Some human trialsNot FDA approved

Cerebrolysin side effects

Also known as: FPF-1070 · FPE 1070 · Cerebroprotein hydrolysate · Porcine brain peptide preparation

Updated Oct 24, 202623 sources

13 side effects reported for Cerebrolysin: 11 from studies and labels, 2 from users and guides. 6 come with the ways people manage them.

Cognitive

Cerebrolysin 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 regulators11

Clinical studies and regulatory documents.

Agitation, aggression, confusion or insomnia
Rare (label: more than 1 in 10,000 and fewer than 1 in 1,000), linked to the intended drive-boosting effect
Dizziness, feeling hot or sweating
Rare, mostly when it goes in too fast
How people manage it
- Slower injection or infusion; the label allows about 15 to 60 minutes for infusions
Loss of appetite
Rare (label)
Itching
Rare (label)
Allergic reactions
Very rare (label: fewer than 1 in 10,000): tingling, skin and vessel reactions, head, neck and limb pain, fever, back pain, shortness of breath, chills, shock-like state
How people manage it
- A known allergy to the product is a contraindication
Anaphylaxis
Rare published cases; one 2024 report describes a life-threatening reaction after IV dosing in an 85-year-old stroke patient
How people manage it
- Emergency care; the patient recovered with standard treatment
Seizures
Very rare: isolated grand mal seizures and one convulsion
How people manage it
- Caution with epilepsy; contraindicated in status epilepticus
Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Very rare, with too-fast administration
How people manage it
- Slower administration
Stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting or nausea
Very rare (label)
Injection-site redness, itching or burning
Very rare (label)
Non-fatal serious adverse events in stroke trials
More often than placebo (RR 2.39, 95% CI 1.10 to 5.23; 3 trials, 1335 people), with no difference in deaths or total serious events

Side effects users and guides report

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

From users and guides2

Community reports, competitor and vendor guides, media.

Fever or chills early in a cycle
One forum member reports it after the first week of each cycle, fading over time
Overstimulation
One forum member reports talking more and irritability around week 4, and started taking breaks between cycles
How people manage it
- Breaks between cycles, as that user reports

Who should avoid it, and what not to combine

Allergy to Cerebrolysin or its ingredientsCondition
Contraindicated on the label.
Status epilepticusCondition
Contraindicated on the label.
Epilepsy or grand mal seizuresCondition
The label urges caution because seizures may become more frequent.
Severe kidney impairmentCondition
Contraindicated on the label.
MAO inhibitors at high dosesSubstance
30 to 40 mL of Cerebrolysin with high-dose MAO inhibitors can raise blood pressure.
AntidepressantsSubstance
Effects may add up; the label suggests a lower antidepressant dose.
Balanced amino acid infusionsSubstance
Not to be given in the same infusion.
PregnancyCondition
The label says not to use it in pregnancy unless the woman's condition requires it.
Under 18Condition
Not recommended because the data are insufficient.

How much is known

Some human trials

Many randomized trials in stroke, brain injury and dementia, several funded by the maker, with mixed results: no clear stroke benefit and a non-fatal serious adverse event signal (Cochrane 2023), possible small dementia benefit on very low-quality evidence (Cochrane 2019), and a small-to-medium TBI effect (CAPTAIN). No trials in healthy people.