Research Dosing

MK-677: 25mg (Oral)

MK-677, aka Ibutamoren or ibutamoren mesylate,works by stimulating the pituitary gland to boost systemic production of GH and IGF-1 LR3. The exact mechanism by which MK-677 exerts these effects is by mimicking the action of the hunger hormone ghrelin and binding to one of the growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSR) in the brain. This is turn boosts GH levels. In addition, MK-677 is also classified as a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), a class of therapeutic compounds similar in function to anabolic agents. It can produce a peak GH response by stimulating the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland, leading to a sudden increase in circulating GH levels in the bloodstream. This peak response is observed shortly after ingestion and contributes to the various benefits associated with MK-677, such as enhanced muscle growth, fat loss, and improved body composition. It has several advantages over steroids, as it promotes muscle growth, increases bone mineral density, and aids in recovery without the advere side effects associated with traditional steroids. Unlike traditional anabolic steroids, MK-677 is safer and does not suppress natural GH production without the sometimes extreme side effects typical of steroids.

BENEFITS

  • Improves lean muscle mass and promotes fat loss
  • Maintains a healthy skeletal frame: stimulates the cells responsible for bone formation, leading to higher bone density and strength. Promotes the synthesis of new bone tissue and helps to maintain bone mass
  • Improves sleep quality by increasing the amount of time spent in deep, restorative sleep stages. Increases rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration by 50%; also increases stage 2 sleep
  • Improves cognitive function
  • Accelerates wound healing and tissue regeneration
  • Maintains a healthy heart
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Helps regulate blood sugar
  • Improves cholesterol profile
  • Mood stabilizer
  • Helps prevent muscle wasting related to old age and other medical conditions
  • The oral formulation has been shown to reduce fat-mass by boosting basal metabolic rate (BMR) (the rate at which the body uses energy at rest
  • Increases osteocalcin, which is a marker of bone turnover that demonstrates improved bone mineral density
  • Aids muscle repair and recovery
  • Improves short-term memory and active problem-solving skills
  • Improves sex drive and sexual function

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

  • Hunger spikes
  • Water retention/bloating
  • Mild insulin resistance
  • Fatigue (particularly during the first couple weeks)
  • Headache
  • Vivid dreams
  • Joint stiffness
  • Carpal tunnel-like symptoms due to fluid retention
  • Increased fasting glucose (over time)
  • Elevated prolactin
  • Elevated cortisol
  • Long-term continuous exposure leads to suppression of natural GH pulsatility, so CYCLE!
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Nausea (rare)
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Peripheral swelling (in the hands and feet)
  • Mild weight gain (fluid)
  • Potential prediabetic state in susceptible individuals
  • Transient tachycardia
  • Increased HbA1c over time
  • Hyperglycemia

INTERACTIONS

  • Not recommended with GLP’s, as it is likely to counteract their appetite suppressant benefits
  • May counteract antidiabetic therapies/glucose-lowering medications, increase blood glucose, and reduce insulin sensitivity
  • Additive GH/IGF-1 elevation may lead to edema and joint pain along with carpal tunnel-like symptoms
  • Taking with Prednisone can increase blood glucose and promote fluid retention, leading to exacerbated hyperglycemia and severe edema
  • Pairing with appetite-stimulating or CNS-active cannabinoids, ghrelin mimetics, and some antidepressants will further increase MK-67’s already strong appetite stimulation, leading to excess caloric intake and unintended weight gain
  • Impacts the efficacy of Levothyroxine, which can modulate thyroid hormone conversion
  • Diuretics/blood pressure medications/drugs affecting fluid/electrolyte balance

USE WITH CAUTION/UNDER CLOSE MEDICAL SUPERVISION

  • If you have cardiovascular disease, MK-677 may negatively impact your cardio workload
  • If your liver function is impaired, monitor closely; may be mildly hepatotoxic
  • If you have carpal tunnel or neuropathy, GH elevation may worsen nerve compression symptoms

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Active or prior cancer, as MK-677 can promote cell proliferation
  • MK-677 impairs insulin sensitivity, and should generally be avoided in those with Type 2 diabetes
  • Do not use while pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Avoid if you have untreated sleep apnea, as the GH increase can promote soft tissue growth, worsening airway obstruction
  • Those with severe obesity with insulin resistance may experience worsening hyperinsulinemia and fat gain

DOSING

Cycle + Washout: 8-16 week cycle followed by 4-8 week washout period

Dose at night unless it interferes with sleep (rare); if sleep interference occurs, dose in the morning immediately after waking

Take while fasted or with a light meal; do not eat a large/carb-heavy meal immediately before dosing

Take 1 pill once per day.