Limited human dataNot FDA approved

BPC-157 side effects

Also known as: BPC 157 · Body Protection Compound 157 · Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 · PL 14736 · PL-10 · Bepecin · BPC-157 acetate · BPC-157 arginate · Stable BPC

Updated Oct 24, 202644 sources

10 side effects reported for BPC-157: 1 from studies and labels, 9 from users and guides. 5 come with the ways people manage them.

Healing & recovery

BPC-157 overview

Side effects reported in studies and labels

Rates as each trial or label states them. A rate from one trial does not carry over to research-grade vials or other doses.

From trials and regulators1

Clinical studies and regulatory documents.

Adverse events in human pilot reports
None treatment-related across three small uncontrolled reports; a 2026 review rated the certainty very low

Side effects users and guides report

What people post and what dosing guides list. These are reports, not measured rates.

From users and guides9

Community reports, competitor and vendor guides, media.

Injection-site redness, sting, small bump or warmth
Called common by guides; usually fades within an hour
How people manage it
- Rotate sites across the belly, thighs and upper arms
- Use a fresh syringe and an alcohol swab every time
- See a clinician if redness persists or spreads
Nausea
Called mild by guides; more likely at higher doses or with oral use on an empty stomach. Five nausea logs in one app's user data.
How people manage it
- Drop to about 300 mcg a day and take it with food
- One guide says eating beforehand helps, which clashes with the usual empty-stomach advice
Light-headedness or dizziness
Occasional, mostly in the first days
How people manage it
- Inject seated
Fatigue
Reported in the first days
Headache
Mild and less common
Blood pressure change
Rare; guides link it to nitric oxide effects
How people manage it
- Use caution with blood pressure drugs or blood thinners
Short-term pain increase at the injury
Described by one guide as a healing response
Injection pain
Single forum comment that BPC-157 alone can hurt
FDA 2026 briefing: site reactions, one ER visit for shortness of breath, pigment changes after a mixed BPC-157 and TB-500 product
Case reports, as summarized by one guide, alongside impurity and immune-reaction concerns
How people manage it
- Stop and get care for spreading redness, pus, fever, hives, facial swelling or chest pain

Who should avoid it, and what not to combine

Active or past cancerCondition
Guides flag a theoretical risk from its blood vessel growth effects.
PregnancyCondition
Guides list it as a reason to avoid.
Tested sportCondition
Prohibited by WADA at all times under S0.
Blood thinnersSubstance
Guides advise caution.
Blood pressure drugsSubstance
Guides advise caution because of reported blood pressure changes.

How much is known

Limited human data

A 2025 review found 36 studies: 35 preclinical and 1 clinical. Three small human reports share an author, have no control group, and a 2026 review rated them very low certainty. The only ulcerative colitis trial is a 46-person meeting abstract. In animals, IM bioavailability was about 14 to 19% in rats and 45 to 51% in dogs. Registered: a Phase 2 subQ hamstring trial (120 people, recruiting) and a Phase 1 after rotator cuff repair.