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GH secretagogue (oral)

MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Also known as Ibutamoren

An oral, needle-free way to raise GH and IGF-1 around the clock.

Clinical evidence

Overview

MK-677, also known as Ibutamoren, is an oral ghrelin-receptor agonist that raises both growth hormone and IGF-1 for roughly 24 hours per dose. What distinguishes it from injectable GH secretagogues is its route: it is taken by mouth, which eliminates the injection routine entirely. This makes it appealing to people who want GH-axis support without daily or multiple-daily injections. Its primary goals are muscle building, improving sleep quality, and supporting recovery. Skin health is a secondary benefit, consistent with the role of GH and IGF-1 in tissue maintenance. It tends to be considered by people who prefer an oral protocol or who are not ready for injectable peptides. MK-677 is taken as an oral dose of 10-25 mg once daily, before bed. Courses typically run eight to sixteen weeks. The bedtime timing is preferred because it aligns the GH and IGF-1 pulse with overnight sleep, when natural GH secretion is highest, and because some users find appetite increase and vivid dreams easier to manage during sleep. The main cautions are water retention, increased appetite, and a potential rise in blood sugar. People with diabetes or insulin sensitivity concerns should flag this at consult, as it is something to monitor. Like all GH-axis agents, MK-677 is contraindicated in anyone with a cancer history. Importantly, MK-677 should not be combined with injectable GH secretagogues including sermorelin, ipamorelin, and CJC-1295. It is not an FDA-approved compound and is classified as a research compound in the US. Its evidence base is clinical - there are real human studies behind it. Your licensed provider in the PepDepo network will set the exact dose and monitor relevant labs at consult.

At a glance

Route
Oral
Dose
10-25 mg
Frequency
Once daily
Timing
Before bed
Cycle
8-16 weeks

Combining

Avoid combining with: Sermorelin, Ipamorelin, CJC-1295 (no DAC), MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Safety

Water retention, increased appetite, can raise blood sugar.

Regulatory: Research compound; not FDA-approved.

Not appropriate if: cancer-history.

Questions

Is MK-677 a peptide?

It's not a peptide in the traditional sense - it's a small-molecule ghrelin-receptor agonist that mimics ghrelin's effect on GH and IGF-1 secretion. It behaves similarly to injectable GH secretagogues but is taken orally.

How is MK-677 taken?

As an oral dose of 10-25 mg once daily, before bed. Exact dose is set at your PepDepo consult.

What are the side effects I should know about?

Water retention, increased appetite, and potential blood sugar elevation are the main ones. These are manageable but worth discussing at consult, especially if you have any baseline metabolic concerns.

Who should not take MK-677?

Anyone with a cancer history. GH-axis stimulation is contraindicated in that population.

Can I combine MK-677 with ipamorelin or sermorelin?

No. MK-677 should not be combined with injectable GH secretagogues like ipamorelin, sermorelin, or CJC-1295. Running them together is not appropriate.

Is MK-677 FDA-approved?

No. It is classified as a research compound in the US. It has been studied in clinical trials but has not received FDA approval.

How long is a typical course?

Eight to sixteen weeks. The right duration depends on your goals and response, and is set at consult.

Why take it before bed?

Bedtime aligns the GH and IGF-1 pulse with the overnight window when natural GH secretion is highest. It also helps manage appetite increase and potential sleep changes during hours you're asleep.

Want a personalized protocol?

Exact dosing is set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network. This page is education, not a prescription.

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Education only, not medical advice. Peptides discussed are for informational purposes and many are not FDA-approved. Eligibility, prescribing, compounding, and dispensing are handled by appropriately licensed entities. Exact protocols and dosing are set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network at consult. Content is pending clinical review.