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GHK-CU 1st time dull soreness

14 replies9 peopleMar 7, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

How to reduce post-injection soreness from GHK-Cu

Users report that initial abdominal injections often produce lingering dull soreness the next day despite no immediate sting or visible reaction. Switching to glute sites and increasing dilution volume both reduced the issue for several people. Adjusting pH upward with sodium bicarbonate or adding lidocaine/epinephrine is also discussed as a way to lessen discomfort from acidity.

What this discussion establishesStill open

Whether lidocaine with epinephrine can be obtained without a medical license

Nothing here is advice.

14 replies · 9 people
BrightAnchor18archiveopening postMar 7

I did my first shot of GHK Cu last night at 23:00. It was 2 mg in 12 units after adding extra BAC water to cut the sting. Everything was at room temp and I injected slowly into the stomach fat. No burn or sting at all. Slept fine and woke up with zero bruising or swelling, but there is a noticeable dull soreness about the size of my hand. One write-up mentioned it could be normal inflammation from the copper. I am icing it now and wondering if a different spot, smaller dose, or massage would help. Any experienced input would be great.

LevelThistle41archiveMar 7

Try mixing in some lido/epi or sodium bicarbonate 8.4 percent to bring the pH up near 7.5-8. That should cut the discomfort. Plenty of threads here cover the same approach if you search.

ClearBeacon24archiveMar 7
↳ replying to @LevelThistle41

Key points on GHK-Cu stability include an optimal pH window of 4.5 to 7.4. Outside that range, below 4 or above 9, the peptide and copper separate. It holds up in water inside the safe band for a while but breaks down fast in very basic conditions.

LevelThistle41archiveMar 7
↳ replying to @ClearBeacon24

The soreness comes from the low pH. Raising it makes a big difference. Adding lido/epi will also numb the area, but many people prefer the bicarbonate route to reach a tolerable pH.

PlainLedger93archiveMar 7
↳ replying to @BrightAnchor18 (opening post)

I had the same soreness until I switched to glute injections and that solved it.

BrightAnchor18archiveMar 7
↳ replying to @LevelThistle41

I have sodium bicarbonate tablets on hand and can look up how to make a solution. I also have acetic acid available. Would that work as well? What ratio should I use and should I only mix it for the shot rather than the whole vial?

BrightAnchor18archiveMar 7
↳ replying to @BrightAnchor18

Never mind the acetic acid question. My head is not working right today.

WarmHarbour52archiveMar 7

I switched to glute shots and the pain went away completely.

LevelTimber64archiveMar 8

It is an uncomfortable injection for sure. Abdomen, thigh, and side all bothered me. Someone suggested the side of the butt and after I added another 2 ml of bac water to my already reconstituted vial the discomfort dropped a lot. I had only done three shots before increasing the dilution. Now I sometimes feel a little something later but it is minor. Numbing wipes before the shot and a massager afterward are also said to help.

BrightAnchor18archiveMar 8
↳ replying to @LevelTimber64

Lots of useful tips. I am going to try the buttocks area today even though I am nervous after yesterday. The dull ache felt like a kick to the stomach and left me wiped out. Guess I will push through.

LevelTimber64archiveMar 8
↳ replying to @BrightAnchor18

Go for the side of the butt. I felt exactly the same dread but my concern about looks outweighed my fear of the discomfort.

LevelKettle25archiveMar 8
↳ replying to @BrightAnchor18

Hope it goes well. Glute shots worked better for me but my partner still had pain each time. I might get her to try the lido/epi mix but after three bad experiences she may not want to risk it again.

LevelTimber64archiveMar 9
↳ replying to @LevelKettle25

If she tries again the fourth time was the charm for me. Numbing wipes ahead of time plus a massage gun right after the shot worked well for some.

SteadyAnchor73archiveMar 9
↳ replying to @LevelThistle41

Where are you getting Lido/epi from? Plain lidocaine is simple to find but the version with epinephrine seems restricted. Do you need a medical license?

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GHK-CU 1st time dull soreness · ZyraTrack Community