PeptideInfo
العربيةGet the app
☰
GH SecretagoguesApproved (US)

Tesamorelin

Egrifta · Egrifta SV

Activation of pituitary GHRH receptors produces pulsatile growth hormone release. The consequent increase in IGF-1 promotes preferential breakdown of visceral fat, alongside changes in lipid measurements and insulin sensitivity.

Not medical advice. Educational reference only.

Typical dose
Subcutaneous: 100 mcg once daily, 200 mcg twice daily or 300 mcg three times daily; injectable, route unspecified: 2 mg once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection; injectable, route unspecified
Storage
Refrigerate the mixed solution at 2–8 °C; use within 28 days.

What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin, marketed as Egrifta SV, is an FDA-approved analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone. Its indication is excess visceral abdominal fat associated with lipodystrophy in adults with HIV who receive antiretroviral treatment. Phase III studies using 2 mg daily found reductions in visceral adipose tissue, more favorable triglyceride measurements and higher IGF-1. Prescription access includes specialty pharmacies and telehealth.

Mechanism of action

Activation of pituitary GHRH receptors produces pulsatile growth hormone release. The consequent increase in IGF-1 promotes preferential breakdown of visceral fat, alongside changes in lipid measurements and insulin sensitivity.

Targets: GHRH receptor (GHRHR)

Research indications

  • Growth Hormone Support

    Most effective

    Pituitary signaling stimulates the release of growth hormone made within the body.

  • Body Composition

    Effective

    Research associates use with greater lean mass and a reduction in body fat.

  • Recovery & Repair

    Effective

    Investigation concerns tissue repair and recovery after exercise or injury.

  • Sleep Quality

    Moderate

    Some research schedules are associated with better restorative sleep and slow-wave sleep.

Research protocols

These are commonly discussed research protocols — not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

GoalAmountFrequencyRoute
Starting Dose100 mcgOnce dailySubcutaneous injection
Standard Dose200 mcgTwice dailySubcutaneous injection
Maximum Dose300 mcg3x dailySubcutaneous injection

Interactions

  • Insulin / IGF-1

    Monitor

  • Corticosteroids

    Caution

  • Thyroid Hormones

    Monitor

  • BPC-157

    Compatible

  • TB-500

    Compatible

  • Ipamorelin + CJC-1295

    Compatible

    Proposed complementary activity is the rationale for combining these compounds.

  • Somatostatin Analogs

    Avoid

How to reconstitute and inject

Diluent: Use only bacteriostatic water; avoid saline because precipitation can occur.

  1. Let your refrigerated Tesamorelin vial stand for 15–20 minutes so it reaches room temperature before mixing.
  2. Disinfect the rubber stopper using an alcohol swab. Wait for all of the alcohol to air-dry.
  3. Measure the calculated bacteriostatic water volume with a sterile syringe. Use BAC water only; saline can lead to precipitation.
  4. Deliver the water slowly against the vial’s inner wall. Keep the stream from striking the powder directly.
  5. Mix by gently rotating the vial in circles. Avoid vigorous shaking, which can break down the peptide.
  6. Wait 2–3 minutes until dissolution is complete. Inspect the liquid for a clear appearance without color.
  7. Measure your calculated dose in an insulin syringe for administration beneath the skin.
  8. Choose your abdomen, upper arm or thigh for subcutaneous administration. Change sites between injections to help prevent lipodystrophy.
  9. Keep the mixed vial at 2–8 °C in the refrigerator. Use the solution within 28 days of preparation.

What to expect

Week 1–2
Sleep quality may start to improve, with mild fluid retention possible during early adjustment.
Week 2–4
Deeper sleep and better recovery may emerge; a small increase in appetite can accompany them.
Week 4–8
Changes in energy, body composition and the speed of recovery may become more apparent.
Week 8–12
Improved skin quality, less body fat and a visible increase in lean mass may develop.
Week 12+
Later expectations include continued improvements in strength, body composition and vitality; individual outcomes are not assured.

Side effects and safety

  • Fluid retention with mild bloating, particularly near the beginning
  • Greater appetite, especially alongside GHRP compounds
  • Warmth or flushing around the injection area
  • Numbness or tingling, including carpal-tunnel-like symptoms with higher doses
  • Lethargy or tiredness when timing is suboptimal
  • Possible increases in prolactin and cortisol, especially with GHRP-6
  • Higher blood glucose; monitor glucose if you have diabetes or prediabetes · Rare

Tesamorelin: approved in the US.

Regulatory status

  • US

    Approved

    FDA — Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) is a prescription GHRH analogue approved for reducing excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Prescription access includes specialty pharmacies and telehealth.

    Rx required
    Yes
    Telehealth
    Available

Frequently asked questions

What is its approved use?

Tesamorelin treats excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It stimulates the GH axis, and Phase III research at 2 mg daily also found increased IGF-1 and improved triglyceride profiles. These findings are distinct from broader research interests in recovery, sleep and body composition.

How do the dosing descriptions differ?

Research schedules include subcutaneous amounts of 100 mcg once daily, 200 mcg twice daily and 300 mcg three times daily. A separate injectable schedule uses 2 mg once daily without identifying a specific injection route. The approximate injectable half-life is 26 minutes. These differing schedules do not establish interchangeable doses or a complete prescription regimen.

Which adverse effects may occur?

GH-secretagogue effects can include early fluid retention, greater appetite, tingling and fatigue. Effects on cortisol and prolactin differ between compounds, with GHRP-6 particularly associated with such changes. Dose, timing and individual response matter; discuss unexpected symptoms with the prescribing clinician.

References

  1. Growth hormone-releasing peptides: clinical applications (2008)

  2. Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. (2012)

    PMID 22298602DOI 10.1345/aph.1Q629

  3. Tesamorelin. (2012)

    PMID 31644039

  4. EGRIFTA (tesamorelin) for injection - Prescribing Information (2010)

  5. Tesamorelin HIV lipodystrophy studies on ClinicalTrials.gov (2024)

  6. EGRIFTA SV (tesamorelin) for injection - Prescribing Information (2019)