IGF-1 LR3
Long R3 Insulin-like Growth Factor-1
IGF-1 LR3 is a synthetic analog of human insulin-like growth factor 1, engineered with an arginine substitution at position 3 and 13 additional amino acids at the N-terminus. This 83-amino acid peptide exhibits reduced affinity for IGF-binding proteins, resulting in a prolonged half-life of 20-30 hours and approximately 3 times greater potency than native IGF-1. Currently investigational and not FDA-approved for human use.
Complete Dosing Guide
Patient Education
Helping you understand how to use IGF-1 LR3 properly is key to your success and safety. Here's what you need to know:
How to Reconstitute and Inject IGF-1 LR3 Correctly
Before You Start:
- Check the vial for any damage, discoloration, or contamination.
- Ensure you have the correct concentration of bacteriostatic water or acetic acid.
- Have alcohol wipes, insulin syringes (0.5-1.0 mL with 29-31 gauge needle), and proper disposal container ready.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Steps to Reconstitute:
For Standard Protocol (Bacteriostatic Water):
- Clean the tops of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol wipes.
- For a 1 mg vial:
- Add 1 mL bacteriostatic water for 1,000 mcg/mL concentration (each 10 units on insulin syringe = 100 mcg)
- Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water for 500 mcg/mL concentration (each 10 units = 50 mcg)
- Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water for 333 mcg/mL concentration (each 10 units = 33 mcg)
- Draw the bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly along the inside wall of the vial - DO NOT spray directly onto the powder.
- Let the vial sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to allow natural mixing.
- Gently swirl (do NOT shake) the vial to ensure complete dissolution.
- The solution should be clear with no visible particles.
- Label the vial with reconstitution date and concentration.
- Store immediately in refrigerator.
Concentration Examples for Dosing:
1 mg vial + 1 mL water = 1,000 mcg/mL
- For 50 mcg dose: Draw 5 units (0.05 mL)
- For 80 mcg dose: Draw 8 units (0.08 mL)
1 mg vial + 2 mL water = 500 mcg/mL
- For 50 mcg dose: Draw 10 units (0.1 mL)
- For 80 mcg dose: Draw 16 units (0.16 mL)
1 mg vial + 3 mL water = 333 mcg/mL
- For 50 mcg dose: Draw 15 units (0.15 mL)
- For 33 mcg dose: Draw 10 units (0.1 mL)
Steps to Inject:
- Remove reconstituted vial from refrigerator 5-10 minutes before injection (optional, for comfort).
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Clean the vial top with an alcohol wipe.
- Draw the appropriate dose into an insulin syringe, expelling any air bubbles.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it air dry completely.
- Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site.
- Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on body fat) in one smooth motion.
- Inject slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds.
- Remove the needle in the same angle it entered.
- Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if needed (do not rub).
- Dispose of the syringe in a sharps container immediately.
Injection Site Rotation:
- Rotate between at least 4-6 different sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
- Common rotation pattern: Right abdomen → Left abdomen → Right thigh → Left thigh.
- Keep a log of injection sites to ensure proper rotation.
- Avoid areas with scars, bruises, or previous reactions.
- Stay at least 2 inches away from the navel.
Why It's Important to Stick to Your Schedule
Be Consistent:
- Inject at the same time each day for optimal results.
- Post-workout timing is ideal for most users (within 30 minutes after training).
- Morning fasted injections can work well on rest days.
- Consistency helps maintain stable peptide levels and receptor sensitivity.
Cycle Duration and Timing:
- Typical cycles run 4-6 weeks for optimal results.
- Take a 4-6 week break between cycles to reset receptor sensitivity.
- Some use a 5 days on, 2 days off pattern within cycles.
- Longer cycles (8+ weeks) increase risk of receptor desensitization.
Set Reminders:
- Use phone alarms or calendar reminders for injection times.
- Keep a treatment log to track doses, injection sites, and how you feel.
- Note any missed doses and adjust schedule accordingly.
- Plan ahead for travel or schedule changes.
Understanding Side Effects and When to Get Help
Common Reactions:
- Mild hypoglycemia is the most common side effect, especially in first 1-2 weeks.
- Injection site redness usually resolves within hours.
- Increased appetite is normal and typically manageable.
- Feeling of muscle fullness or pumps is expected and positive.
Managing Side Effects:
- For hypoglycemia: Immediately consume 15-20g fast-acting carbohydrates (juice, glucose tablets, sports drink).
- For injection site reactions: Apply ice, rotate sites more frequently, ensure sterile technique.
- For water retention: Reduce sodium intake, stay hydrated, consider potassium-rich foods.
- For persistent side effects: Reduce dose by 25-50% and reassess tolerance.
When to Seek Help Immediately:
- Severe hypoglycemia symptoms: Confusion, loss of consciousness, inability to function.
- Signs of allergic reaction: Difficulty breathing, severe swelling, widespread rash.
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat.
- Severe abdominal pain or distension.
- Any symptoms that worsen despite dose reduction or stopping use.
Making Lifestyle Changes to Boost Results
Nutrition for IGF-1 LR3:
- Post-Injection Meals: Consume 30-50g carbohydrates + 20-40g protein within 30 minutes of injection.
- Good options: Rice with chicken, oats with protein shake, sweet potato with lean meat.
- Overall Diet: Maintain adequate protein intake (1g per pound of body weight).
- Hydration: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to support nutrient transport.
- Timing: Avoid fasting for extended periods while on IGF-1 LR3.
Training Optimization:
- Resistance Training: IGF-1 LR3 works synergistically with weight training for muscle growth.
- Volume: Can handle increased training volume due to enhanced recovery.
- Frequency: May be able to train muscle groups more frequently with proper recovery.
- Progressive Overload: Track lifts to ensure you're capitalizing on enhanced recovery and growth.
Recovery Support:
- Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly for optimal growth and recovery.
- Stress Management: High cortisol can interfere with IGF-1's anabolic effects.
- Rest Days: Still necessary despite enhanced recovery - don't overtrain.
- Active Recovery: Light cardio or stretching on off days can aid recovery.
Complementary Supplements:
- Protein Powder: Whey or casein to support increased protein synthesis.
- Creatine: Synergistic with IGF-1 LR3 for muscle growth and strength.
- Electrolytes: Important due to increased nutrient uptake and potential water retention.
- Digestive Enzymes: May help with increased food intake and nutrient absorption.
- Quality Multivitamin: Ensures no micronutrient deficiencies that could limit results.
Complementary Peptides:
- BPC-157 + TB-500: Excellent stack for enhanced injury recovery and tissue repair.
- CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin: Increases natural GH production, amplifying IGF-1 effects.
- GHRP-2 or GHRP-6: Growth hormone releasing peptides that work synergistically with IGF-1 LR3.
Keep Up with Progress Tracking
Documentation:
- Photos: Take weekly progress photos in consistent lighting, same angles, same time of day.
- Measurements: Track key body measurements (chest, arms, waist, thighs, calves) weekly.
- Weight: Weigh yourself 2-3 times per week at the same time (morning, after bathroom, before eating).
- Body Composition: Track body fat percentage if possible (DEXA scan, calipers, bioimpedance).
Performance Tracking:
- Strength: Log all workouts with weights, sets, and reps.
- Endurance: Note improvements in workout capacity and fatigue levels.
- Recovery: Track how quickly you recover between workouts.
- Energy Levels: Note overall daily energy and vitality.
Health Monitoring:
- Side Effects Log: Document any side effects, their severity, and how you managed them.
- Hypoglycemia Episodes: Track frequency, timing, and what helped resolve them.
- Injection Sites: Note any sites that had reactions or issues.
- Sleep Quality: Track sleep duration and quality.
Regular Assessments:
- Weekly Check-ins: Review progress photos, measurements, and how you feel.
- Bi-Weekly Evaluation: Assess if current dose is working or needs adjustment.
- End of Cycle: Compare before and after photos, measurements, and performance metrics.
- Blood Work: Consider comprehensive panels every 3-4 months if using multiple cycles.
Communication:
- Share progress and concerns with your healthcare provider regularly.
- Be honest about adherence to protocol and any issues encountered.
- Discuss optimal cycle length and break periods for your specific goals.
- Report any unusual symptoms or side effects promptly.
- Ask about blood work to monitor long-term health markers.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your situation.
Medical Disclaimer
IGF-1 LR3 is an investigational research compound not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. IGF-1 LR3 carries significant risks including severe hypoglycemia and potential tumor growth acceleration. Any use should only occur under strict medical supervision in approved research settings. Individuals with cancer history, diabetes, or other serious medical conditions should not use this compound.