GHK-Cu 200mcg/0.1mL

Route: Subcutaneous (SC) injection.

Administer as a subcutaneous injection using a small-gauge needle (27–31G) into the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, outer thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites with each dose to reduce local tissue reactions. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and allow to dry before injecting. Inject at a 45-degree angle for thin individuals or 90 degrees for adequate subcutaneous tissue. Do not inject into an area that is tender, bruised, or irritated. Discard single-use vials or syringes after use; do not reuse.

All dosing is prescriber-determined based on the clinical indication, patient weight, and treatment objective. General reference ranges from clinical and practitioner experience:

• Skin rejuvenation / anti-aging protocols: Typically 2–3 injections per week for 4–8 weeks per treatment cycle, followed by a maintenance phase as clinically indicated.
• Wound healing or post-procedure support: Prescriber-adjusted frequency based on healing phase; may be daily or every other day during acute healing.
• Per-dose volume: 0.1 mL (200 mcg GHK-Cu) per injection site, or as directed by the prescribing clinician.
• Final dose, frequency, and cycle duration are prescriber-determined; self-administration requires patient education in proper injection technique.

• GHK-Cu (injectable): After subcutaneous administration, GHK-Cu distributes systemically and locally. The tripeptide binds copper(II) ions, delivering bioavailable non-toxic copper to fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and stem cells that require copper as a cofactor for collagen cross-linking (via lysyl oxidase) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. GHK modulates the expression of approximately 31% of human genes by ≥50%, upregulating collagen I, III, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, and decorin while downregulating MMP-mediated ECM degradation via TIMP upregulation. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) by inhibiting NF-κB and p38 MAPK. Injectable delivery achieves higher tissue concentrations than topical formulations, potentially accelerating fibroblast activation, angiogenesis (via VEGF/FGF-2 pathways), and epithelialization in wound repair contexts. GHK has also been shown to stimulate the ubiquitin-proteasome system for clearance of damaged proteins, and to activate TGF-β pathway genes relevant to tissue remodeling.

Clinical Context: Injectable GHK-Cu is used in prescriber-directed regenerative medicine and aesthetic protocols where higher tissue bioavailability than topical formulations is desired. Documented applications include:

• Skin rejuvenation: Improvements in skin quality (firmness, elasticity, reduction in fine lines) reported in clinical studies of topical GHK-Cu; injectable delivery is theorized to achieve superior outcomes by bypassing the stratum corneum barrier.
• Wound healing support: Animal model studies demonstrate accelerated wound closure, improved collagen deposition, and reduced scar formation; proposed for clinical use in diabetic wounds, post-surgical recovery, and chronic wounds.
• Hair restoration: Scalp-targeted subcutaneous protocols for androgenetic alopecia are used off-label, leveraging GHK-Cu's perifollicular ECM remodeling properties.

Monitoring Considerations:

• Inspect injection sites at each visit for local reactions (erythema, induration, bruising); rotate sites consistently.
• No established systemic monitoring laboratory parameters are required at standard aesthetic doses; however, patients with renal or hepatic disease warrant clinical judgment regarding peptide clearance.
• As a sterile compounded product, verify appropriate storage conditions have been maintained before each use.

Contraindications:

• Known hypersensitivity to GHK-Cu, copper compounds, or any sterile vehicle excipient.
• Active skin infection at injection site.
• Do not inject into inflamed, infected, or necrotic tissue.

Warnings & Precautions:

• As a sterile compounded injectable, strict aseptic technique is essential during preparation and administration to prevent infection.
• GHK-Cu has an excellent safety record in cosmetic and research settings, but large-scale controlled clinical trials in humans are limited for the injectable route.
• Copper metabolism disorders (Wilson's disease) should be considered a relative contraindication; discuss with the prescriber.
• Discard any preparation that appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particulate matter.

Drug Interactions:

• No established systemic drug interactions for injectable GHK-Cu at aesthetic doses in the published literature.
• Theoretical interaction with copper chelating agents (e.g., penicillamine, trientine in Wilson's disease treatment): may reduce GHK-Cu bioavailability or cause unpredictable copper redistribution.

Common Side Effects: Mild, transient injection-site reactions: erythema, swelling, bruising, or tenderness — typically resolving within 24–48 hours. Systemic adverse effects have not been reported at standard aesthetic injectable doses in published literature.

Store under refrigeration at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Allow to reach room temperature before use for patient comfort. Keep sterile vials sealed until use. Discard any unused portion from single-use vials appropriately. This sterile 503A compounded preparation carries a pharmacy-assigned beyond-use date (BUD); do not use after the BUD printed on the Genesis Compounding label. Inspect visually for particulate matter, cloudiness, or discoloration before each use; discard if any are observed.

Why use injectable GHK-Cu instead of topical?

Topical GHK-Cu absorption is limited by the skin's stratum corneum barrier. Injectable subcutaneous delivery bypasses this barrier, achieving higher local and systemic concentrations at the target tissue. This may result in faster onset and more pronounced effects on collagen remodeling, tissue repair, and skin quality compared to topical use alone.

How do I inject this correctly?

Use a small-gauge needle (27–31G) and rotate injection sites (abdomen, outer thigh, upper arm) with each dose. Clean the site with an alcohol swab, allow to dry, and inject at 45–90 degrees depending on available subcutaneous tissue. Your prescriber or pharmacist will provide full injection technique education.

Is this FDA-approved?

GHK-Cu 200 mcg/0.1 mL injectable is a 503A compounded sterile preparation prepared by Genesis Compounding for individual patient use per prescriber direction. It is not an FDA-approved drug product. GHK-Cu has an extensive safety and research record, but is used in this injectable form under prescriber direction as a patient-specific compounded preparation.

How should I store this medication?

Refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not use after the beyond-use date on the label. Inspect the solution before each use — discard if it appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.

Are there any signs of a reaction I should watch for?

Mild local redness, bruising, or tenderness at the injection site is common and typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Contact your prescriber if you experience significant swelling, pain, fever, redness spreading beyond the injection site, or any signs of systemic reaction.