Tesamorelin
Get a source-linked, educational explanation from this profile.
Complete Research Guide
Open each section for the available evidence. Gaps are stated rather than inferred.
Overview
Tesamorelin is listed as endocrine / ghrh analog.
- •HIV-associated lipodystrophy
- •Visceral fat reduction
- •Cognitive aging (investigational)
Regulatory status: FDA-Approved (HIV lipodystrophy); off-label longevity use.
Structure & Properties
Compound: Tesamorelin; also known as Egrifta, Egrifta SV.
Pharmacologic class: Endocrine / GHRH Analog.
Known delivery routes: Subcutaneous.
Sequence, molecular weight, salt form, and excipient details are formulation-specific and are not listed unless verified by a manufacturer or laboratory COA.
How It Works
Stabilized GHRH analog — stimulates GH release, reduces visceral adiposity; Phase II data for cognitive decline in MCI/Alzheimer's.
- •Visceral fat reduction
- •Improved lipid profile
- •Possible cognitive benefits in MCI
Human Research
Evidence grade: Clinical RCT (Phase III)
Clinical RCT (Phase III). Phase III Theratechnologies; Phase II cognition data.
Laboratory Research
Phase III Theratechnologies; Phase II cognition data
Preclinical findings describe biological plausibility, not proven benefit in people. Animal and laboratory doses do not translate directly to human use.
Processing & Interactions
Timing and exposure
Once daily, evening, subcutaneous (abdomen). Consistent timing improves visceral-fat outcomes.
Potential interactions and combinations to avoid
- •CJC-1295 with DAC — redundant long-acting GHRH
- •Active malignancy — contraindicated
Absorption, half-life, metabolism, and clearance can vary by formulation and route. Use prescribing information when an approved product exists.
Safety & Precautions
Known or reported risks
- •IGF-1 elevation (monitoring required)
- •Fluid retention
- •Arthralgia
- •Hyperglycemia
Contraindications
- •Active malignancy
- •Hypopituitarism with GH deficiency only
- •Pregnancy
- •Active malignancy or history of hormone-sensitive tumor (GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation)
- •Active or untreated diabetic retinopathy
- •Insulin resistance, prediabetes, or poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
- •Untreated hypothyroidism or uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
- •Acromegaly, pituitary adenoma, or intracranial hypertension
- •Carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral edema, or fluid-retentive heart failure
- •Critical illness after acute surgery, trauma, or respiratory failure
- •Severe obstructive sleep apnea (may worsen with soft-tissue growth)
- •Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- •Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- •Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- •Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- •Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- •Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- •Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- •Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Unknown long-term toxicity should be assumed where controlled human data are limited. Seek urgent care for a severe or unexpected reaction.
Administration & Studied Formulations
Reference range: 2 mg/day
Frequency: Once daily
Cycling: Continuous; periodic IGF-1 monitoring.
Subcutaneous (SubQ)
Default route for most research and therapeutic peptides — best absorption for reconstituted powder.
31G × 5/16" insulin syringe (U-100). 100 units = 1 mL. Pinch skin at abdomen (2" from navel), outer thigh, or love handle. Insert at 45–90°. Rotate sites daily to prevent lipohypertrophy. Alcohol-swab site, air-dry, inject slow, hold 5 sec.
Dosing information is educational context, not a personal recommendation. Approved products must follow their label and prescriber instructions.
Applications & Related Therapies
Potentially complementary measures
- •Ipamorelin for pulse amplification (short cycles)
Clinical use should account for diagnosis, approved alternatives, nutrition, activity, sleep, rehabilitation, current medicines, and appropriate monitoring.
Cases, Considerations & Ethics
Decision framework: establish the clinical goal, confirm evidence quality and legal status, screen contraindications and interactions, compare approved alternatives, define monitoring and stopping criteria, and use shared decision-making with a licensed clinician.
Case evidence: individual reports cannot establish safety or effectiveness and should not outweigh controlled trials.
Ethics: informed consent should distinguish established care from experimental use, disclose uncertainty and cost, avoid overstated claims, and never substitute research products for medically necessary care.
What is Tesamorelin?
In plain words
Tesamorelin is a lab-made version of a hormone that signals the body to release growth hormone, helping reduce fat deep inside the belly. It is FDA-approved for abnormal fat buildup linked to HIV. Researchers also study it for changes in memory and thinking, but that research is at an earlier stage. It can cause fluid buildup, joint pain, high blood sugar, and increased IGF-1 [a growth-related hormone] that requires monitoring.
Technical definition
Tesamorelin (Egrifta, Egrifta SV) is a stabilized analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH) that acts through the GHRH receptor to stimulate growth hormone release and reduce visceral adiposity. It is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, with Phase III randomized controlled trial evidence; longevity use is off-label, and Phase II data address cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Risks include IGF-1 elevation requiring monitoring, fluid retention, arthralgia, and hyperglycemia.
Function
Dosing
Recommended Time of Day
Morning, fasted — or at least 2 hours away from food.
See “Timing & Interactions” below for full fasted/fed circumstances, what to avoid combining, and what pairs well.
Administration & Technique
Injection & Application Sites
- Abdomen — 2 in (5 cm) away from the navel, either side. Fastest, most consistent SubQ absorption.
- Flank / love handle — Lateral fat pad above the hip. Good rotation site when the abdomen is tender.
- Outer thigh — Upper outer quadrant, a hand-width below the hip. SubQ pinch at 45°.
Diagram is a general illustration, not a medical instruction. Rotate sites every injection, keep 1 in (2.5 cm) between recent sites, and avoid scars, moles, bruises and the navel area.
Cycling
Continuous; periodic IGF-1 monitoring.
Timing & Interactions
- ·CJC-1295 with DAC — redundant long-acting GHRH
- ·Active malignancy — contraindicated
- ·Ipamorelin for pulse amplification (short cycles)
Storage & Reconstitution
Reconstitution Calculator
1 mL = 100 units on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Draw to the nearest 0.5 unit and confirm dosing with a clinician before injection.
Your Notes
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Benefits
- ·Visceral fat reduction
- ·Improved lipid profile
- ·Possible cognitive benefits in MCI
Risks
- ·IGF-1 elevation (monitoring required)
- ·Fluid retention
- ·Arthralgia
- ·Hyperglycemia
Contraindications
- ·Active malignancy
- ·Hypopituitarism with GH deficiency only
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Active malignancy or history of hormone-sensitive tumor (GH/IGF-1 axis stimulation)
- ·Active or untreated diabetic retinopathy
- ·Insulin resistance, prediabetes, or poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
- ·Untreated hypothyroidism or uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
- ·Acromegaly, pituitary adenoma, or intracranial hypertension
- ·Carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral edema, or fluid-retentive heart failure
- ·Critical illness after acute surgery, trauma, or respiratory failure
- ·Severe obstructive sleep apnea (may worsen with soft-tissue growth)
- ·Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant therapy without physician guidance (injection-site haematoma)
- ·Active skin infection, cellulitis, or lipohypertrophy at intended injection sites
- ·Inability to maintain sterile technique or safe sharps disposal
- ·Known hypersensitivity or prior reaction to this compound or any excipient/diluent
- ·Pregnancy, attempting conception, or breastfeeding unless prescribed and monitored by a physician
- ·Children and adolescents with open growth plates (unless under specialist endocrine care)
- ·Active or recently treated malignancy without oncology clearance
- ·Use without a confirmed diagnosis, baseline labs, and licensed clinical supervision
Regulatory
FDA-Approved (HIV lipodystrophy); off-label longevity use
Veterinary Use (Pets)
No established veterinary protocol for Tesamorelin. Consult a licensed veterinarian before considering off-label use in any species.
Full veterinary reference →