What are the potential side effects of BPC-157?
Share
BPC-157 has been studied for its various therapeutic benefits, including gastrointestinal protection, wound healing, musculoskeletal healing, neuroprotective effects, cardiovascular benefits, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects, modulation of neurotransmitter systems, and systemic healing and organ protection. However, it is crucial to consider the potential side effects associated with its use.
Preclinical Studies: In preclinical safety evaluations, BPC-157 has shown a favorable safety profile. Studies in mice, rats, rabbits, and dogs indicated that BPC-157 was well tolerated, with no significant test-related adverse effects observed in single-dose toxicity studies. In repeated-dose toxicity evaluations, the only notable finding was a decrease in creatinine levels at higher doses (2 mg/kg) in dogs, which resolved spontaneously after withdrawal of the peptide. Local tolerance tests indicated mild irritation, and no genetic or embryo-fetal toxicity was observed.[1]
Clinical Trials: Clinical trials have also suggested a high safety profile for BPC-157. In a pilot study involving intravenous infusion of BPC-157 in humans, no adverse effects were reported, and the peptide was well tolerated at doses up to 20 mg. Additionally, clinical trials in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other conditions have not reported significant side effects, and the peptide has been described as safe and stable in human gastric juice.[2-5]
Potential Side Effects: Despite the generally favorable safety profile, some potential side effects have been noted:
• Mild Irritation: Local irritation at the site of administration has been reported, although it is generally mild.[1]
• Creatinine Level Changes: A decrease in creatinine levels was observed at higher doses in preclinical studies, but this effect was reversible.[1]
• Temporary Ban by WADA: BPC-157 was temporarily banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2022, although it is not currently listed as banned. This highlights the need for further regulatory scrutiny and comprehensive clinical studies.[6]
Conclusion: BPC-157 appears to have a favorable safety profile based on preclinical and limited clinical data, with mild local irritation and reversible changes in creatinine levels being the primary reported side effects. However, the absence of extensive clinical trials means that further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term safety and potential side effects of BPC-157 in humans.
1. Preclinical Safety Evaluation of Body Protective Compound-157, a Potential Drug for Treating Various Wounds. Xu C, Sun L, Ren F, et al. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology : RTP. 2020;114:104665. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104665.
2. Safety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot Study.
Lee E, Burgess K. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2025;:AT11513. New Research
3. Stress in Gastrointestinal Tract and Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157. Finally, Do We Have a Solution?. Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al.
Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2017;23(27):4012-4028. doi:10.2174/1381612823666170220163219.
4. Focus on Ulcerative Colitis: Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157.
Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al. Current Medicinal Chemistry. 2012;19(1):126-32. doi:10.2174/092986712803414015.
5. Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Tract.
Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2011;17(16):1612-32. doi:10.2174/138161211796196954.
6. Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide-Literature and Patent Review. Józwiak M, Bauer M, Kamysz W, Kleczkowska P.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland). 2025;18(2):185. doi:10.3390/ph18020185.