peptideInjectablePrescription only (US)FDA-approved (Egrifta) for reduction of excess abdominal visceral fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophyUse outside this approved indication, including for general fat loss or anti-aging purposes, is off-label
Tesamorelin AcetateBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Egrifta
Tesamorelin Acetate, often referred to by its brand name Egrifta, is a synthetic polypeptide analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Research on Tesamorelin Acetate focuses on weight loss. Tesamorelin Acetate is administered by injection rather than orally. It is typically taken in the evening.
How much Tesamorelin Acetate do people take?
2 mg administered once daily in the pivotal randomized placebo-controlled trial and its safety extension. Route reported: Subcutaneous injection. Frequency reported: Once daily. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Tesamorelin Acetate — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Moderate — One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.
Evidence strengthModerate · 3/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.
Plasma half-life
26–38 min
Typical timing
in the evening
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- 2 mg administered once daily in the pivotal randomized placebo-controlled trial and its safety extension[1][2][3]
Reported for Tesamorelin Acetate in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
Mixing Tesamorelin Acetate: bacteriostatic water and syringe units
The vial arrives as dry powder. How much water you add sets the strength, and the strength sets the mark you draw to on the syringe. The table assumes a 5 mg vial and a 250 mcg example draw on a U-100 insulin syringe, where 100 units is one millilitre. If your vial is a different size, scale it — the arithmetic is the same.
| Bacteriostatic water added | Resulting strength | 250 mcg draws to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 5 units |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 10 units |
| 3 mL | 1.67 mg/mL | 15 units |
Units, not millilitres. Insulin syringes are marked in units, and mixing up mcg and mg on a peptide label is the single most common error people report. Check the label twice. Run your own vial through the calculator.
Storage and stability
- Before mixing
- Sealed and still as a dry powder, Tesamorelin Acetate vials are normally kept in the fridge at 2–8 °C, out of light. Short spells at room temperature during shipping are the norm for lyophilized peptides and are not, on their own, a sign the vial is spoiled.
- After mixing
- Once bacteriostatic water goes in, the vial belongs in the fridge and is generally treated as good for about 28 days — that is how long the benzyl alcohol in bacteriostatic water is relied on to hold back bacterial growth. Plain sterile water has no preservative, so a vial mixed with it is a single-session vial. Never freeze a reconstituted vial.
- When to throw it out
- A properly mixed vial is clear. Cloudiness, floating strands, a color change or powder that will not go into solution after gentle swirling all mean the vial should be discarded rather than used. Shaking a peptide vial hard is the usual cause — swirl it, or run the water down the inside wall of the vial instead of onto the powder.
Handling and shelf-life figures describe general practice for lyophilized peptides. They are not a dose and not medical advice — your prescriber or the product label sets the amount.
References & evidence
Documents the Tesamorelin Acetate entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extensionFalutz J, Mamputu JC, Potvin D, et al. · Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes · 2010 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 20101189
- [2]Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophySpooner LM, Olin JL · The Annals of Pharmacotherapy · 2012 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 22298602
- [3]Tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor analogueWang Y · Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs · 2009 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 19243281
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Tesamorelin Acetate dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Tesamorelin Acetate studied for?
What is Tesamorelin Acetate?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Tesamorelin Acetate, often referred to by its brand name Egrifta, is a synthetic polypeptide analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is primarily used to reduce excess abdominal fat in adult patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who experience lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by changes in body fat distribution. Tesamorelin is administered via subcutaneous injection.
The peptide works by binding to and activating GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the endogenous production and secretion of growth hormone (GH). This sustained increase in GH, particularly its pulsatile release, is thought to contribute to the reduction of visceral fat. It is distinguished from human growth hormone (hGH) itself, as Tesamorelin stimulates the body's own GH production rather than directly replacing it. The compound has a relatively short half-life, meaning it is quickly processed and eliminated by the body. (FDA label, DrugBank)
What does the research say about Tesamorelin Acetate?
Tap a section to expand.
Tesamorelin Acetate functions as a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue. Its primary mechanism of action involves binding to and activating specific GHRH receptors located on somatotroph cells within the anterior pituitary gland. This binding event initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling, leading to the synthesis and secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH). By stimulating the pituitary to release GH, Tesamorelin effectively increases the levels of circulating GH, but in a more physiological, pulsatile manner compared to direct administration of GH.
The sustained, but pulsatile, elevation of growth hormone then leads to subsequent metabolic effects. Growth hormone plays a crucial role in metabolism, including fat breakdown (lipolysis), protein synthesis, and carbohydrate metabolism. In the context of HIV-associated lipodystrophy, the enhanced growth hormone secretion induced by Tesamorelin is believed to promote the selective reduction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) without significantly affecting subcutaneous fat. This process involves the mobilization and utilization of stored fat, contributing to the observed reduction in abdominal circumference and visceral fat volume. The compound's interaction with the GHRH receptor is highly specific, contributing to its targeted effects. (DrugBank, FDA label)
Source for this section: Sources for How does Tesamorelin Acetate work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
The primary established benefit of Tesamorelin Acetate is the reduction of excess visceral adipose tissue (VAT), commonly referred to as abdominal fat, in adult patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This condition can lead to significant changes in body shape and may be associated with metabolic complications.
Studies have demonstrated that Tesamorelin consistently leads to a significant decrease in VAT, as measured by imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scans. This reduction often translates to a decrease in waist circumference. While the primary indication is for lipodystrophy in HIV patients, research has explored potential implications for metabolic health.
Improvements in body composition, specifically the reduction of VAT, are thought to potentially mitigate some of the metabolic risks associated with lipodystrophy, although Tesamorelin is not indicated for weight loss in the general population, nor for the treatment of diabetes or dyslipidemia. The overall clinical benefit for HIV patients extends to improvements in body image and quality of life, which can be significantly impacted by the visible changes associated with lipodystrophy. (FDA label, Mayo Clinic)
Clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of Tesamorelin Acetate for reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in HIV-associated lipodystrophy comes primarily from well-controlled, randomized clinical trials. Two key Phase 3 studies demonstrated its effectiveness.
In these studies, participants with HIV-associated lipodystrophy who received Tesamorelin experienced a significant reduction in VAT compared to those receiving placebo. For instance, participants treated with Tesamorelin showed a statistically significant decrease in VAT as measured by CT scans, often accompanied by a reduction in waist circumference. The observed benefits were sustained over prolonged treatment periods.
Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were consistently elevated in Tesamorelin-treated individuals, confirming its mechanism of stimulating endogenous GH release. The safety and tolerability profile were also established through these trials, identifying common side effects and rare but serious adverse events.
Regulatory bodies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have reviewed this evidence and approved Tesamorelin based on its demonstrated efficacy and safety for its specified indication. Ongoing research continues to explore other potential applications and long-term outcomes, but the most robust evidence remains tied to its approved use in HIV lipodystrophy. (FDA label, Cochrane)
Like all medications, Tesamorelin Acetate can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects often relate to the injection site, given its subcutaneous route of administration. These may include redness, itching, pain, swelling, or rash at the site of injection. Other frequently reported side effects include joint pain (arthralgia), swelling in the extremities (peripheral edema), muscle pain (myalgia), and hypersensitivity reactions. Less common but reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sleep disturbances.
Due to its mechanism of stimulating growth hormone, Tesamorelin can elevate levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and glucose. Therefore, blood glucose levels should be monitored, especially in individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing it. Although rare, more serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and the development of antibodies to Tesamorelin or GHRH. There is also a theoretical concern regarding the stimulation of pre-existing malignancies, though no causal link has been established in clinical trials. Individuals with a history of cancer should discuss this thoroughly with their clinician. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Individuals considering Tesamorelin Acetate should be aware of several important warnings. It should not be used in individuals with active malignancy, as growth hormone can potentially stimulate the growth of certain cells. If a pre-existing malignancy is diagnosed, treatment with Tesamorelin should be discontinued. Patients should be screened for malignancy prior to initiating therapy.
Tesamorelin can increase insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and blood glucose levels. Therefore, individuals with diabetes or those predisposed to hyperglycemia require careful monitoring of blood glucose. Dose adjustments for antidiabetic medications may be necessary. Hypersensitivity reactions, including rare cases of anaphylaxis, have been reported; individuals should be instructed on the signs of a severe allergic reaction and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
Treatment with Tesamorelin is associated with fluid retention, which can manifest as peripheral edema, arthralgia (joint pain), or carpal tunnel syndrome. In settings of fluid retention, dose adjustment or discontinuation may be considered. Pituitary gland function should be assessed, and alternative causes of growth hormone deficiency or excess ruled out before initiating Tesamorelin. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Tesamorelin Acetate is contraindicated in specific situations to ensure patient safety. It should not be used in individuals with hypopituitarism (decreased function of the pituitary gland) or other conditions causing growth hormone deficiency, as Tesamorelin works by stimulating the pituitary gland. It is also contraindicated in individuals with active malignancy; treatment should be discontinued if malignancy is diagnosed. This includes both newly diagnosed and recurrent malignancies. Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to Tesamorelin or any of its excipients should not use this medication.
Tesamorelin is also contraindicated in pregnant women due to the potential for harm to the fetus. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment. It is not indicated for weight loss in individuals without HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Tesamorelin Acetate has the potential to interact with other medications, primarily those that affect growth hormone or glucose metabolism. For instance, medications such as glucocorticoids can suppress growth hormone secretion, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Tesamorelin. Conversely, drugs that raise blood glucose levels may exacerbate the potential for hyperglycemia associated with Tesamorelin. Individuals taking insulin or other antidiabetic agents may require adjustments to their dosage, as Tesamorelin can alter glucose metabolism.
While specific contraindications with commonly used over-the-counter medications are not typically cited, it's crucial to inform a healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products being used to assess potential interactions. The impact of Tesamorelin on other hormonal axes, particularly the thyroid axis, should also be considered. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Tesamorelin Acetate is typically administered once daily via subcutaneous injection. The timing of administration is commonly in the evening, often before bedtime. This timing may align with the natural pulsatile release of growth hormone that often peaks during sleep. However, individual needs vary and the exact timing should be set by a licensed clinician. The stability of the reconstituted solution and proper storage instructions should be followed as per the manufacturer's guidelines. It can be taken either with or without food, as its absorption is not generally affected by food intake.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Tesamorelin Acetate?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Tesamorelin Acetate is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Tesamorelin Acetate?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any peptide + hormone | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.Source pending | Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral. |
Frequently asked questions about Tesamorelin Acetate
Tesamorelin Acetate (Egrifta) is used to reduce excess abdominal fat (visceral adipose tissue) in adult patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is not indicated for general weight loss.
Tesamorelin works by stimulating your body's own pituitary gland to produce and release more growth hormone (GH). This increased GH then helps to break down and reduce excess fat, particularly abdominal fat.
Tesamorelin is administered as a subcutaneous injection, usually once daily, often in the evening. A licensed clinician will provide instructions on proper injection technique and site rotation.
Common side effects include injection site reactions (redness, pain, itching), joint pain, swelling, and muscle aches. It can also increase blood sugar and IGF-1 levels, so monitoring is important.
No, Tesamorelin is specifically approved for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy and is not indicated as a general weight-loss medication for individuals without this specific condition.
Interaction risk for Tesamorelin Acetate comes from the rest of the stack: other peptides, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. Because Tesamorelin Acetate is usually taken in the evening, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. With a reported plasma half-life near 0.43333333333333335 hours, separating doses can change the picture as much as removing one. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Tesamorelin Acetate with no sign-up.
Tesamorelin Acetate is typically taken in the evening. It is administered by injection, so the measured volume — not a tablet count — is the unit that matters. The reported plasma half-life is about 0.43333333333333335 hours, which is what drives how often it is redosed. Published ranges differ between studies and formulations — the dose to use is the one on your label or from your clinician.
There is no single answer for Tesamorelin Acetate plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Pairing Tesamorelin Acetate with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
A short plasma half-life of roughly 0.43333333333333335 hours is why protocols often split Tesamorelin Acetate across the day rather than using a single dose. It is typically taken in the evening. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
Because Tesamorelin Acetate clears quickly (plasma half-life around 0.43333333333333335 hours), a missed dose leaves a real gap in exposure rather than being buffered by what is still in your system. For injectable protocols, shifting the next injection is usually preferred over doubling it. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For an injectable like Tesamorelin Acetate the record needs more than a checkbox: vial concentration, the measured volume, and which site the last injection went into. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
2 mg administered once daily in the pivotal randomized placebo-controlled trial and its safety extension. Route reported: Subcutaneous injection. Frequency reported: Once daily. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Tesamorelin Acetate — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Which studies looked at Tesamorelin Acetate?
Peer-reviewed research indexed in PubMed. Each entry links to the original record.
- 1.Population pharmacokinetic analysis of tesamorelin in HIV-infected patients and healthy subjects.(opens PubMed in a new tab)Clinical pharmacokinetics · 2015 · PMID 25358450 · https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25358450/
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 16137828(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/16137828
Verify at
Publisher search links for Tesamorelin Acetate. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Tesamorelin Acetate?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Tesamorelin Acetate, often referred to by its brand name Egrifta, is a synthetic polypeptide analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Research on Tesamorelin Acetate focuses on weight loss. Tesamorelin Acetate is administered by injection rather than orally. It is typically taken in the evening.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/tesamorelin-acetate
Tesamorelin Acetate cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Peptide
Tesamorelin Acetate
Tesamorelin Acetate, often referred to by its brand name Egrifta, is a synthetic polypeptide analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH).
Evidence
Moderate
One published human randomized trial; results not yet replicated.
Studied range
2 mg administered once daily in the pivotal randomized placebo-controlled trial and its safety extension
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Frequency studied
Once daily
Half-life
26–38 min
Timing
in the evening
Prescription only (US)FDA-approved (Egrifta) for reduction of excess abdominal visceral fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophyUse outside this approved indication, including for general fat loss or anti-aging purposes, is off-labelWeight Loss
Key references
- Effects of tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing factor, in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized placebo-controlled trial with a safety extension (2010)
- Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (2012)
- Tesamorelin, a human growth hormone releasing factor analogue (2009)
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/tesamorelin-acetate
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Tesamorelin Acetate — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/tesamorelin-acetate
What compounds are similar to Tesamorelin Acetate?
Others in the peptide category or studied for the same goals.
Which goals is Tesamorelin Acetate used for?
Other compounds studied for the same benefits as Tesamorelin Acetate.
Continue exploring
See every compound DoseRoutine catalogs for these goals.