Ipamorelin: Side Effects & Safety
Part of the Ipamorelin Complete Guide
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Overall Safety Profile
Ipamorelin has one of the most favorable safety profiles among GH secretagogues, owing to its high selectivity for GH release without significant effects on cortisol, prolactin, aldosterone, or appetite. Side effects are generally mild and dose-dependent.
Reported Side Effects
- Water retention: Mild fluid retention, particularly in the hands and face — a GH-class effect that resolves with dose reduction or discontinuation
- Head rush/dizziness: Transient lightheadedness shortly after injection, particularly common in the first few doses
- Injection site reactions: Standard subcutaneous injection effects — mild redness or irritation
- Hunger increase: Mild compared to GHRP-6, but some appetite stimulation can occur via the ghrelin pathway
- Numbness/tingling: In extremities, related to GH-mediated fluid changes
Safety vs. Other GH Secretagogues
| Side Effect | Ipamorelin | GHRP-6 | GHRP-2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisol increase | Minimal | Moderate | Moderate |
| Prolactin increase | Minimal | Moderate | Moderate |
| Hunger increase | Mild | Severe | Moderate |
| Water retention | Mild | Moderate | Moderate |
Ipamorelin's selectivity profile is the reason it has become the preferred GHRP in most modern research protocols.
Potential Contraindications
- Active cancer (GH is growth-promoting)
- Pituitary disorders or active acromegaly
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Return to the ipamorelin overview for general information.