At a glance
Effects
- Visceral fat reduction: Phase 3 trials demonstrated approximately 15–18% reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) over 26 weeks at the 2 mg daily dose, as measured by CT scan [6].
- IGF-1 elevation: Stimulates significant increases in serum IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), mediating downstream anabolic and lipolytic effects [1][3].
- Lean body mass improvement: The GH/IGF-1 axis elevation contributes to improved lean body mass and may enhance muscle strength and physical function [4].
- Lipid profile improvement: Secondary clinical endpoints showed improvements in triglycerides and total cholesterol to HDL ratio over 26 weeks [6].
- Cognitive function: Both GH and IGF-1 are linked to cognitive health; tesamorelin's stimulation of this axis has been associated with cognitive benefit signals in research, though this is not an FDA-approved indication [7].
GHRH analog peptide (synthetic 44-AA polypeptide)
~26–38 min (1 mg dose); ~8 min (2 mg dose) — no accumulation with daily dosing
Subcutaneous injection (abdominal, once daily)
Tmax ~8–9 min post-injection; GH pulse detectable within minutes
FDA-approved (Egrifta/Egrifta SV/Egrifta WR); prescription-only; not scheduled
About Tesamorelin acetate
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Tesamorelin acetate is a synthetic 44-amino-acid analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), approved by the FDA under the brand name Egrifta for reducing excess visceral (abdominal) fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy [1][2]. It is classified as a GHRH analog peptide and is distinct from direct growth hormone replacement therapy [3].
How it works
Tesamorelin binds to GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotroph cells with potency similar to endogenous GHRH, stimulating the pulsatile synthesis and release of endogenous growth hormone (GH) [1]. The resulting rise in GH then triggers the liver and peripheral tissues to produce insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which mediates the drug's lipolytic (fat-breaking) and anabolic effects on body composition [3][4]. Because the drug works through the body's own pituitary feedback loop — rather than administering exogenous GH directly — the IGF-1 negative-feedback axis is preserved, which moderates the degree of glucose disruption seen with pharmacological GH doses [5].
Risks & side effects
Most important: Because tesamorelin stimulates GH production and elevates IGF-1 — a potent growth factor — it is contraindicated in anyone with active malignancy; the potential for promotion or reactivation of cancer is the single most critical safety concern, and IGF-1 levels must be monitored throughout treatment [8][9].
Common
- Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or mild discomfort [10]
- Joint pain (arthralgia) and muscle aches (myalgia) [10][11]
- Peripheral oedema / fluid retention [11]
- Numbness or tingling in hands or wrists (carpal tunnel-like symptoms) [11]
- Headache, fatigue, mild nausea — especially early in treatment [7]
Serious
- Elevated IGF-1: unknown long-term effects on malignancy risk; persistent elevation (>3 SD) warrants dose reassessment or discontinuation [8]
- Hyperglycaemia / worsening glucose tolerance: blood sugar monitoring is required throughout therapy [11]
- Fluid retention leading to significant oedema in some patients [11]
- Acute critical illness risk: GH stimulation is associated with increased mortality risk in patients undergoing major surgery (open heart, abdominal) or with acute respiratory failure [9]
- Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema) — seek immediate medical attention [10]
- Neutralising antibody formation (detected in ~10% of treated patients at 52 weeks), which may reduce efficacy [12]
Safety & harm reduction
- Active malignancy of any kind — GH/IGF-1 stimulation may promote tumour growth or reactivation [9]
- Disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic axis (e.g., hypophysectomy, pituitary tumour/surgery, head irradiation, hypopituitarism) [9]
- Pregnancy — confirmed teratogen in animal studies (hydrocephaly, skull ossification delays); effective contraception required [12]
- Hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitol excipient [9]
- Patients with diabetic retinopathy [9]
- Patients in acute critical illness (post-major surgery, trauma, acute respiratory failure) [9]
- Children with open or closed epiphyses — safety and efficacy not established [11]
- Serum IGF-1 levels: monitor throughout therapy; consider discontinuing if persistently >3 standard deviation scores [8]
- Blood glucose / HbA1c: tesamorelin can alter blood sugar levels; baseline and regular monitoring required [11]
- Blood and urine tests for unwanted metabolic effects at regular clinical visits [11]
- Waist circumference or CT-based VAT assessment to confirm efficacy response [8]
- CYP450-metabolised drugs (corticosteroids, sex steroids, anticonvulsants, cyclosporine): GH may alter their clearance — monitor levels and effects [12]
- Simvastatin: co-administration modestly reduces simvastatin AUC (~8%); monitor lipid control [13]
- Glucocorticoids (especially cortisone acetate, prednisone): may reduce tesamorelin efficacy by suppressing GH response; patients with adrenal insufficiency may need dose adjustment [12]
- Rotate subcutaneous injection sites within the abdomen; avoid scar tissue, bruises, or the navel [8]
- Reconstitute strictly per the product-specific instructions (Egrifta SV vs. Egrifta WR formulations are NOT substitutable) [8]
- If treatment is discontinued, VAT reduction does not persist; discuss the ongoing need for therapy with a prescriber [2]
- Not a weight-loss medication and must not be used to treat obesity in the general population [10]
Dosage context
The FDA-approved dose for HIV-associated lipodystrophy is 2 mg subcutaneously once daily (Egrifta SV formulation) or 1.28 mg once daily (Egrifta WR, the newer water-reconstituted formulation) — these are not interchangeable [8]. Phase 3 efficacy was established at 2 mg/day over 26 weeks [6]. All dosage information here reflects the approved prescription label; this is not personal medical advice. No validated off-label dosing ranges exist for general performance use — sources are thin outside the HIV-lipodystrophy indication and conservative caution applies.
Sources
- 1.FDA Full Prescribing Information – Egrifta WR (2025)
- 2.Wikipedia – Tesamorelin
- 3.NIH/NCBI LiverTox – Tesamorelin
- 4.FormationMed – Tesamorelin Uses & Mechanism
- 5.PubMed – Tesamorelin Safety in Type 2 Diabetes (Clemmons et al., 2017)
- 6.FDA Clinical Pharmacology Review NDA 22-505 (2009)
- 7.InnerBody – Tesamorelin Peptide Guide (2026)
- 8.Medicine.com – Tesamorelin Dosage/Half-Life/Pharmacokinetics
- 9.DrugBank – Tesamorelin DB08869
- 10.Drugs.com – Tesamorelin Side Effects
- 11.Mayo Clinic – Tesamorelin Subcutaneous Route
- 12.FDA Prescribing Information – Egrifta (2019)
- 13.FDA Prescribing Information – Egrifta (2010 original label)
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Tesamorelin acetate· 2 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GenericSelected | vial | 20 mg | 1 vial | 199,99 € | — |
Generic | vial | 20 mg | 10 vial | 550,00 € | — |