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Reaction after GHK-cu shot (14 shots in)

27 replies17 peopleFeb 14, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

why do some people get local reactions or lumps from GHK-Cu injections and what should they do about it

Users report that raised itchy lumps or hard areas under the skin can appear after several shots even when using the same vial. These reactions are often localized, may relate to injection site, copper sensitivity, or existing allergies, and frequently fade within a day or two. Some continue with adjustments like extra dilution, different sites, or deeper needles while others stop or switch to copper-free versions. Filtering the solution and monitoring for spreading symptoms are commonly mentioned steps.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

Whether to continue despite mild local reactions or pause at the first sign of irritation

Still open

Whether a localized reaction signals an impending allergic response that could worsen with more shots

Nothing here is advice.

27 replies · 17 people
SteadySparrow73archiveopening postFeb 14

My husband and I have been using the GHK-cu and KPV shots for more than two weeks, though we skipped a couple of nights. Last night the same vial gave him a raised rash that feels hard underneath. It itched so he used cream and took Benadryl just in case. He skipped tonight. His allergies have been active lately and he has been itchier overall. I did not filter the first vials but I filtered the newest one.

PlainCompass54archiveFeb 14

I have seen this a few times myself. It seems random and usually clears up without any action. It might just be a sensitive spot from the injection. Still, it is worth watching him for any further signs of allergy or infection since everyone reacts differently.

PatientAnchor52archiveFeb 14

I do not know, but my wife and I are using the same product and I did not get the lump under the skin and mild irritation until the fifth or sixth shot. It goes away for me in about twenty-four hours so I just kept going.

SharpCinder28archiveFeb 14

Heard from that chat program regarding the copper peptide compound it often brings sharp burning mostly in the application spot yet reacting to the metal could trigger rashes across the body. Getting nervous enough to quit or line up an emergency shot device. Did anyone here actually obtain injectors to guard against a possible extreme allergic response? How exactly did the steps work out? Any preferred online medical service that hands out a prescription?

SteadySparrow73archiveFeb 14
↳ replying to @SharpCinder28

We already have some on hand because of other severe allergies in the family.

SharpCinder28archiveFeb 14

Some people switch to the version without copper and report no issues. I have only tried the topical form so far because of stories like this about the injectable version.

SharpCinder28archiveFeb 14

An older paper talks about mixing copper and copper-free versions, noting that the copper-free form alone works fine. A couple of people here have tried a fifty-fifty mix. I would probably just use the copper-free version instead. Copper blood tests are available through labs for a modest fee.

CopperSignal27archiveFeb 14

I had something similar with another peptide. Small itchy lumps were common but once I got a large deep firm lump that was very itchy and took a week to settle. After that it never happened again. Stronger local reactions or any general allergic signs are a reason to think about stopping.

RustHarbour10archiveFeb 14
↳ replying to @SteadySparrow73 (opening post)

With his allergies already flaring he is more likely to react this way. When my own allergies are bad I notice I can react to things that normally do not bother me. Good that you are filtering now.

WarmWillow50archiveFeb 14

I use it regularly and sometimes get a lump depending on the site that day. Extra dilution in the syringe seems to reduce the lump for me. Changing injection sites also helps and I have no plans to stop.

WarmCompass17archiveFeb 14

I had been mixing it with another peptide and injecting at the same spot along with some topical cream. There was no immediate sting but stinging showed up hours later at earlier bruise sites. After about a week I started getting delayed itching and a persisting deep itchy bump. Switching to abdominal sites made the bumps smaller. Later other injection sites and my scalp became itchy too. I have had environmental allergies before and the current season is adding to it. This stayed within one organ system so not full anaphylaxis, but it felt like a mast cell response.

QuietAlder84archiveFeb 14
↳ replying to @WarmCompass17

I take another peptide and am on my second round of this one. I have no injection site reactions at all, not even the usual sting. Everyone responds differently though.

WarmCompass17archiveFeb 14
↳ replying to @QuietAlder84

When I was on that other peptide my old frozen shoulder improved quickly with the low dosing. What dose are you using now? Thanks for the details even though responses vary.

QuietAlder84archiveFeb 14
↳ replying to @WarmCompass17

I recently moved to maintenance so I went from five and two point five split across the week down to two point five weekly. I am still working out the right amount.

WarmCompass17archiveFeb 14
↳ replying to @QuietAlder84

That is efficient if lower amounts still work well. Keep us posted on how the current peptide goes too.

KeenFenwick47archiveFeb 14
↳ replying to @SharpCinder28

Good points. Adding the copper-free version reduces the sting because it binds excess copper that can trigger reactions. The other peptide may do something similar.

WarmAlder92archiveFeb 19

Another common approach is using a deeper subcutaneous needle to get below the more reactive skin layers. It helped me along with adding the other peptide, though it means keeping two needle sizes on hand.

SharpCinder28archiveFeb 19

The longer needle helps me somewhat with another peptide. The hip area can mean slower absorption which may be useful, but clothing can cause extra irritation there.

LevelTimber64archiveFeb 19

Nice grid. Thanks.

SharpCinder28archiveFeb 19

A book on the topic favors lower dosing. Copper blood tests are available for a small fee plus any draw cost.

SlowCompass61archiveApr 16

Hi everyone. I am new and looking into this peptide. I am thinking about two milligrams daily for a longer time. Some suggest taking zinc with it because of the copper. What amounts are others using?

IronHarbour69archiveApr 16

I started getting intense stinging that lasted more than twelve hours so I switched to topical and oral forms. Hopefully a non-stinging injectable version appears eventually.

GreyHarbour98archiveApr 19
↳ replying to @SharpCinder28

I am glad I saw this. I have been dealing with site reactions and have tried moving from six to eight millimeters, switching to thighs, adding more bac water, using epi or lido, doing three pin sticks, using a massage gun, and lowering the dose. The twelve point seven millimeter needle last night still caused some sting afterward but no red welt and only faint bruising. I will try the hip tonight. My thighs need a rest and my abdomen does not work well.

GreyHarbour98archiveApr 19
↳ replying to @SlowCompass61

Welcome. I am fairly new too. I take fifty milligrams of zinc about three times a week plus small amounts in my vitamins. I have seen recommendations for thirty to fifty milligrams daily but the chewables I have blister my mouth so I space them out. Once I finish them I will look for another form and take it daily with the next round.

WarmCompass17archiveApr 19
↳ replying to @GreyHarbour98

I have not seen that specific recommendation but the safe daily total from food and supplements is forty milligrams. Above that people report stomach issues, headache, and dizziness. Someone I know took fifty by mistake and had those symptoms.

GreyHarbour98archiveApr 19
↳ replying to @WarmCompass17

That is useful to know. I will look into it more. Thanks for pointing it out.

SharpMarble40archiveMay 7
↳ replying to @WarmWillow50

Sorry to bring up an older comment. You mentioned adding extra bac water. Can you explain your reconstitution for a fifty milligram vial and how you draw the extra liquid?

SteadyBeacon64archiveJul 19

I get small red bumps on my torso and think it is from this peptide. I also take two other things. It is very itchy and I take zinc daily. I believe it is from the peptide but I am not ready to stop so I will keep going for now.

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Reaction after GHK-cu shot (14 shots in) · ZyraTrack Community