Protocols Hub

Your roadmap to peptides, done right

Goal-based protocols built on evidence — not guesswork. Whether you're starting your first cycle or building a comprehensive stack, this is your reference guide.

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Wellness reference guide
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Protocol Library
9 Goal Areas · 26+ Peptides
Beginner Guide

Before you begin

Protocols without context are just lists. Here's what you actually need to understand first.

What is a peptide protocol?

A peptide protocol is a structured plan that defines which peptide(s) you use, at what dose, how often, how it's administered, and for how long. Unlike taking a daily vitamin, peptides are typically run in cycles — periods of use followed by rest — to maintain receptor sensitivity and biological effectiveness.

Good protocols balance efficacy with safety: starting conservatively, monitoring response, and adjusting based on what your body actually does — not what a forum says should happen.

The research reality

Most peptides used in wellness contexts exist in a gray zone: promising animal research, limited human clinical trials, and a growing body of anecdotal evidence. When we describe protocols here, we note the evidence grade — what's well-studied versus what's emerging or largely anecdotal.

This matters because evidence grade should influence how conservatively you approach a compound. A peptide with only rodent data warrants more caution than one with Phase II clinical trials.

Sourcing and quality

Purity matters enormously with peptides. A "99% pure" claim from a low-quality lab may still contain problematic impurities. Key sourcing principles:

  • Look for suppliers who provide third-party CoAs (Certificate of Analysis) from independent labs
  • Prefer suppliers who perform HPLC purity testing (not just mass spec)
  • Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) — not regular water — is required for reconstitution
  • Cold chain matters: temperature-sensitive peptides degrade if shipped or stored improperly

The healthcare provider conversation

We'll say it plainly: a conversation with a qualified healthcare provider — ideally one familiar with peptide therapy — is the highest-value step before starting any protocol. Not because it's legally required, but because individual health contexts vary dramatically. Bloodwork (IGF-1, inflammatory markers, liver function) gives you a baseline to track against.

This is especially true for peptides that influence growth hormone, metabolic function, or the endocrine system.

Before your first cycle

Choose one protocol goal — don't stack multiple new compounds simultaneously
Get relevant baseline bloodwork (ask your provider)
Verify your source has third-party CoA documentation
Purchase bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Start at the low end of the dose range — not the high end
Log your experiences: dose, time, site, any response
Set a protocol end date before you start

Delivery method basics

SC
Subcutaneous injection — most common, best bioavailability. Insulin syringes (28–31G). Pinch skin, inject at 45° into belly or thigh fat
IM
Intramuscular injection — used for some peptides; faster absorption, slightly more discomfort
OL
Oral/Nasal — available for some (TB-500, Selank, Semax). Convenience trades off against bioavailability. BPC-157 has notable oral activity
TR
Topical — primarily for skin peptides (GHK-Cu in skincare). Limited systemic effect
Reconstitution matters Use our peptide calculator to get your exact draw volume before injecting. Reconstitution errors are the most common beginner mistake.
Goal-Based Protocols

Choose your protocol

Each protocol is built around a specific goal with evidence-graded recommendations, typical dosing ranges, and cycle structures.

Recovery 🩹

Injury & Tissue Recovery

Accelerate healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle tissue, and gut. BPC-157 + TB-500 is the most well-documented combination in this category, with strong animal data and extensive anecdotal use.

BPC-157 TB-500 Thymosin α1
⏱ 4–8 weeks 💉 SC / Oral 📊 Moderate evidence
BPC-157: 250–500 mcg/day SC, split AM/PM, or 500 mcg oral BPC-157 arginine salt for gut issues
TB-500: 2–2.5 mg twice weekly for 4–6 weeks, then 1–2 mg weekly for maintenance
Cycle: 4–8 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off. Reassess injury status at 4 weeks
Timing: Inject near the injury site (local) for acute injuries; systemic site acceptable for chronic issues
Storage: Lyophilized: room temp fine. Reconstituted: refrigerate, use within 30–90 days
Longevity ⏳

Longevity & Anti-Aging

Epigenetic reset, telomere support, mitochondrial function. Epithalon leads the category with the strongest longevity-specific research in the peptide space.

Epithalon GHK-Cu MOTS-c SS-31
⏱ 10–20 days (Epithalon) 💉 SC / IV 📊 Strong animal data
Epithalon: 5–10 mg/day SC for 10–20 days. Typically 1–2 courses/year. Most studied longevity peptide
GHK-Cu: 1–2 mg/day SC for 4–6 weeks; topical formulations (0.1–2%) for skin application
MOTS-c: 5–10 mg/week SC. Focus on metabolic and mitochondrial health; newer compound with emerging data
SS-31: 0.1 mg/kg SC, 3× weekly for 4–8 weeks. Protects mitochondrial inner membrane cardiolipin; run separately from MOTS-c to establish individual response baseline
Stacking: Epithalon + GHK-Cu is a common pairing; MOTS-c and SS-31 are generally run in separate cycles for clarity on response
Cognitive 🧠

Cognitive Enhancement

Focus, anxiety reduction, and neuroprotection. Selank and Semax have the strongest evidence base in this category, with legitimate clinical use in Russia and the former Soviet states.

Selank Semax Dihexa Cerebrolysin
⏱ 10–14 days on/off 💉 Intranasal / SC 📊 Clinical use data
Selank: 250–3000 mcg/day intranasal. Anxiolytic + mild nootropic. Cycle: 10 days on, 10 days off
Semax: 200–900 mcg/day intranasal. BDNF-stimulating, focus and memory. Cycle: 7–14 days on, equal time off
Dihexa: Oral 10–20 mg, 1–3×/week. Very potent — use conservatively. Limited human data
Note: Selank + Semax can be alternated (morning Semax, evening Selank) by experienced users
Weight ⚖️

Weight & Metabolic Health

GLP-1 receptor agonists have the strongest evidence base of any compounds in this guide. Semaglutide and tirzepatide have completed Phase III trials. Retatrutide — a next-generation triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) — showed 24.2% weight loss in Phase 2 trials and is currently in Phase 3. All require prescriber oversight.

Semaglutide Tirzepatide Retatrutide AOD-9604 CJC-1295/Ipa
⏱ 12–68 weeks 💉 SC weekly 📊 Phase II–III data
Semaglutide: Start 0.25 mg/week SC × 4 weeks; titrate up to 1–2.4 mg/week per tolerance
Tirzepatide: Start 2.5 mg/week SC; titrate in 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks to target 10–15 mg/week
Retatrutide: Phase 2 dosing: 1 mg/week (start) → titrate to 4–12 mg/week SC over 16–20 weeks. Phase 3 trials ongoing — not commercially available. 24.2% mean weight loss at 12 mg over 48 weeks in Phase 2 (NEJM 2023)
CJC+Ipa: CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 100 mcg, 2–3×/day SC (pulsatile GH release)
AOD-9604: 300 mcg SC fasted AM daily; some protocols add 300 mcg pre-workout. 12–16 week cycles. Must be taken fasted — eating blunts efficacy
Critical: GLP-1s require prescriber supervision. Dose titration schedule non-negotiable — rapid escalation causes severe GI side effects. Retatrutide is not yet approved or commercially available.
Fat Loss 🔥

AOD-9604 Fat Loss Protocol

AOD-9604 is the lipolytic fragment of human growth hormone (amino acids 176–191), engineered to stimulate fat oxidation and inhibit new fat storage — without raising IGF-1 or blood glucose. Phase II trials showed modest benefit; Phase III missed its endpoint. Best used as a complement to a calorie deficit, not a replacement for one.

AOD-9604 CJC-1295/Ipa (optional)
⏱ 12–16 weeks 💉 SC daily (fasted) 📊 Limited clinical evidence
Standard dose: 300 mcg SC once daily, in a fasted state (minimum 2–3 hours since last meal)
Advanced dose: 300 mcg fasted AM + 300 mcg pre-workout (3h post-meal or fasted). Split dosing used anecdotally for enhanced lipolytic window
Stacking with CJC+Ipa: Inject AOD-9604 fasted AM separately; add CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 100 mcg pre-bed. Rationale: GH pulse at night supports body recomposition while AOD drives daytime lipolysis
Cycle length: 12–16 weeks on, 4–8 weeks off. No known desensitization reported but cycling is standard practice
Critical note: Fasted injection is non-negotiable — food raises insulin, which blunts AOD-9604 activity. Results are modest; AOD is not a substitute for caloric deficit. Phase III trial did not meet primary endpoint
Skin & Beauty ✨

Skin, Hair & Aesthetics

Collagen remodeling, wound healing, and hair restoration. GHK-Cu has the deepest research base for topical use. Combine with systemic peptides for comprehensive skin health support.

GHK-Cu BPC-157 Thymosin β4 Matrixyl
⏱ 8–12 weeks 💉 Topical / SC 📊 Moderate–strong
GHK-Cu topical: 0.1–2% serum/cream applied 1–2×/day. Strong evidence for wrinkle reduction, skin firmness
GHK-Cu SC: 1–2 mg/day SC for 4–8 weeks. Systemic collagen and elastin stimulation
BPC-157: Can be applied topically to wounds or used SC for systemic skin healing support
Stack note: Topical GHK-Cu + systemic Epithalon during an Epithalon course is a popular longevity + skin combination
Performance 💪

GH Optimization & Performance

GHRH/GHRP peptides stimulate pulsatile GH release naturally. Sermorelin is the gold standard for age-related GH decline; the CJC/Ipamorelin stack is the most widely used combination for body composition.

Sermorelin Ipamorelin CJC-1295 Tesamorelin
⏱ 3–6 months 💉 SC (bedtime) 📊 Strong evidence
Sermorelin: 0.2–0.3 mg SC at bedtime. Mimics natural GHRH. Requires 3–6 month commitment for measurable results
CJC+Ipa: CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 100 mcg SC, 2–3× daily. At bedtime is most important
Timing: Administer on an empty stomach (>2 hrs after food). Avoid within 30 min of sleep if using stimulatory GHRPs
Monitoring: Check IGF-1 at baseline and 6–8 weeks in. Keep IGF-1 in normal physiological range
Gut Health 🌿

Gut Health & Digestion

Restore gut lining integrity, reduce inflammation, and support healthy digestion. BPC-157 has remarkable oral bioavailability for gut-specific applications — one of the few peptides where oral administration is well-documented.

BPC-157 (oral) Larazotide KPV LL-37
⏱ 4–8 weeks 💊 Oral / SC 📊 Moderate evidence
BPC-157 oral: 500 mcg BPC-157 arginine salt, taken orally on empty stomach, 1–2×/day for 4–8 weeks. Best evidence for gut lining repair
KPV: 200–400 mcg/day oral or SC. Anti-inflammatory tripeptide targeting NF-κB. Emerging evidence for IBD-related inflammation
Larazotide: 0.5–1 mg oral, 3×/day before meals. Tight junction modulator. Phase III trial data for celiac; off-label for intestinal permeability
Note: Gut protocols benefit from concurrent dietary support — eliminate inflammatory triggers during cycle for best results
Anti-inflammatory 🔬

KPV: Targeted Gut Inflammation Protocol

KPV (Lysine-Proline-Valine) is the anti-inflammatory tripeptide fragment of alpha-MSH. It directly inhibits NF-κB signaling in gut epithelial cells, making it uniquely suited for IBD, Crohn's, colitis, and leaky gut. Its small size allows oral bioavailability — one of few peptides that works well taken by mouth for gut-specific targets. Stacks exceptionally with BPC-157 for synergistic gut healing.

KPV BPC-157 (oral) Optional: LL-37
⏱ 4–8 weeks 💊 Oral / SC 📊 Emerging evidence
KPV oral: 200–400 mcg/day in divided doses, taken on an empty stomach. Oral route preferred for gut-specific targets — small tripeptide survives GI transit better than larger peptides. Take 30 min before meals. 4–8 week cycle.
KPV injectable (SC): 250–500 mcg/day SC if systemic anti-inflammatory effect is the goal (e.g., systemic IBD flares, extraintestinal manifestations). Inject abdomen or thigh. Split into 1–2 doses. Injectable provides more reliable systemic absorption but oral is preferred for local gut action.
Stack: KPV + BPC-157: The gut-healing stack. BPC-157 arginine salt (500 mcg oral, AM) handles structural repair — angiogenesis, tight junction restoration, muscle layer healing. KPV (200–300 mcg oral, PM) handles inflammatory signaling — NF-κB blockade, cytokine reduction. Together they address both repair and inflammation simultaneously. Run both for 6–8 weeks.
Cycling: 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off for maintenance. For active IBD flares: 6–8 weeks continuous, then reassess. Avoid indefinite continuous use — cycling preserves receptor sensitivity. Can repeat cycles every 8–12 weeks if symptoms recur.
Add LL-37 (optional): 50–100 mcg SC, 3×/week if SIBO or dysbiosis is suspected. LL-37 provides direct antimicrobial action against overgrown gram-negative bacteria. Useful when inflammation has a microbial driver. Run for first 4 weeks only.
Note: KPV is an immune modulator — caution with immunosuppressive medications. Eliminate major gut triggers (gluten, processed foods, alcohol, NSAIDs) during cycle. Track symptoms weekly. Consult a gastroenterologist if using for active IBD or Crohn's — peptides are adjunctive, not a replacement for medical care.
Immune 🛡️

Immune & General Wellness

Support immune system function, reduce susceptibility to infection, and enhance overall resilience. Thymic peptides have the deepest evidence base, with Thymosin Alpha 1 approved as a pharmaceutical in several countries.

Thymosin α1 LL-37 Thymulin BPC-157
⏱ 4–12 weeks 💉 SC 📊 Strong evidence (Tα1)
Thymosin α1: 1.6 mg SC, 2×/week for 4–12 weeks. FDA orphan drug for hepatitis B; approved pharmaceutical in 35+ countries. Strongest immune peptide evidence
LL-37: 50–100 mcg SC, 3×/week. Antimicrobial peptide — direct pathogen defense. Emerging data for chronic infection support
Thymulin: 50–100 mcg/day SC. T-cell maturation support. Research compound — limited human dosing data
Note: Contraindicated with immunosuppressant therapy. Autoimmune conditions require specialist oversight before using thymic peptides
Mitochondrial ⚡

MOTS-c — Metabolic & Mitochondrial Protocol

MOTS-c is a mitochondria-encoded peptide that activates AMPK via the folate cycle — triggering insulin-independent glucose uptake, fat oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Called an "exercise mimetic" for its overlap with aerobic exercise signaling. WADA-prohibited since 2024. Research-stage only; no validated human protocol exists.

MOTS-c Epithalon (stack) NAD+ precursors (stack)
⏱ 4–8 weeks 💉 SubQ 📊 Emerging human data
Standard dose: 5 mg SubQ, 3× per week (e.g., Mon/Wed/Fri). Community-derived starting point — not clinically validated. Some protocols use 10 mg 3× weekly for metabolic applications. Start at the lower end and assess tolerance.
Timing: Morning injection preferred. Some protocols advise pre-workout injection to leverage synergy with exercise-induced AMPK activation. Avoid late-evening dosing — palpitations and sleep disruption reported at night.
Cycle length: 4–8 weeks on, 4 weeks off. No human desensitization data exists. Off-cycles allow individual response tracking and provide margin of safety given the unknown long-term profile.
Epithalon stack: Run an Epithalon course (5 mg/day × 10 days, 1–2× per year) sequentially — complete MOTS-c cycle first, then Epithalon. Running simultaneously makes it harder to attribute any response. Together they address complementary longevity axes: MOTS-c targets metabolic/mitochondrial health; Epithalon targets telomere maintenance and epigenetic reset.
NAD+ precursor stack: MOTS-c + NMN (500–1000 mg/day oral) or NR (300–500 mg/day) is a common longevity pairing. Rationale: NMN/NR replenish NAD+ pools; MOTS-c activates SIRT1/AMPK pathways that NAD+ fuels. The combination targets mitochondrial health from two angles — substrate and signaling. No interaction data, but no theoretical conflict.
Diabetes / metabolic users: MOTS-c lowers blood glucose via insulin-independent GLUT4 translocation. Anyone on insulin, GLP-1 agonists, sulfonylureas, or metformin faces additive hypoglycemia risk. If exploring MOTS-c with existing diabetes medications, glucose monitoring before/after injection is mandatory.
Who should not use: Competitive athletes (WADA-prohibited at all times, no TUE available). Individuals with cardiac arrhythmia history should exercise significant caution — AMPK has cardiac effects and palpitations are the most commonly reported adverse event. Not for use during pregnancy.
Research context: MOTS-c is not FDA-approved, is ineligible for compounding, and has no validated human therapeutic dosing protocol. All protocols listed here are community-derived from self-experimenter reports and preclinical data extrapolation. This is a research compound — apply the corresponding level of caution.
Immune Optimization 🧬

Thymosin Alpha-1 — Immune Optimization

Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is the most clinically validated immune-modulating peptide in the world. Approved in 35+ countries as Zadaxin for hepatitis B/C and cancer immunoadjuvant therapy. Three distinct protocol options: immune maintenance, active immune challenge, and stacking with TB-500 for recovery + immune defense.

Thymosin α1 TB-500 (stack) Epithalon (longevity)
⏱ 4–12 weeks 💉 SubQ 📊 RCT-level evidence
Standard dose: 1.6 mg SubQ, 2× per week (Mon/Thu). This is the exact dose used in all major clinical trials — hepatitis, sepsis, cancer adjuvant. No need to deviate from it.
Immune maintenance cycle: 12 weeks on, 4 weeks off. Used by the biohacker + chronic illness community for baseline immune function. One or two courses per year is typical. Bloodwork (CD4/CD8 ratio, NK cell panel) at baseline and 6 weeks recommended.
Active challenge protocol: Increase to 1.6 mg daily (or 3× per week) during acute viral illness, post-surgery, or active infection. Duration: 2–4 weeks or until resolution. Based on Zadaxin clinical use in sepsis and viral hepatitis contexts.
TB-500 stack: Tα1 1.6 mg SubQ 2×/week + TB-500 2 mg SubQ 2×/week, 8 weeks. Different injection sites same day. Tα1 handles immune surveillance and systemic resilience; TB-500 handles structural repair and actin modulation. No known interactions — this combination is widely used for post-injury recovery with concurrent immune optimization.
Longevity pairing: Tα1 1.6 mg 2×/week + Epithalon 5 mg/day for a 10–14 day Epithalon course (then Tα1 continues). Aims to address thymic involution (immune decline post-40) + telomere maintenance simultaneously. Both compounds have strong safety profiles.
Contraindications: Avoid with immunosuppressant drugs (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, methotrexate) without specialist supervision. Autoimmune conditions (active lupus, RA flare) require medical oversight — thymic peptides potentiate immune activity which could exacerbate certain autoimmune states.
Sexual Wellness 💊

Sexual Wellness — PT-141

PT-141 (bremelanotide/Vyleesi) is the only FDA-approved peptide for sexual dysfunction — specifically HSDD (hypoactive sexual desire disorder) in premenopausal women. Unlike PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis), it works centrally via melanocortin receptors in the brain rather than on blood vessels. Also used off-label in men for desire and arousal support.

PT-141 Melanotan II (optional)
⏱ As needed (per use) 💉 SubQ / Intranasal 📊 FDA-approved (women)
Women (FDA-approved): 1.75 mg SubQ (Vyleesi autoinjector) 45 min before sexual activity. This is the exact FDA-approved dose. Max 1 dose per 24 hours, max 8 doses per month. Inject into abdomen or thigh — not IV.
Women (research/compounded): Start at 0.5 mg SubQ to assess nausea tolerance. Titrate up to 1–1.75 mg as tolerated. Taking 10 mg ondansetron (anti-nausea) 30–60 min prior dramatically reduces nausea — widely used in clinical practice.
Men (off-label): 0.5–2 mg SubQ or intranasal, 30–60 min before activity. Start at 0.5 mg. No FDA-approved indication for men. RCT data in men is limited — most evidence comes from the male pilot studies that led to the original Melanotan II research. Some men use at 1–1.5 mg.
Intranasal option: Compounded intranasal formulation: typically 1–2 mg per actuation. Onset ~30–45 min; onset may be faster than SubQ. Bioavailability is lower — some users find they need slightly higher nasal doses for equivalent effect.
Timing: Inject 30–90 min before anticipated activity. Effects last 6–12 hours. Unlike Viagra, PT-141 does not require active stimulation to initiate response — it acts centrally to increase desire and arousal.
Side effects: Nausea (~40% at 1.75 mg — most common reason for discontinuation), facial flushing (~20%), transient blood pressure increase, injection-site bruising. Hyperpigmentation of face, gums, and breasts with frequent use at higher doses. Blood pressure check before first use recommended.
Contraindications: Cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension. Not recommended for men using PDE5 inhibitors simultaneously (additive cardiovascular effects). Pregnancy/nursing contraindicated. Avoid with other melanocortin agonists.
Nausea management: Ondansetron 8–10 mg oral, 30–60 min before PT-141 injection. This approach is standard in functional medicine PT-141 protocols and significantly improves tolerability at the therapeutic dose.
Stacking & Combining

How to combine protocols

Stacking — running multiple peptides simultaneously — can amplify results, but introduces complexity. Each added compound is another variable to track. The principle: establish one peptide's baseline effects before adding another.

01

Start solo, stack later

Run your primary compound alone for one full cycle. Understand how you respond before introducing a second variable. This is how you actually know what's working.

02

Complementary mechanisms

Stack compounds with different mechanisms of action. BPC-157 (local healing) + TB-500 (systemic actin regulation) work synergistically precisely because they act via different pathways.

03

Log everything

When stacking, a daily log is not optional. Dose, time, site, any effects. If something goes wrong, you need to know which compound is the likely cause so you can drop it.

🧪 Stacking Compatibility Matrix
Peptide + BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu + Epithalon + CJC/Ipa + GLP-1
BPC-157 — ✓ Synergistic ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ⚡ Monitor
TB-500 ✓ Synergistic — ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ⚡ Monitor
GHK-Cu ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible — ✓ Synergistic ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible
Epithalon ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Synergistic — ⚡ Monitor ✓ Compatible
CJC/Ipamorelin ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ⚡ Monitor — ✗ Avoid
Selank ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible
Semax ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ⚡ Monitor ✓ Compatible
MOTS-c ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Compatible ✓ Synergistic ⚡ Monitor ⚡ Monitor
✓ Synergistic Well-documented complementary effects
✓ Compatible No known interactions, can be stacked
⚡ Monitor Possible interaction — monitor closely, consider timing separation
✗ Avoid Mechanism conflict or risk — avoid stacking
Safety & Contraindications

Who should not use peptides

This section is prominent for a reason. Contraindications aren't disclaimers — they're information you need.

🚫 Absolute contraindications

  • Active cancer or history of cancer (especially growth-factor-sensitive cancers: breast, prostate, colorectal). GH-stimulating peptides are particularly contraindicated
  • Pregnancy or active breastfeeding — no safety data exists
  • Active autoimmune conditions being managed with immunosuppressants — thymic peptides may interfere
  • Allergy or hypersensitivity to any component of the compound
  • Severe hepatic or renal impairment (metabolism and clearance unknown for most peptides)

⚡ Use with caution

  • Diabetes or pre-diabetes: GH-stimulating peptides can affect insulin sensitivity; GLP-1s require careful glucose monitoring
  • Cardiovascular disease: any peptide affecting blood pressure, heart rate, or vascular tone warrants cardiology review
  • Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism: GH axis peptides interact with thyroid function
  • Anyone under 21: growth hormone axis interference is particularly risky in still-developing individuals
  • Active infections: immune-modulating peptides like thymosin may amplify immune responses unpredictably
  • Combination with prescription medications: drug-drug interactions are largely unstudied

💊 Drug interaction considerations

  • GLP-1 agonists + insulin: Concurrent use dramatically increases hypoglycemia risk — dose reduction required
  • GH-stimulating peptides + corticosteroids: Corticosteroids blunt GH response; timing separation helps
  • BPC-157 + NSAIDs: Potentially opposing mechanisms on COX pathways; monitor
  • Selank/Semax + psychiatric medications: Both affect neurotransmitter systems (BDNF, GABA, serotonin); requires psychiatrist review
  • Peptides + blood thinners: SC injection protocol must account for anticoagulation status

✅ Generally lower-risk profiles

  • BPC-157 has an unusually broad safety profile — no reported serious adverse events in published literature
  • Epithalon: well-tolerated in studies up to 20-day courses; low systemic side effect profile
  • GHK-Cu topical: widely used cosmetically with strong safety record
  • Selank: anxiolytic with low dependency and sedation profile vs. benzodiazepines
  • Lower-risk does not mean risk-free. "Lower" is relative to the above — not an endorsement

Stop and seek medical attention if you experience:

Injection site that's hot, red, swollen, or tracking (possible infection)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat after injection
Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
Sudden vision changes or severe headache
Unexplained lumps or tissue changes at injection sites
Signs of hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, confusion) with GLP-1 agonists
Severe or persistent nausea/vomiting beyond typical GLP-1 titration
Significant mood changes, anxiety spikes, or cognitive disturbance
Persistent or worsening joint pain (GH-related side effect)
Cycling Schedules

On, off, and when to reassess

Cycling prevents receptor desensitization, supports natural hormone rhythms, and gives you built-in checkpoints to evaluate effectiveness.

BPC-157 / TB-500 Stack

Recovery protocol — acute injury or chronic issues

Weeks 1–4

Loading Phase

BPC-157: 500 mcg/day (250 mcg AM + PM). TB-500: 2.5 mg twice weekly. Inject near injury site where possible.

Weeks 5–8

Maintenance Phase

BPC-157: 250 mcg/day. TB-500: 1 mg weekly. Assess injury progress. Many users see significant improvement by week 6.

Weeks 9–16

Off Cycle

Complete break. Allow natural tissue remodeling. Continue physical therapy if applicable. Reassess before next cycle.

CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin

GH optimization — body composition and recovery

Months 1–5

Primary Cycle

CJC-1295 (no DAC) 100 mcg + Ipamorelin 100 mcg, SC 2–3×/day. Bedtime dose is most important. Results emerge at 6–8 weeks.

Month 6

Off Month

Full break for one month. Test IGF-1. Allow somatostatin receptor sensitivity to restore. Evaluate whether to continue.

Months 7–11

Second Cycle (Optional)

Restart if bloodwork is appropriate and goals remain. Many people run 5-on/1-off indefinitely under provider supervision.

Epithalon

Longevity course — annual or semi-annual

Days 1–10

Course 1

5–10 mg/day SC. Can split into AM/PM doses. Most people use the full 20-day course; 10 days is the minimum cited in research.

Months 2–5

Rest Period

No Epithalon. Continue other health practices. Epithalon's epigenetic effects are proposed to have lasting duration.

Month 6

Course 2 (Semi-Annual)

Second 10–20 day course. Most protocols recommend 1–2 courses per year. Some research suggests twice annually for maximum benefit.

Selank / Semax (Cognitive)

Nootropic protocol — focused on cognitive goals

Days 1–14

Selank Phase

250–1000 mcg intranasal, 1–2×/day. Leads with anxiolytic and GABA-modulating effects. Best for stress, baseline anxiety, focus foundation.

Days 15–24

Rest Period

10-day break. Allow neuroreceptor normalization. Use this window to assess which effects were peptide-derived vs. placebo/lifestyle.

Days 25–38

Semax Phase

200–600 mcg intranasal, AM dose. BDNF-stimulating, focus and memory consolidation. More stimulating than Selank — avoid late dosing.

Educational purposes only. The protocols described on this page are for informational reference and do not constitute medical advice. Peptides exist in a complex regulatory environment — many are research chemicals, not approved medications. Do not start any peptide protocol without consulting a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your individual health history. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Read our full disclaimer →