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The Peptide Effect
Dosage Guide

BPC-157 Dosage Guide: Injection & Oral Protocols

Comprehensive BPC-157 dosage guide covering subcutaneous, intramuscular, and oral administration protocols. Includes reconstitution instructions, cycle guidance, stacking considerations, and references to published preclinical research on this gastric pentadecapeptide.

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Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Dosages described reflect ranges discussed in published research and clinical practice literature — they are not recommendations. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any peptide. Legality and availability vary by jurisdiction.

Overview

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a partial sequence of human gastric juice protein. It consists of 15 amino acids and has been the subject of extensive preclinical research since the 1990s, with published studies investigating its effects on wound healing, tendon and ligament repair, gastrointestinal mucosal protection, and various organ injuries in animal models. The peptide has demonstrated cytoprotective properties in over 100 published animal studies, with proposed mechanisms involving modulation of the nitric oxide system, growth factor upregulation (including VEGF and EGF), and interaction with the dopaminergic system. Despite this substantial preclinical evidence base, no completed human clinical trials have been published as of the current date, and BPC-157 is not FDA approved for any indication. Dosage protocols in circulation are extrapolated from animal study data and anecdotal practitioner experience.

Dosing Protocols

Subcutaneous Injection — Standard

Route: Subcutaneous injection (near the area of injury/concern when possible)
Dose: 200–500 mcg per injection
Frequency: Once or twice daily
Duration: 4–8 weeks per cycle, commonly discussed as a standard course

Subcutaneous injection near the site of injury is the most commonly discussed administration route. A dose of 250–500 mcg once or twice daily is the most frequently referenced protocol in practitioner communities. The rationale for local injection is based on animal studies suggesting local tissue effects, though systemic activity has also been reported in preclinical research.

Subcutaneous Injection — Lower Dose

Route: Subcutaneous injection
Dose: 100–200 mcg per injection
Frequency: Once daily
Duration: 4–6 weeks

A lower dose approach is sometimes discussed for general systemic support or for individuals new to the peptide. Some practitioners suggest starting at a lower dose to assess tolerability before escalating to the standard 250–500 mcg range.

Oral Administration — Gut Health

Route: Oral (sublingual hold or swallowed in solution)
Dose: 500–1000 mcg per dose
Frequency: Once or twice daily on an empty stomach
Duration: 4–8 weeks

Oral BPC-157 is discussed primarily for gastrointestinal applications (gut lining support, mucosal protection). BPC-157 has shown stability in gastric juice in preclinical studies, which is unusual for peptides. Oral dosing is often higher than injection dosing because oral bioavailability is lower. Some sources suggest holding the solution sublingually for 60–90 seconds before swallowing.

Intramuscular Injection

Route: Intramuscular injection (into or near affected muscle)
Dose: 250–500 mcg per injection
Frequency: Once daily
Duration: 4–8 weeks

Intramuscular injection is sometimes discussed for muscle injury or deep tissue concerns. The dose is similar to subcutaneous protocols. Injection into the belly of the affected muscle is the commonly described approach, though evidence for superiority over subcutaneous administration is anecdotal.

Reconstitution & Storage

Vial sizes5 mg lyophilized vials (most common); 2 mg and 10 mg vials also available from some suppliers
Recommended water volume2 mL bacteriostatic water (BAC water) per 5 mg vial yields a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL (2,500 mcg/mL). At this concentration: 0.1 mL = 250 mcg, 0.2 mL = 500 mcg. Some users prefer 1 mL BAC water for a 5 mg/mL concentration to minimize injection volume.
StorageStore unreconstituted vials at room temperature or refrigerated. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 36–46 °F (2–8 °C). Keep away from direct sunlight.
Stability once reconstitutedReconstituted BPC-157 is generally considered stable for up to 30 days when refrigerated. Some sources suggest peptide degradation may begin after 2–3 weeks. Discard if solution becomes cloudy or discolored.

Use our reconstitution calculator to determine exact syringe units for your dose.

Cycle Guidance

BPC-157 is most commonly discussed in cycles of 4–8 weeks, followed by an off-cycle period of equal duration before repeating if needed. The rationale for cycling is primarily precautionary — there is limited data on long-term continuous use. Some practitioners suggest that BPC-157 produces its primary effects within the first 4–6 weeks for acute injury applications, making extended use unnecessary for specific healing goals. For chronic conditions such as ongoing gut health support, some practitioners have discussed longer protocols of 8–12 weeks. There is no published human data establishing optimal cycle duration, and recommendations are derived from practitioner experience and extrapolation from animal study timelines.

Stacking Considerations

  • BPC-157 is frequently discussed in combination with TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) for injury recovery — the proposed rationale is complementary healing mechanisms (BPC-157 for local tissue repair and angiogenesis, TB-500 for systemic anti-inflammatory and cell migration effects).
  • Some practitioners combine BPC-157 with GHK-Cu for skin and wound healing applications, citing complementary mechanisms involving collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling.
  • BPC-157 has been discussed alongside growth hormone secretagogues (e.g., Ipamorelin, CJC-1295) in the context of recovery optimization, though no published data evaluate these specific combinations.
  • Preclinical research has investigated BPC-157 in the context of NSAID-induced gastrointestinal damage, suggesting potential protective effects — some practitioners discuss this as a rationale for concurrent use during NSAID therapy, though human data are lacking.
  • BPC-157 has shown interactions with the dopaminergic system in animal studies, which is relevant when considering concurrent use with dopamine-affecting medications or supplements.

Potential Side Effects

  • No significant adverse effects have been reported in the published preclinical literature at the doses studied
  • Mild injection site discomfort (redness, swelling) — reported anecdotally and generally transient
  • Mild nausea when taken orally (reported anecdotally, typically at higher doses)
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness (reported infrequently in anecdotal accounts)
  • Headache (reported infrequently in anecdotal accounts)
  • Theoretical concern regarding angiogenesis promotion in individuals with existing tumors — BPC-157 upregulates VEGF in preclinical studies, which is relevant for individuals with active malignancies
  • Long-term safety in humans is unknown due to the absence of completed human clinical trials

Contraindications & Cautions

  • Active cancer or history of cancer — due to BPC-157's pro-angiogenic properties (VEGF upregulation) observed in preclinical studies, there is a theoretical risk of promoting tumor vascularization
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding — no safety data available
  • Children and adolescents — no safety data available
  • Known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation
  • Individuals on anticoagulant therapy should exercise caution, as some preclinical data suggest BPC-157 may influence platelet function (evidence is limited and conflicting)
  • Note: Because no human clinical trials have been completed, the full contraindication profile is not established and all use carries inherent uncertainty

Related

BPC-157 Profilehealingrecoverygut healthjoint healthinflammationtb-500 dosageghk-cu dosage

References

  1. Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Tract (2011) — PubMed
  2. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 — a Review of Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Action (2020) — PubMed
  3. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Enhances the Growth Hormone Receptor Expression in Tendon Fibroblasts (2011) — PubMed
  4. BPC 157 and Its Role in Accelerating Wound Healing (2020) — PubMed
  5. Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in Trials for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (2022) — PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BPC-157 legal?
BPC-157 occupies a regulatory gray area in many jurisdictions. It is not FDA approved for any medical use and is not a controlled substance. It is commonly sold as a "research chemical" or "research peptide." In the United States, BPC-157 is not scheduled and can be purchased for research purposes, though its sale for human consumption is not authorized by the FDA. Regulatory status varies by country, and individuals should verify local regulations.
Should BPC-157 be injected near the injury site?
Local injection near the site of injury is the most commonly discussed approach, based on the rationale that local administration achieves higher tissue concentrations at the target area. However, preclinical studies have also demonstrated systemic effects from remote administration (e.g., intraperitoneal injection in animal studies producing effects at distant sites). Some practitioners suggest that systemic subcutaneous injection (e.g., in the abdomen) may be adequate when the injury site is difficult to access.
Can BPC-157 be taken orally?
Yes, oral administration of BPC-157 is discussed in the research literature and practitioner communities. Unlike most peptides, BPC-157 has demonstrated stability in gastric juice in preclinical studies, which supports oral bioavailability. Oral dosing is typically higher than injection dosing (500–1000 mcg vs. 200–500 mcg) to compensate for lower systemic absorption. Oral administration is most commonly discussed for gastrointestinal applications such as gut lining support.
How long does it take for BPC-157 to work?
Based on preclinical animal studies, effects on wound healing and tissue repair parameters have been observed within days to weeks of administration. Anecdotal reports from practitioners and users suggest noticeable effects on pain and mobility within 1–2 weeks for musculoskeletal injuries, with continued improvement over a 4–8 week cycle. However, individual responses vary, and there are no human clinical trial data establishing a defined onset of action.
What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?
BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid peptide derived from human gastric juice protein, while TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid protein involved in cell migration and tissue repair. In preclinical studies, BPC-157 has been more extensively studied for tendon, ligament, and gastrointestinal healing, while TB-500 research has focused on cardiac repair, wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects. They are frequently discussed in combination due to their proposed complementary mechanisms.
Does BPC-157 need to be refrigerated?
Unreconstituted (dry powder) BPC-157 is relatively stable and can be stored at room temperature for extended periods, though refrigeration is preferred for long-term storage. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, it must be refrigerated at 2–8 °C (36–46 °F) and used within approximately 30 days. Avoid freezing reconstituted solution, as freeze-thaw cycles can degrade the peptide.