What You Need To Know About MK-677 Side Effects

We’re all aging, and for the longest time, it seemed like nothing could be done about it. However, some drugs like MK-677 or Ibutamoren claim to be able to reverse or even prevent aging. MK-677 promises to be a ‘fountain of youth’ but is currently banned in several countries to prevent overuse by the public or misuse by athletes. It’s best to stay informed about MK-677, its benefits, and its side effects. This knowledge will help you make the right call for your health.

What Is MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?

MK-677, or ibutamoren, is an orally bioavailable non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue.

This means it’s an oral drug that isn’t made of (easily digestible) peptides.

Secretagogues stimulate the production of enzymes or hormones.

MK-677 stimulates the production of the human growth hormone (HGH) from the pituitary.

HGH plays several roles in tissue growth, development, and repair.

An extended release of HGH can stimulate noticeable muscle growth, an attractive property for people who wish to undo aging’s effects on their bodies.

Though MK-677 is marketed as a substance that builds muscle, it is not entirely harmless.

Human Growth Factor And Insulin-like Growth Factor

MK-677 stimulates the production of HGH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Here’s how it works!

How Does MK-677 Work?

MK-677 mimics the action of ghrelin, the hunger hormone, and binds to ghrelin receptors in the brain.

This action increases the levels of HGH and IGF-1.

The spike in these enzymes can augment body composition, stimulating muscle growth.

However, these changes are temporary, and the effects wear off when people stop taking the drug.

Benefits Of MK-677 (Ibutamoren)

Ibutamoren, or MK-677, has several potential benefits:

Helps in muscle-building: It helps increase lean muscle mass and stimulate an increase in muscle strength and size.
Reduces muscle wasting: Studies say MK-677 may reduce muscle wasting by reversing protein breakdown.
Increases bone density: Research indicates that MK-677 can increase bone density long-term, benefiting older people, obese people, and post-menopausal females.
Enhances sleep quality: MK-677 induces HGH, which promotes sleep quality and duration in most people.
Combats aging and may increase longevity: Growth hormone levels dwindle with age, and MK-677 replenishes them, restoring its benefits.
May improve cognition: MK-677 stimulates HGH and IGF-1 release. The former promotes sleep quality, which benefits cognition, and studies have hinted at the latter’s positive effect on cognition.

MK-677 (Ibutamoren) Side Effects And Drawbacks

Despite its many benefits, MK-677 can cause a series of side effects.

Notoriously, researchers stopped a clinical trial of MK-677 midway due to concerns about heart failure across the study participants.

Many studies have shown that MK-677 has a diabetes-like effect, increasing blood glucose levels, reducing insulin sensitivity, and increasing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

Other studies have shown that MK-677 may also negatively impact bone and bone mineral density.

Common Side Effects

Other reported side effects of MK-677 include:

Muscle Pain
Increased Appetite
Lethargy
Numbness

Rarer Side Effects

Decreased Bone Mineral Density: In rare cases, prolonged use of MK-677 may reduce bone strength, increasing the risk of fractures over time.

Decreased Insulin Sensitivity: MK-677 can occasionally impair glucose regulation, potentially raising blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of diabetes.

Heart Failure Risk: Rarely, MK-677 may exacerbate fluid retention and strain on the heart, posing a risk of cardiac complications in predisposed individuals.

Is MK-677 Approved For Human Use?

Despite the marketing around MK-677 and its many benefits, this substance has not yet been approved for human use.

What Do Experts Say About Side Effects Of MK-677 (Ibutamoren)?

The side effects of MK-677 vary depending on its dosage, duration, and individual health factors. Common side effects of MK-677 include:

Increased appetite
Anxiety
Swelling
Numbness
Muscle pain

According to a 2009 study, the side effects of MK-677 in healthy older adults were mild, transient lower extremity edema, transient muscle pain, and increased appetite, which subsided within a few months.

The study also found a significant but slight increase in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c at 12 months.

FAQs About MK-677 Side Effects

Does MK-677 Increase Cholesterol?

A 2009 study reported decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as “bad” cholesterol.

Interestingly, there was no change in “good” cholesterol levels.

Further studies can investigate this link and verify this finding.

Does MK-677 Raise Blood Pressure?

There are limited studies on the effects of MK-677 on blood pressure.

A 1998 study stated that while systolic blood pressure remained unchanged, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate may increase at 8 weeks on administration of MK-677.

What Effect Does MK-677 Have On Hormones?

Administration of MK-677 can affect some hormones in the body.

Besides stimulating HGH and IGF-1 secretion, it can cause a slight increase in prolactin, a reduction in serum testosterone, and an increase in serum T3 (thyroid hormone) levels.

Summary: MK-677 Side Effects

MK-677, or ibutamoren, is an orally bioavailable growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates the production of the human growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
Since MK-677 increases growth hormone production, it counteracts growth hormone deficiency.
MK-677 offers several health benefits, such as helping to build muscle, reducing muscle wasting, improving sleep quality, and combating aging.
Despite its many benefits, MK-677 is not entirely harmless and causes side effects like muscle pain, increased appetite, swelling, and anxiety.
MK-677 is an experimental drug, and despite its potential benefits, regulatory bodies have not approved it for human use.
MK-677 affects hormones like prolactin, insulin growth factor-1, T3 and testosterone.