Tesamorelin

Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analog (Egrifta)

Tesamorelin is the visceral fat specialist. It's a GHRH analog that triggers growth hormone release, FDA-approved as Egrifta for reducing the deep abdominal fat that wraps around your organs. Visceral fat is visceral fat regardless of why it's there, which is why the off-label community has picked it up. Clinical data shows 10-15% visceral fat reduction in 6 months. The scale won't move much — don't expect it to. But imaging shows the dangerous organ-wrapping fat actually shrinking.

Protocol

Dose: 1-2mg per day | Frequency: Once daily | Cycle: 26 weeks is the studied duration, some run longer with medical supervision | Route: SubQ

Reconstitution: 2mL bacteriostatic water per vial for compounded versions. Use our free reconstitution calculator for exact syringe units.

Effects

• Visceral fat reduction (75%) — 10-15% reduction in visceral adipose tissue over 26 weeks in clinical trials
• Improved body composition (60%) — Waist circumference decreases even when scale weight stays the same
• Elevated IGF-1 (70%) — Sustained IGF-1 elevation from the daily GH stimulation, with downstream recovery and body comp benefits
• Better lipid profile (45%) — Some improvement in triglycerides and cholesterol markers

Side Effects

• Injection-site bruising (35%) — You'll bruise where you pin more than with most peptides. Rotate sites and it's manageable.
• Injection-site redness (25%) — Red and irritated around the injection spot. Usually gone by the next day.
• Joint pain (15%) — Achy joints from the elevated GH. It's a known class effect — if it's bothering you, your GH is running high.
• Peripheral edema (10%) — Puffy hands and feet from mild water retention. Usually settles after the first couple weeks.
• Muscle aches (8%) — Mild muscle soreness. Not workout-related — just a GH thing. Manageable.

Evidence

Strong evidence — FDA-approved as Egrifta for reducing visceral fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. Clinical trials showed significant visceral fat reduction without affecting subcutaneous fat. One of the few peptides with actual FDA approval, though for a narrow indication. The off-label use for general visceral fat reduction is growing.

Approval status: FDA-approved (branded)

References

1. Falutz J et al. 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 J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr, 2010. PMID: 20101189
2. Falutz J et al. Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: a pooled analysis of two multicenter, double-blind placebo-controlled phase 3 trials with safety extension data J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2010. PMID: 20554713
3. Stanley TL et al. Reduction in visceral adiposity is associated with an improved metabolic profile in HIV-infected patients receiving tesamorelin Clin Infect Dis, 2012. PMID: 22495074
4. Fourman LT et al. Visceral fat reduction with tesamorelin is associated with improved liver enzymes in HIV AIDS, 2017. PMID: 28832410
5. Mangili A et al. Predictors of Treatment Response to Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor Analog, in HIV-Infected Patients with Excess Abdominal Fat PLoS One, 2015. PMID: 26457580
6. Spooner LM et al. Tesamorelin: a growth hormone-releasing factor analogue for HIV-associated lipodystrophy Ann Pharmacother, 2012. PMID: 22298602

Storage

• Lyophilized: Refrigerate at 2-8C. Protect from light.
• Reconstituted: Refrigerate. Use within 28 days for compounded, or per manufacturer instructions for branded.
• Water: Bacteriostatic water, 2mL per vial for compounded versions.
• Needle: 30 gauge, 0.5 inch for subcutaneous injection in the abdomen

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any protocol.

vialprep research · Sources: PubMed, FDA, peer-reviewed trials · How we verify