Anti-Aging Protocol
EpithalonComplete Dosing & Administration Guide
A tiny but mighty four-amino-acid peptide that activates your body's telomerase enzyme—essentially helping your cells hit the 'reset' button on aging by protecting and lengthening the protective caps on your chromosomes.
Dose Range
5-10mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
5 mg
This is the classic Russian protocol starting point. Inject once daily for 10 consecutive days, then take a 3-6 month break before your next cycle. Think of it as a 'cellular tune-up' you do a couple times per year.
Standard Dose
10 mg
The most commonly used protocol in research settings. Some people split this into two cycles per year (10 days each) or do one longer 20-day cycle annually. Both approaches have been studied.
Advanced Dose
10 mg
Extended protocols for those with established tolerance. Some research has used up to 30 consecutive days. Longer doesn't always mean better—the key is consistency over years, not cramming in more per cycle.
Timing
Best time to take
Evening injections (1-2 hours before bed) work best for most people since Epithalon supports melatonin production—aligning with your natural sleep cycle makes sense.
With food?
Epithalon can be taken regardless of food timing. It doesn't seem to affect absorption either way, so fit it into whatever routine works for you.
If stacking
If stacking with other peptides, inject them at different sites. Epithalon pairs nicely with GHK-Cu for a comprehensive anti-aging approach. Space injections at least 30 minutes apart to track individual effects.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've completed the starting protocol with zero issues
- +Your research goals require extended treatment periods
- +You're following a protocol that calls for higher doses under supervision
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent headaches beyond the first few days
- -Injection site reactions don't resolve within 48 hours
- -Sleep quality worsens instead of improves
- -Any unexpected or uncomfortable side effects arise
Signs of right dose
- ✓Improved sleep quality and more consistent sleep patterns
- ✓Stable energy levels throughout the day
- ✓No injection site issues beyond initial redness
- ✓General sense of well-being maintained or improved
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
Find the weight printed on your peptide vial label
Look here!
The peptide weight is printed on the label
Look here!
The weight is on the label
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)—the preservative keeps it safe for multiple uses
- •Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)—thin needles mean less discomfort
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Your Epithalon powder vial
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—the easiest and most common method for self-administration
Best sites
- •Belly fat area (about 2 inches away from your belly button)
- •Front or outer thigh (middle section)
- •Back of the upper arm (have someone help if needed)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (45 if you're lean, 90 if you have more tissue)
- 5.Push the plunger slowly and steadily
- 6.Wait 5 seconds before removing the needle
- 7.Apply light pressure if needed—don't rub
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Epithalon has shown a favorable safety profile across decades of research, primarily conducted in Russia. Studies spanning up to 15 years of follow-up have reported no severe adverse events in older adults using Epithalon or its natural precursor Epithalamin. The peptide appears well-tolerated with minimal side effects, mostly limited to mild injection site reactions. However, large-scale clinical trials outside of Russia are still needed.
Most safety data comes from Russian research conducted by Dr. Khavinson's team at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. While multiple studies suggest a good safety profile, independent replication and Western clinical trials remain limited. Always work with a healthcare provider when using research compounds.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site redness
A little pink or red area where you injected is totally normal. It's just your skin reacting to the needle and solution.
Management: Rotate injection sites between belly, thigh, and arm. A cool compress can help. Usually fades within 24-48 hours.
Mild headache
Some users report mild headaches in the first few days, possibly related to changes in melatonin or pineal gland activity.
Management: Stay well-hydrated and rest if needed. These typically resolve within the first week as your body adjusts.
Temporary fatigue
Transient fatigue or mild tiredness occurs in approximately 10-15% of Epithalon users, typically in the first 3-5 days of a cycle. Fatigue is usually mild to moderate, lasting 2-4 hours after injection, and characteristically resolves within the first week as the body adjusts. The mechanism is unclear but may relate to pineal gland reactivation, melatonin upregulation, or circadian rhythm recalibration. Fatigue is more common with evening injections and less common when Epithalon is dosed in the morning.
Management: Injecting in the evening (1-2 hours before bed) is optimal since you'll sleep through any fatigue, which typically improves after day 3-4. If fatigue significantly impacts daytime function, consider morning injection instead. Ensure adequate hydration and consistent sleep schedule. Fatigue on repeat cycles (second and subsequent rounds) usually improves or disappears entirely, suggesting the adjustment is temporary.
Less Common
- •Vivid dreams
- •Sleep pattern changes
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Any signs of allergic reaction—stop immediately and seek medical help
- ×Persistent headaches that don't improve after the first week
- ×Significant sleep disturbances that worsen rather than improve
- ×Injection site reactions that spread or don't heal
- ×Any side effect that feels serious or really concerns you
- ×Your research protocol/cycle is complete
Epithalon is a research compound, not an FDA-approved medication. Never start, stop, or change your dosing without guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only—not medical advice.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Excellent pairing for comprehensive anti-aging support. GHK-Cu works on skin and tissue repair while Epithalon works at the cellular/telomere level. Inject at different sites.
- ✓Both support immune function through different mechanisms. Can be used together in anti-aging protocols—they're actually from the same research group.
- ✓Safe to combine. BPC-157 focuses on healing and gut health, complementing Epithalon's cellular anti-aging effects.
- ✓Both affect sleep. While not necessarily dangerous, using both may cause excessive drowsiness. Use caution and monitor your response.
With medications
- !Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) - Epithalon supports immune function, which could potentially counteract immunosuppressive therapy. Consult your doctor.
- !Sleep medications (Ambien, benzodiazepines) - Epithalon increases melatonin production, which could compound sedative effects. Use caution and inform your doctor.
- ✓Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin) - May increase bruising at injection sites. Not dangerous but worth monitoring. Inform your doctor.
- ✓Diabetes medications - Some peptides affect glucose metabolism. Monitor blood sugar more frequently during Epithalon cycles.
With supplements
- ✓Melatonin - Since Epithalon boosts natural melatonin production, adding supplemental melatonin may cause excessive drowsiness. Reduce or eliminate melatonin supplements during cycles.
- ✓Vitamin D - Safe and potentially complementary. Vitamin D supports immune function and overall health.
- ✓Zinc - Safe to take together. Zinc supports immune function and general cellular health.
- ✓High-dose antioxidants - Theoretical concern: megadoses of vitamin C or E might interfere with Epithalon's mechanisms. Stick to normal supplement doses.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete Epithalon research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
View Full Epithalon Profile