site reactions: Mild redness, itching, or a small welt at the injection site. Rotating injection sites helps minimize this.
Headache: Occasional, usually mild, more common during the first week.
Vivid dreams: Frequently reported. Not harmful but can be intense for some users.
Flushing and a racing heart: FDA has identified serious adverse events with CJC-1295, including increased heart rate and a systemic vasodilatory reaction, and notes that clinical data are limited. Facial flushing or palpitations after an injection should be reported to your prescriber.

Product quality is a separate risk. FDA has flagged both peptides for possible immunogenicity and peptide-related impurities, and vials sold online as “research peptides, not for human use” are not made under pharmacy standards. The broader question is covered in are peptides safe.

Who Should Avoid CJC-1295/Ipamorelin

Active cancer or history of cancer within the past 5 years: GH promotes cell growth and angiogenesis. There is no evidence that GH peptides start cancer, but they could theoretically accelerate the growth of existing tumors. This is the most important contraindication.
Diabetic retinopathy: GH can worsen diabetic eye disease by promoting abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina.
Uncontrolled diabetes: GH has anti-insulin effects and can worsen blood sugar control. Well-managed diabetics can potentially use these peptides with close monitoring, but uncontrolled diabetes is a contraindication.
Pituitary tumors or disorders: Stimulating a pituitary that has a tumor or structural abnormality carries risk.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data available.
Children and adolescents: GH peptides should not be used outside of specialist endocrinology care in pediatric patients.

Lab Monitoring

Responsible use of CJC-1295/Ipamorelin requires baseline and follow-up blood work. Key labs include:

IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1): The best single marker of overall GH activity. Check at baseline, then 4 to 6 weeks into the protocol. Many prescribers target the upper third of the age-adjusted normal range. Levels above the normal range indicate the dose should be reduced.
Fasting glucose and insulin: GH has anti-insulin effects. Monitor for any worsening of blood sugar regulation, especially in patients with pre-existing insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.
HbA1c: Check at baseline and after 3 months if the protocol extends that long.
Complete metabolic panel: Standard safety monitoring.

If IGF-1 rises above the normal range, reduce the dose or extend the off-cycle period. The goal is optimization within physiologic parameters, not pushing GH levels to supraphysiologic territory.⁷

Is CJC-1295/Ipamorelin FDA Approved or Legal?

Neither CJC-1295 nor ipamorelin is FDA approved for any use, and neither has an established legal route for routine compounding. A prescription does not change that status.

Advisory committee votes: FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted against adding ipamorelin to the 503A bulks list at its October 29, 2024 meeting and against every form of CJC-1295, with and without DAC, at its December 4, 2024 meeting.
Safety lists: FDA’s list of bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks places ipamorelin acetate in 503B Category 2, citing immunogenicity and serious adverse events, including a death, when ipamorelin was given intravenously. CJC-1295 sits on the same page among nominations that were withdrawn, with FDA’s note on heart rate and vasodilatory reactions.¹⁰
Sport: WADA bans both peptides for tested athletes at all times.

A well run clinic will tell you where its peptides come from and whether a licensed US pharmacy prepared them. Vague answers on sourcing are a reason to look elsewhere.

Cost

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is typically obtained through compounding pharmacies with a prescription. Cost varies by pharmacy and region but generally falls in the range of $150 to $400 per month. This includes the combined peptide vial, syringes, and alcohol prep supplies. Some clinics offer monthly membership packages that include the peptides, lab monitoring, and follow-up consultations.

Compared to synthetic HGH ($600 to $3,000+ per month), the cost advantage is substantial, which is one reason this combination has become the entry point for most patients exploring GH optimization.

Insurance does not cover CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, because neither peptide is FDA approved, so ask whether follow-up IGF-1 testing is included in the price.

How to Find a Clinic That Prescribes CJC-1295/Ipamorelin

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin is offered mainly by peptide therapy, functional medicine, age management and men’s and women’s health clinics, usually under a physician (MD or DO) or nurse practitioner. You can compare clinics that offer peptide therapy across the US, then narrow by state, for example peptide therapy clinics in Florida.

Listing order on Regenerated.com is not paid ranking. Featured slots are labeled and capped, Verified means the clinic completed credential checks rather than paid for placement, and the directory is free for patients. Inclusion in the directory is not an endorsement, and how Featured, Verified and organic listings differ explains each label.

Before you book, ask these questions:

Who prescribes and monitors the protocol, and what is their license?
Which baseline labs do you order, and when do you recheck IGF-1 and glucose?
Which pharmacy prepares the peptides, and can I see its license?
What happens to the dose if my IGF-1 rises above the normal range?
How do you screen for cancer history, diabetes and pituitary conditions?

Frequently asked questions

Is CJC-1295/Ipamorelin FDA approved?

No. Neither CJC-1295 nor ipamorelin is FDA approved for any medical use. In 2024 the FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted against adding either one to the 503A bulks list, which is the list compounding pharmacies may draw on, and FDA lists ipamorelin acetate in 503B Category 2 for significant safety risks. Clinics that prescribe the stack are using an unapproved peptide, so ask how it is sourced and monitored.

How long does it take for CJC-1295 and ipamorelin to work?

Most people who respond notice deeper sleep within 1 to 2 weeks, less abdominal fat by 6 to 8 weeks, and skin changes after 2 to 3 months. These timelines come from patient and clinician reports, not controlled trials, and responses vary widely. A follow-up IGF-1 blood test 4 to 6 weeks after starting is the objective way to confirm the peptides are raising growth hormone activity.

When is the best time to inject CJC-1295/Ipamorelin?

Most protocols inject CJC-1295/Ipamorelin once daily, 30 to 60 minutes before bed, on an empty stomach at least 2 hours after the last meal. Bedtime dosing adds to the largest natural growth hormone pulse, which comes during early deep sleep, and food, especially carbohydrates, blunts the GH response through insulin. Some protocols add a second dose on waking, before breakfast.

Should CJC-1295 be taken with or without DAC alongside ipamorelin?

Most peptide prescribers pair ipamorelin with CJC-1295 without DAC, also called Mod GRF 1-29, which lasts about 30 minutes and produces sharp, pulse-like GH release. CJC-1295 with DAC binds albumin and lasts roughly 6 to 8 days, so it is dosed weekly but keeps GH elevated between pulses. The version without DAC is closer to natural physiology and may cause less water retention.

Can CJC-1295/Ipamorelin cause cancer?

There is no evidence that CJC-1295/Ipamorelin causes cancer, but long-term human data do not exist. Growth hormone and IGF-1 promote cell growth and new blood vessel formation, so the stack could in theory speed the growth of an existing tumor. For that reason, active cancer or a recent cancer history is the most important contraindication, and prescribers keep IGF-1 within the normal range.

How much does CJC-1295/Ipamorelin cost per month?

CJC-1295/Ipamorelin generally costs $150 to $400 per month through a compounding pharmacy with a prescription, including the peptide vial, syringes and alcohol prep pads. Consultations and lab tests are often billed separately or bundled into a clinic membership. Insurance does not cover it because neither peptide is FDA approved, while synthetic HGH typically runs $600 to $3,000 or more per month.

Sources

Teichman SL, Neale A, Lawrence B, Gagnon C, Castaigne JP, Bhatt RS. 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. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(3):799-805. doi:10.1210/jc.2005-1536 ↩
Raun K, Hansen BS, Johansen NL, et al. Ipamorelin, the first selective growth hormone secretagogue. Eur J Endocrinol. 1998;139(5):552-561. doi:10.1530/eje.0.1390552 ↩
Ionescu M, Frohman LA. Pulsatile secretion of growth hormone (GH) persists during continuous stimulation by CJC-1295, a long-acting GH-releasing hormone analog. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006;91(12):4792-4797. doi:10.1210/jc.2006-1702 ↩
Jorgensen JO, Pedersen SA, Thuesen L, et al. Beneficial effects of growth hormone treatment in GH-deficient adults. Lancet. 1989;1(8649):1221-1225. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(89)92328-3 ↩
Svensson J, Fowelin J, Landin K, Bengtsson BA, Johansson JO. Effects of seven years of GH-replacement therapy on insulin sensitivity in GH-deficient adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002;87(5):2121-2127. doi:10.1210/jcem.87.5.8482 ↩
Liu H, Bravata DM, Olkin I, et al. Systematic review: the safety and efficacy of growth hormone in the healthy elderly. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(2):104-115. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-146-2-200701160-00005 ↩
Hoffman AR, Kuntze JE, Baptista J, et al. Growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in adult-onset GH deficiency: effects on body composition in men and women in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(5):2048-2056. doi:10.1210/jc.2003-030346 ↩
Bowers CY, Reynolds GA, Durham D, et al. Growth hormone (GH)-releasing peptide stimulates GH release in normal men and acts synergistically with GH-releasing hormone. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1990;70(4):975-982. doi:10.1210/jcem-70-4-975. PubMed ↩
Beck DE, Sweeney WB, McCarter MD; Ipamorelin 201 Study Group. Prospective, randomized, controlled, proof-of-concept study of the ghrelin mimetic ipamorelin for the management of postoperative ileus in bowel resection patients. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2014;29(12):1527-1534. doi:10.1007/s00384-014-2030-8. PubMed ↩
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks. Content current as of April 22, 2026. FDA ↩