Sermorelin Dosage: Typical Doses, Timing and Injection Schedule
Most adults start with a weight-based dose of subcutaneous sermorelin at bedtime and increase only if growth-hormone blood levels or symptoms call for it. Follow your prescription label exactly and never change your dose without your provider’s approval.
Sermorelin doses are usually calculated by body weight: most prescribers start adults around 300 mcg (about 3 mcg/kg for a 100 kg person) injected under the skin once nightly, then adjust by 100-200 mcg steps every 4-8 weeks if blood IGF-1 levels remain low or symptoms persist. Research in children used 30 mcg/kg but adult replacement goals are lower, aiming to mimic physiologic nighttime pulses of growth hormone (Prakash et al., 1999). Always inject at the time, dose and frequency written on your prescription label, and ask your clinician before making any change.
- Early studies used 30 mcg per kilogram at bedtime for children with growth hormone deficiency (Prakash et al., 1999).
- Most adults begin with 200-400 mcg once daily at night to match natural growth-hormone peaks.
- Providers recheck IGF-1 and symptoms every 4-8 weeks and may raise the dose by 100-200 mcg if needed.
- Injecting before sleep limits daytime drowsiness and mirrors the body’s biggest growth-hormone pulse.
- Call your doctor right away for severe joint pain, carpal-tunnel-like numbness, or persistent edema.
Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog that prompts your pituitary gland to release growth hormone
Sermorelin is a 29-amino-acid fragment of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It binds the same pituitary receptors as natural GHRH, triggering a short burst of growth hormone secretion that is then converted in the liver to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the hormone doctors measure to judge your dose (Prakash et al., 1999). Unlike recombinant growth hormone, sermorelin stimulates your body to produce GH rather than replacing it directly.
The original FDA-approved brand, Geref, was discontinued for commercial reasons, so today sermorelin is available only as a compounded medication prepared by a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy. Compounded sermorelin is not FDA-approved, and you need a valid prescription from a licensed U.S. provider.
Sermorelin dosing is weight-based and titrated to IGF-1 levels
Your provider calculates your first dose from body weight, then fine-tunes it to IGF-1 blood tests and symptom relief. Children with growth hormone deficiency in early trials received 30 mcg/kg each night, but adults usually need less to achieve mid-normal IGF-1 values (Prakash et al., 1999). Because sermorelin has a short half-life (~10 minutes), daily bedtime injections create a single, physiologic GH pulse.
| Weight (lb) | Weight (kg) | Typical Adult Starting Dose (mcg) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | 68 | 200-300 |
| 200 | 91 | 300-400 |
| 250 | 114 | 400-500 |
| 300 | 136 | 500-600 |
💡 Why not one-size-fits-all?
IGF-1 response varies with age, sex, sleep, exercise and other hormones, so two people of the same weight can need different doses.
Most adults start at 200-400 mcg nightly and adjust slowly
Prescribers usually begin conservatively and monitor labs before making any change. A common protocol is:
- Weeks 0-8: 200-300 mcg once nightly.
- Week 8 IGF-1 check: If still below age-adjusted mid-range, increase by 100-200 mcg.
- Maximum typical dose: 600 mcg nightly. Doses above 600 mcg provide little extra benefit for most adults but may raise side-effect risk.
⚠️ Do not double up if you miss a dose
If you forget the nightly injection, skip it and resume the next night. Doubling can cause an exaggerated GH spike and side effects like flushing or lightheadedness.
Injecting sermorelin 30 minutes before bed mimics your body’s natural GH surge
Endogenous growth hormone peaks shortly after the first deep-sleep cycle. Giving sermorelin just before lights-out aligns the drug’s 10-minute plasma peak and 30-minute GH spike with that physiologic window, reducing the chance of daytime drowsiness.
| Event | Approximate Time After Injection |
|---|---|
| Sermorelin plasma peak | 10 minutes |
| Growth hormone peak | 20-30 minutes |
| IGF-1 synthesis begins | 2-4 hours |
| Return to baseline GH | 120 minutes |
Morning injections are sometimes used in shift-workers, but daytime administration can blunt your natural nighttime GH pulse, so always follow your provider’s timing instructions.
Providers adjust sermorelin doses using IGF-1 labs and symptom tracking
Dose changes are typically made every 4-8 weeks. IGF-1 is drawn 8-10 hours after the last dose to avoid a transient post-injection spike. Goals are:
- Age- and sex-adjusted IGF-1 in the mid-normal range (e.g., 50th percentile).
- Improved energy, sleep quality and body-composition metrics.
- No dose-limiting side effects such as edema or paresthesia.
If IGF-1 is already high-normal, your clinician may lower the dose or add a drug holiday (5 nights on, 2 nights off) to prevent excessive GH exposure.
What supplies you need and how to map out a weekly injection schedule
Sermorelin arrives as a multi-dose vial of lyophilized powder that you reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Your pharmacy includes detailed instructions, but general steps are:
Supplies: 1 mL insulin syringes (29-31 gauge), alcohol swabs, sharps container, and bacteriostatic water for reconstitution.
Reconstitution: Most 5 mg vials are diluted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water, yielding 2,500 mcg per mL. Drawing 0.12 mL equals a 300 mcg dose.
Is your current sermorelin dose on track?
Check the column that fits your situation:
✅ Stay the course
- IGF-1 in mid-normal range for age
- Improved sleep and morning energy
- No ankle swelling or joint pain
- Body-fat percentage trending down
🏥 Talk to your provider
- IGF-1 still low after 8 weeks
- Numbness or tingling in hands
- Persistent edema or headaches
- Rash or pain at injection site
Cost, prescription access and how to save on sermorelin
Because sermorelin is compounded, insurance rarely covers it. Prices range from $120 to $300 per 5 mg vial at many compounding pharmacies, enough for about 10-15 adult doses depending on strength. Compare cash prices at local pharmacies on Rx.com with a free prescription discount card to maximize savings.
The easiest path is an online visit with a licensed provider who can review your medical history, order baseline labs and, if appropriate, e-prescribe sermorelin from Rx.com straight to your door-no searching for a local compounding pharmacy required.
🚨 When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe ankle or hand swelling - can signal excess fluid retention.
- Numbness or tingling in fingers - may indicate carpal tunnel-like nerve compression.
- Joint pain that limits activity - growth hormone excess can irritate joints.
- Persistent headaches or vision changes - rare but can indicate intracranial pressure changes.
- Hard, red or warm injection site - could be an infection requiring antibiotics.
- Shortness of breath on exertion - fluid overload can strain the heart.
- Unexpected breast tenderness or gynecomastia - a sign of hormonal imbalance.
- Any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
Scientific References
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 500 mcg of sermorelin too much?
A 500 mcg nightly dose falls within the common adult maintenance range. Whether it is “too much” depends on your IGF-1 level and side effects. Your provider may lower or raise the dose based on those factors.
Can I take sermorelin every other night?
Some protocols use five injections per week to save cost or limit side effects, but daily dosing has the best evidence for steady IGF-1. Do not change frequency unless your prescriber specifically approves it.
How long does sermorelin take to work?
Many users notice better sleep or recovery within 2-4 weeks, but measurable IGF-1 changes may take 6-8 weeks. Height velocity in children improved over 12 months in studies (Prakash et al., 1999).
Do I have to cycle off sermorelin?
There is no universal cycling schedule. Some clinicians incorporate 1-2-week breaks after several months to assess natural GH function, but evidence is limited. Follow your provider’s plan.
What size insulin syringe should I use?
Most adults use a 29-31 gauge, 0.5-inch insulin syringe. A 0.3 mL barrel offers more precise measurement when drawing small volumes like 0.10 mL.
Is sermorelin legal for competitive athletes?
Sermorelin stimulates growth hormone release, so it is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Athletes should consult their sport’s governing body before use.
Can I mix sermorelin and ipamorelin in the same syringe?
Some clinics stack peptides, but stability data are limited and mixing can alter potency. Use separate vials and syringes unless your pharmacist confirms compatibility.
Does sermorelin need to stay refrigerated?
Yes. Both the powder and the reconstituted solution should be stored at 36-46 °F (2-8 °C). Discard reconstituted solution after 30 days or sooner if it becomes cloudy.
