CJC-1295 with DAC (5 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
CJC-1295 with DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) is a GHRH analog modified with a maleimide group that covalently binds serum albumin, extending half-life from minutes to ~6–8 days.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: 1–2× weekly | Half-life: ~6–8 days
Standard Approach (2 mL = 2.50 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 2 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 2.50 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (titration) | 300 mcg | 12 units | 0.12 mL | 16 doses |
| Weeks 3–4 | 500 mcg | 20 units | 0.20 mL | 10 doses |
| Weeks 5–6 | 750 mcg | 30 units | 0.30 mL | 6 doses |
| Weeks 7–12 (target) | 1 mg | 40 units | 0.40 mL | 5 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 28 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 750 mcg per dose, 1–2× weekly (1 dose/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| CJC-1295 with DAC (5 mg) vials | 2 vials | 2 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 8 | 12 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 1 × 10 mL | 1 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
CJC-1295 with DAC is unique in the GHRH class for its 6–8 day half-life — the maleimide-DAC linker covalently binds albumin, sustaining GH/IGF-1 elevation continuously rather than producing pulses. This is both an advantage (1-2× weekly injection schedule) and a tradeoff (continuous elevation may blunt natural pulsatility long-term).
Most protocols run 8–12 weeks then a break, on the rationale that continuous receptor activation may downregulate the GHRH receptor population.
Dosing Protocol
Titration schedule (1–2× weekly):
- Weeks 1–2 (titration): 300 mcg per dose.
- Weeks 3–4: 500 mcg per dose.
- Weeks 5–6: 750 mcg per dose.
- Weeks 7–12 (target): 1.0 mg per dose, 1–2× weekly.
Cycle structure: 8–12 weeks active, then 4-week break. The DAC-modified molecule's long half-life means cleared levels persist 2–3 weeks after the last dose.
Stacking: Often combined with a GHRP (ipamorelin or hexarelin) which provides pulsatile GH peaks atop CJC-1295's elevated baseline — the most-cited combination protocol.
Timing: Day-of-week is flexible because of the long half-life. Most users dose Sunday/Wednesday or Monday/Thursday for the twice-weekly schedule.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 28 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
CJC-1295 is a synthetic GHRH analog with four amino acid substitutions (D-Ala2, Gln8, Ala15, Leu27) for stability against DPP-4. The DAC version adds a maleimide N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-maleimide group that covalently attaches to serum albumin via a free cysteine, extending half-life dramatically.
It binds pituitary GHRH receptors, raising baseline GH and IGF-1 levels for sustained periods. The continuous elevation differs from physiological pulsatile GH and is one reason combinations with GHRPs (ipamorelin) are popular — GHRPs provide pulsatile peaks atop CJC-1295's elevated baseline.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation from 1–2 weekly injections.
- Improvements in body composition reported.
- Often combined with ipamorelin for pulsatile + sustained pattern.
- Recovery and sleep-quality improvements anecdotally reported.
Side Effect Profile
- Injection-site reactions (most common).
- Mild fluid retention.
- Tingling/numbness in extremities (carpal-tunnel-like).
- Headache.
- Continuous GH elevation may blunt natural pulsatility long-term.
Lifestyle Factors
- Resistance training to leverage anabolic effects.
- Adequate sleep supports GH-axis function.
- Avoid late-evening high-fat meals.
- Monitor fasting glucose periodically.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Rotate sites with each dose.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle.