Sides include increased hunger, possible hypoglycemia, bit of water retention, perhaps growth of cancer cells (not spontaneous growth, growth of existing cells - i.e., don't have cancer, don't worry).

There is no protocol for restoring natural levels as they fluctuate anyways. IGF sensitivity upregulates quickly, so its recommended to use 30days on/30days off at ~40mcg/ed.

Lately, I have been reading more about site specific application, so my current protocol is 50mcg/eod-e3d directly after a workout in the muscle worked. Unfortunately, I am cutting, so its hard to say if I see the full benefits of this protocol, though I have been concentrating on bis and tris and they get pumped like crazy.