Meta Information
ID:ghk-cu
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/condition/active-cancer
Target name:
Active Cancer
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
GHK-Cu promotes angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which can potentially support tumor growth and is therefore contraindicated in patients with active cancer.
Actionable advice:
Avoid GHK-Cu completely if you have a current or recent diagnosis of cancer.
Target id:
/condition/wilsons-disease
Target name:
Wilson's Disease
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder of copper metabolism leading to toxic copper accumulation. Supplementing with any form of copper, including GHK-Cu, is strictly contraindicated.
Actionable advice:
Do not use GHK-Cu if you have Wilson's disease.
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The effects of systemic GHK-Cu on fetal development are unknown. Due to its influence on growth factors and tissue remodeling, it is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using GHK-Cu during pregnancy.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
It is not known if GHK-Cu passes into breast milk or what its effects on a nursing infant might be. It should be avoided during lactation.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using GHK-Cu while breastfeeding.
Target id:
/class/chelating-minerals
Target name:
Chelating Agents (e.g., Penicillamine)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Chelating agents are designed to bind and remove heavy metals like copper from the body, which would directly counteract the effect of GHK-Cu.
Actionable advice:
Do not use GHK-Cu while taking copper-chelating medications.
Target id:
/intervention/vitamin_c_systemic_healthspan
Target name:
Vitamin C (Topical Ascorbic Acid)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
1
Hours after target:
1
Description:
When applied topically, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that can reduce the copper in GHK-Cu, destabilizing the peptide, reducing its effectiveness, and potentially creating pro-oxidant free radicals.
Actionable advice:
Do not apply GHK-Cu and Vitamin C serums in the same skincare routine; use them at different times of day (e.g., Vitamin C in AM, GHK-Cu in PM).
Target id:
/class/exfoliating-acids
Target name:
Acidic Exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
0.5
Description:
The low pH of acidic exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid can break down the GHK-Cu peptide when applied topically, rendering it ineffective.
Actionable advice:
Apply GHK-Cu and acidic exfoliants at different times of day, or wait at least 30 minutes between applications.
Target id:
/intervention/zinc
Target name:
Zinc
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Systemic copper from GHK-Cu can increase the production of metallothionein, a protein that binds to zinc, potentially leading to lower zinc levels over time.
Actionable advice:
Ensure adequate zinc intake and monitor zinc levels if using systemic GHK-Cu long-term.
Target id:
/biomarker/zinc
Target name:
Serum Zinc
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Prolonged use of systemic GHK-Cu can increase copper levels, which may competitively lower zinc levels in the body.
Actionable advice:
Monitor serum zinc levels during long-term GHK-Cu therapy and supplement with zinc if necessary.
Target id:
/condition/hemochromatosis
Target name:
Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
GHK-Cu provides copper, which is essential for iron transport. In individuals with iron overload, altering copper status should only be done under strict medical supervision.
Actionable advice:
Avoid GHK-Cu if you have hemochromatosis, unless approved by your physician.
Target id:
/biomarker/serum-copper
Target name:
Serum Copper
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
assay_interference
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Systemic GHK-Cu administration directly introduces copper into the body, which will elevate serum copper measurements. This is an expected outcome, not an error.
Actionable advice:
Monitor serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels periodically during long-term GHK-Cu use to avoid excessive accumulation.
Target id:
/intervention/tretinoin_local_healthspan
Target name:
Tretinoin (Retinoids)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0.5
Hours after target:
0.5
Description:
Combining topical GHK-Cu with retinoids, especially in the initial stages of use, may increase the potential for skin irritation, redness, and peeling.
Actionable advice:
Introduce GHK-Cu and retinoids separately, and consider applying them on alternate nights to minimize irritation.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
GHK-Cu promotes tissue repair and blood vessel growth, which could theoretically alter bleeding risk, although this interaction is not well-documented. Caution is advised.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult a physician if you are taking blood-thinning medications.
Target id:
/intervention/bpc-157
Target name:
BPC-157
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Both GHK-Cu and BPC-157 have potent tissue-regenerative properties. Using them together may offer synergistic benefits for wound healing and injury recovery.
Actionable advice:
Can be administered concurrently with BPC-157 to potentially enhance tissue repair and recovery.
Target id:
/class/ghrps-ghrhs
Target name:
Growth Hormone Secretagogues
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
GHK-Cu's tissue repair and anti-inflammatory effects may complement the anabolic and regenerative actions of growth hormone secretagogues like Ipamorelin or CJC-1295.
Actionable advice:
Can be administered at the same time as other peptides for potential synergistic effects on tissue repair.
Target id:
/intervention/hyaluronic-acid
Target name:
Hyaluronic Acid (Topical)
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Hyaluronic acid provides hydration and can improve the delivery and skin-feel of GHK-Cu serums, complementing its collagen-boosting effects.
Actionable advice:
Use GHK-Cu in a formulation containing hyaluronic acid or apply them together for enhanced hydration and skin benefits.
Target id:
/procedure/subcutaneous-injection
Target name:
Subcutaneous Injection Site
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Subcutaneous injection of GHK-Cu can sometimes cause temporary local irritation, redness, or a small welt at the injection site.
Actionable advice:
Rotate injection sites and ensure proper sterile technique to minimize local irritation.