Peptide guide – dosing, usage, storage and cycles
Last updated: September 23, 2026
Welcome to our complete peptide guide, created to give a clear overview of different peptides and related research substances. Here you'll find consolidated information on typical dose, frequency, injection site, best timing, reported effect timeline, storage, cycle length and washout period.
The guide covers peptides in areas such as weight control, metabolism, recovery, body composition, skin and hair, cognition, energy and GH/IGF-1-related processes, among others.
Doses and usage protocols should not be regarded as individual medical advice.
Peptides – quick guide to dosing and usage
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can act as signaling molecules in the body. Different peptides have different biological targets and properties, which means dosing, administration frequency, storage and usage period vary between products.
Below we've compiled the information product by product to make it easy to find relevant information.
BPC-157
- Typical dose
- 250–500 mcg.
- Frequency
- 1–2 times daily.
- Injection sites
- Abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Some protocols use the area near the site being studied.
- Best timing
- An empty stomach is reported as the preferred timing in some protocols.
- Effect timeline
- Changes related to recovery are reported after about 1–3 weeks, while inflammation-related effects are reported earlier.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated at about 2–6 °C after preparation.
- Cycle length
- 4–12 weeks.
- Washout period
- 4 weeks or longer.
BPC-157 + TB-500
- Typical dose
- 250–500 mcg BPC-157 + 250–500 mcg TB-500.
- Frequency
- Once daily.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously, usually abdomen. Some protocols also use the area near the site being studied.
- Best timing
- Consistent timing is recommended. Morning appears as the usual administration time.
- Effect timeline
- Early changes are reported after about 1–2 weeks. More extensive recovery changes are reported after about 4–6 weeks.
- Storage
- Lyophilized material is stored per the product specification. After preparation, store at 2–8 °C.
- Cycle length
- 4–8 weeks.
- Washout period
- 4 weeks.
CJC-1295 (NO DAC)
- Typical dose
- 100 mcg.
- Frequency
- 2–3 times daily for pulsatile release.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the lower abdomen, outer thigh or back of the upper arm.
- Best timing
- In the morning after waking, after training if applicable, or about 30 minutes before bedtime.
- Effect timeline
- GH changes are reported within about 30 minutes; IGF-1 changes after 2–4 weeks; body composition after 6–12 weeks.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated after preparation and use within about 30 days per the material.
- Cycle length
- 12–16 weeks.
- Washout period
- Optional: 2–4 weeks to assess baseline.
CJC-1295 (NO DAC) + Ipamorelin
- Typical dose
- 200–250 mcg of each peptide once daily, or 100–150 mcg of each twice daily.
- Frequency
- Once daily before bedtime, or twice daily, morning + before bedtime.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously.
- Best timing
- Once daily: 30–60 minutes before bedtime. Twice daily: morning on an empty stomach + before bedtime. 2–3 hours of fasting is reported before dosing.
- Effect timeline
- Sleep-related changes are reported after 1–2 weeks; recovery after 2–4 weeks; body composition after 6–12 weeks.
- Storage
- Prepared peptides are stored at 2–8 °C and used within 30 days.
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks.
- Washout period
- 4 weeks.
Epithalon
- Typical dose
- 200–500 mcg per injection.
- Frequency
- Once daily for 10–20 days.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
- Best timing
- Morning is reported as the preferred timing.
- Effect timeline
- Sleep-related changes are reported after 3–7 days; energy after 1–2 weeks; cellular markers over a longer period.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within 30 days after preparation.
- Cycle length
- 10–20 days per cycle.
- Washout period
- 4–6 months.
GHK-Cu
- Typical dose
- 1–2 mg.
- Frequency
- Once daily.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
- Best timing
- Morning or evening, at a consistent time.
- Effect timeline
- Skin-related changes are reported after about 2–4 weeks and hair-related changes over a longer period, about 4–8 weeks.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C after preparation.
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks.
- Washout period
- 4–6 weeks.
Glow
- Typical dose
- Calculated based on the content and the individual components of the protocol.
- Frequency
- Depends on the individual peptides in the protocol.
- Injection sites
- Abdomen, outer thigh or upper arm.
- Best timing
- Consistent administration timing is recommended in protocols.
- Effect timeline
- Varies depending on which peptides are included and their respective protocols.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C and protected from light.
- Cycle length
- Adjusted to the individual components.
- Washout period
- Based on the respective protocols of the included components.
HCG
- Typical dose
- 250–500 IU per injection in common protocols, up to 1,000–2,000 IU every other day in shorter protocols.
- Frequency
- 2–3 times per week in common protocols, e.g. Monday/Wednesday/Friday.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh. Rotate injection sites to avoid tissue damage.
- Best timing
- Consistent timing is recommended; a specific time of day is not reported as decisive.
- Effect timeline
- Hormonal changes are reported as able to occur within days, while full effects are reported to vary depending on protocol and area of use.
- Storage
- Lyophilized powder is stored cool or refrigerated below 25 °C. After preparation, the solution is stored refrigerated at 2–8 °C and is reported to keep for up to 60 days.
- Cycle length
- Varies considerably depending on protocol, from shorter periods of 10–14 days to longer continuous use.
- Washout period
- Reported to vary depending on protocol and area of use.
HGH
- Typical dose
- 1–2 IU daily as a starting level in the stated protocol.
- Frequency
- Once daily, or split morning/evening at higher amounts.
- Injection sites
- Abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.
- Best timing
- Morning on an empty stomach is reported for body composition; evening is used to mimic the body's natural GH rhythm.
- Effect timeline
- 1–2 weeks: sleep and energy; 4–8 weeks: changes in body composition; 3–6 months: more extensive changes.
- Storage
- Lyophilized: 2–8 °C. Prepared solution: refrigerated storage per the product's shelf life. Must not be frozen.
- Cycle length
- 3–6 months or longer under medical supervision.
- Washout period
- Some protocols use 5 days on/2 days off or periodic breaks. Medical replacement therapy is normally continuous.
Ipamorelin
- Typical dose
- 200–300 mcg.
- Frequency
- 1–3 times daily.
- Injection sites
- Abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
- Best timing
- Empty stomach; before bedtime is reported as optimal timing for sleep-related purposes.
- Effect timeline
- Sleep and recovery are reported after about 2–4 weeks; changes in body composition after 6–8 weeks.
- Storage
- Store at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days after preparation.
- Cycle length
- 3–6 months.
- Washout period
- 1–2 months.
KLOW
- Typical dose
- 2–3.2 mg daily according to the stated protocol.
- Frequency
- Once daily, usually in the evening.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously. Rotate between abdomen, thigh and upper arm.
- Best timing
- Evening is reported as the usual timing in protocols.
- Effect timeline
- Reported timeline varies from days to several weeks.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated after preparation.
- Cycle length
- 4–6 weeks.
- Washout period
- 2–4 weeks.
Melanotan 2
- Typical dose
- 0.25–1 mg.
- Frequency
- Daily initially, then 2–3 times per week for maintenance.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
- Best timing
- Morning is reported for pigment-related effects; evening or 2–4 hours before activity is reported for other reported effects.
- Effect timeline
- Pigment changes are reported after about 7–10 days; other reported effects may appear earlier.
- Storage
- Prepared peptide is stored refrigerated and protected from light.
- Cycle length
- 4–8 weeks followed by a break according to the protocol.
- Washout period
- At least 4 weeks.
MOTS-C
- Typical dose
- 5–15 mg.
- Frequency
- Once daily or 3 times per week.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.
- Best timing
- Morning, before training or together with the day's first meal.
- Effect timeline
- AMPK-related activity is reported within about 30 minutes; changes in glucose metabolism after 1–2 weeks; fuller effects after 4–8 weeks.
- Storage
- Lyophilized material: room temperature within the stated shelf life, or freeze. Prepared solution: 2–8 °C.
- Cycle length
- 4–12 weeks.
- Washout period
- 2–4 weeks between continuous cycles.
NAD+
- Typical dose
- 250–500 mg.
- Frequency
- 1–2 times per week.
- Injection sites
- IM: deltoid, glute or thigh. Subcutaneous: abdomen or thigh. IV administration takes place in a clinical setting.
- Best timing
- Morning is reported as the preferred timing for energy-related effects.
- Effect timeline
- Initial effects are reported after about 30 minutes to 2 hours; cumulative effects are reported over several weeks.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C after preparation.
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks with evaluation.
- Washout period
- 4–8 weeks between intensive cycles.
Retatrutide
- Typical dose
- The Phase 3 protocol starts at 2 mg once weekly and can be stepped up every four weeks to 4, 9 or 12 mg. Lower starting levels of 0.5–1 mg also appear in some protocols.
- Frequency
- Once per week.
- Injection sites
- Abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Rotate the injection site between doses.
- Best timing
- Any time of day. Try to keep the same day of the week for consistent administration.
- Effect timeline
- Appetite suppression may be reported within 24–48 hours; clearer weight changes are reported after about 4–8 weeks; longer treatment is reported for maximal results.
- Storage
- Lyophilized powder is stored per the product specification. After preparation, the solution is stored refrigerated.
- Cycle length
- Continuous use according to treatment protocol.
- Washout period
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Selank
- Typical dose
- 250–500 mcg daily.
- Frequency
- Once daily in the morning or split across two doses.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
- Best timing
- Morning is reported for cognitive purposes; evening appears in protocols for relaxation.
- Effect timeline
- Changes are reported within 30–60 minutes, while cognitive effects are reported after 1–3 days and more extensive effects after 1–2 weeks.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C and protected from light and heat.
- Cycle length
- 2–8 weeks.
- Washout period
- 1–2 weeks, optional according to the stated protocol.
Semaglutide
- Typical dose
- Start with 0.25 mg once weekly and titrate gradually according to protocol.
- Frequency
- Once per week, same day of the week.
- Injection sites
- Abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.
- Best timing
- Any time of day, with or without food.
- Effect timeline
- Appetite changes are reported within 1–2 weeks; weight changes may become noticeable after 4–8 weeks; fuller effect is reported after several months.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated per the product specification. After opening/preparation, follow the stated shelf life.
- Cycle length
- Continuous treatment according to prescribed protocol.
- Washout period
- Not applicable for continuous treatment.
Semax
- Typical dose
- 500–750 mcg per injection.
- Frequency
- Once daily, preferably in the morning.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.
- Best timing
- Morning to make use of the reported cognitive effects during the day.
- Effect timeline
- Onset is reported after 30–60 minutes, peak effect after 2–4 hours, and duration about 6–8 hours.
- Storage
- Prepared solution is stored refrigerated. Powder is reported as stable at room temperature.
- Cycle length
- 2–4 weeks as the maximum continuous period per the source material.
- Washout period
- 2–4 weeks between cycles according to the available material.
Sermorelin
- Typical dose
- 200–300 mcg daily.
- Frequency
- Once at bedtime to coincide with the natural GH pulse.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the lower abdomen, front of the thigh or back of the upper arm. Avoid the navel area and rotate injection sites.
- Best timing
- At bedtime, at least about 2 hours after the last meal.
- Effect timeline
- IGF-1 changes are reported after 1–2 weeks; body composition after 4–8 weeks; longer-term use is reported for more extensive changes.
- Storage
- Lyophilized: 2–8 °C. Prepared solution: 2–8 °C and use within the stated shelf life.
- Cycle length
- 3–6 months.
- Washout period
- 1–3 months or 5 days on/2 days off according to the protocol.
TB-500
- Typical dose
- 2–3 mg.
- Frequency
- 2–3 times per week.
- Injection sites
- Abdomen, thigh or shoulder subcutaneously. Some protocols also use intramuscular administration.
- Best timing
- Flexible timing; can be administered before or after a meal.
- Effect timeline
- Changes related to tissue and recovery are reported after about 2–4 weeks, while some protocols report earlier changes within 1–2 weeks.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated at about 2–6 °C after preparation.
- Cycle length
- 6–12 weeks.
- Washout period
- 4–6 weeks.
Tesamorelin
- Typical dose
- 1.4 mg daily is reported as the FDA-approved dose for a specific medical use.
- Frequency
- Once daily.
- Injection sites
- Subcutaneously in the abdominal area. Avoid the navel and rotate injection sites.
- Best timing
- Evening is reported as the preferred timing in the material.
- Effect timeline
- IGF-1 changes are reported after about 13 days; visible changes in fat tissue after 4–8 weeks; more extensive effects after 12–26 weeks.
- Storage
- Unprepared powder: 2–8 °C. Storage after preparation should follow the specific product's instructions.
- Cycle length
- Continuous treatment according to medical protocol.
- Washout period
- No break is reported for approved medical use.
Tirzepatide
- Typical dose
- Starting dose 2.5 mg once weekly, with a gradual dose increase according to protocol.
- Frequency
- Once per week, ideally the same day of the week.
- Injection sites
- Thigh, abdomen or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.
- Best timing
- Any time of day, with or without food.
- Effect timeline
- Appetite changes may be reported within 1–3 days; weight changes after about 2–4 weeks; more extensive effects are reported over several months.
- Storage
- Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C and protected from light. Must not be frozen.
- Cycle length
- 12–24+ weeks is reported for longer treatment and metabolic effects.
- Washout period
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Frequently asked questions about peptides
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can act as biological signals. Different peptides have different mechanisms of action and research areas.
How do you choose the right peptide?
It depends on which area you want to learn more about. The peptides and related substances in this guide are organized by their main areas of use, such as metabolism, body composition, recovery, skin, hair, cognition, energy and GH-related processes.
How should peptides be stored?
Storage varies between products. Many lyophilized products are stored refrigerated and need special storage after preparation. The product's own storage instructions should always take priority.
How long are peptides used for?
This varies considerably between products. That's why Cycle Length and Washout Period are listed separately for each product above instead of using a general protocol.
Are all peptides medicines?
No. Status varies between substances, areas of use and jurisdictions. The information on this page should therefore not be interpreted as a claim that a product is approved for a specific medical purpose.
Peptide guide for research and product information
This page is structured as a reference guide for peptides and related substances, where each product is presented with the same eight information points:
Typical Dose → Frequency → Injection Sites → Best Timing → Effect Timeline → Storage → Cycle Length → Washout Period.
This makes it easier to compare product information and find the right section without having to search through several different pages. Also explore our full range.