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Comparison

Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295 (no DAC)

Ipamorelin vs CJC-1295: how they differ mechanistically and why the standard protocol pairs them.

№ 006
Ipamorelin
GH-axisEvidence: Limited

Ipamorelin gently nudges your body to release more of its own growth hormone — without the side-effect baggage of injecting actual HGH. People run it for sleep, recovery, and slow body-comp shifts. Tiny doses, multiple times a day.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
64
Popularity
75
№ 007
CJC-1295 (no DAC)
GH-axisEvidence: Limited

CJC-1295 (the 'no-DAC' version) is the partner peptide to Ipamorelin. Together they push a stronger natural GH pulse. Always paired, never run alone in this protocol.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
64
Popularity
70
Side-by-side
Field
Left
Right
Category
GH-axis
GH-axis
Half-life
~2 hours
~30 min (no DAC)
Route
Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous
Schedule
1-3x daily
1-3x daily, paired with Ipamorelin
Cycle length
8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off
Dose
100-300 mcg sub-q, 1-3x daily. Pre-bed dose is the most important pulse.
100 mcg sub-q, 1-3x daily, paired 1:1 with Ipamorelin.
FDA
Not FDA approved.
Not FDA approved.
WADA
Banned (S2)
Banned (S2)
Natty?
Not natty
Not natty
Prescribed
Some anti-aging and longevity clinics prescribe via compounding pharmacies, off-label.
Some longevity clinics prescribe via compounding pharmacies, off-label.
Top side effects
Head-rush at injection; Mild hunger pulse 30 min post-dose; Tingling in hands rarely
Head-rush; Brief facial flush; Hunger pulse

Which one should you pick?

Pick Ipamorelin if users wanting gh benefits without the bloat / sides of hgh or sleep / recovery focused stacks.

Pick CJC-1295 (no DAC) if users stacking with ipamorelin (the canonical pair) or people wanting gh benefits while preserving the natural pulse rhythm.

Note: these two are commonly stacked together rather than chosen between. See the entries for the canonical protocol.

Full entry
№ 006 Ipamorelin →
Full entry
№ 007 CJC-1295 (no DAC) →