Tesamorelin
peptideEgrifta · Egrifta WR
Growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog
Research status · FDA-approved (specific use)
FDA-approved for one specific use: reducing excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Any other use is off-label and not FDA-approved.
Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is the only FDA-approved GHRH analog, approved specifically for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is sometimes discussed more broadly for visceral fat; that broader use is off-label and a clinician-level decision.
How it works
GHRH analog that stimulates pituitary GH release, which can reduce visceral (deep abdominal) fat.
Commonly discussed use cases
- HIV-associated lipodystrophy (approved)
- Visceral fat (off-label, discussed)
Supposed / potential benefits
- Reduced visceral adipose tissue in its approved population
Common side effects
- Joint pain
- Swelling / fluid retention
- Injection-site reactions
- Possible blood-sugar elevation
Warnings & contraindications
- Contraindicated in pregnancy and with active malignancy
- Can raise IGF-1 and affect glucose — requires monitoring
- Off-label use is not FDA-approved and should be a clinician decision
Typical timing considerations
Approved regimen is a daily subcutaneous injection; follow the prescribing information.
Administration route
Subcutaneous injection
Storage
Refrigerate; reconstitute per label. Follow product instructions.
Questions to ask your clinician
- Am I a candidate, and is this on- or off-label for me?
- What glucose/IGF-1 monitoring do you want?
- How long before we evaluate benefit?
Commonly tracked in Reta
Tracking fields organize user-entered, clinician-directed routines — Reta never recommends or computes doses.
Track this in Reta
Beta members get a ready-made tracker for Tesamorelin — schedule, dose log, injection-site rotation, reminders, and check-ins — for organizing a clinician-directed routine. Personal tracking is available to everyone during the Public Beta.
Reta is a tracking and education tool — not a medical provider. Nothing here is a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or dosing recommendation. Peptides and medications should only be used under the direction of a licensed clinician. Talk to a qualified clinician before starting, stopping, combining, or changing anything. Many compounds below are not FDA-approved for human use; some are investigational or sold through unregulated channels where purity and dosing are not guaranteed.