Tesamorelin stimulates growth-hormone release and is used to reduce visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
What Tesamorelin does and why that matters
Tesamorelin tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, which raises IGF-1. In adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, that signal can reduce visceral fat, the fat stored deep around the abdominal organs. This is a specific change measured by imaging, not general weight loss, and it does not establish tesamorelin as an anti-aging or bodybuilding treatment. [1,2,3]
Function evidence: Established hormone action and approved disease-specific fat reduction
What the approved result does and does not mean
Tesamorelin's demonstrated benefit is a reduction in visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Visceral fat sits around internal organs and was measured with imaging in the clinical program. That is not the same as a general weight-loss medicine, a bodybuilding drug or a promise that every patient will see a particular cosmetic change. Egrifta WR and Egrifta SV also have different preparation and administration instructions, so the evidence does not support transferring directions between products or using a generic tesamorelin protocol. [1,2,3]
What supports this description: Phase 3 and approved-label evidence for a specific HIV-related indication
Tesamorelin Dosing status
Dose: Egrifta WR: 1.28 mg; Egrifta SV: 1.4 mg | Frequency: Once daily | Cycle: Duration and continuation reviewed by the prescriber | Route: Subcutaneous, abdomen
Preparation: WR and SV require different supplied diluents and volumes; follow the exact product instructions..
WR uses an 11.6 mg vial with 1.3 mL supplied bacteriostatic water; the labeled dose is 0.16 mL. SV uses a 2 mg vial with 0.5 mL supplied sterile water; the labeled dose is 0.35 mL, administered immediately. Do not substitute instructions between products. [1,2, section 2]
Tesamorelin Effects
Visceral fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Two phase 3 trials found reductions in visceral adipose tissue in the studied HIV population. The results do not establish comparable benefits in people without that condition. [3]
Tesamorelin Side Effects
Glucose intolerance and diabetes. Evaluate glucose before and during treatment. The clinical program identified an increased risk of diabetes. [2, section 5.4]
IGF-1 and malignancy precautions. Monitor IGF-1. Active malignancy is a contraindication; a history of malignancy requires careful benefit-risk assessment. [2, sections 4–5]
Fluid retention and local reactions. Edema, joint or muscle pain, carpal tunnel symptoms and injection-site reactions can occur. [2, sections 5–6]
Other contraindications. Do not use during pregnancy, with specified disruptions of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, or with known hypersensitivity to the product. Suspected allergic reactions require prompt medical attention. [2, sections 4–5]
Frequently Asked Questions About Tesamorelin
Is Egrifta WR injected once a week?
It is injected daily. One WR vial supplies seven daily doses after mixing. [1]
Can tesamorelin be used for general weight loss?
That is outside the approved indication. Its established benefit concerns excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. [1,2,3]
Does treatment require monitoring?
The labels call for assessment of glucose and IGF-1. Treatment can cause glucose intolerance or diabetes, and the effects of prolonged IGF-1 elevation are uncertain. [1,2]
Evidence
Approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Randomized trials support reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The approved products are not indicated for general weight management. [1,2,3]
Approval status: FDA-approved as Egrifta for adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy
References
Theratechnologies Egrifta WR (tesamorelin) prescribing information Prescribing information, 2025. Source
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) prescribing information Prescribing information, 2024. Source
Falutz J, Potvin D, Mamputu JC, et al. Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a growth hormone-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2010. PMID 20554713
Storage
Egrifta WR after mixing: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Discard after seven days. Do not refrigerate or freeze the mixed medicine. Follow the WR instructions for its supplied diluent. [1, sections 2 and 16; Instructions for Use]
Egrifta SV after mixing: Use immediately and discard leftover solution and diluent. Do not refrigerate or freeze the mixed solution. [2, section 2]
Before mixing: WR and SV medication boxes are stored at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), protected from light. Check the exact pack's instructions and expiry. [1,2, section 16]
Educational evidence summary. Approval applies only to the named product and indication; compounded, investigational, and research-market products are different categories.
◇An FDA-approved label or a patient-specific prescription from a licensed pharmacy
◇The active ingredient, strength, dosage form, concentration, lot, and dispensing instructions
◇Identity or purity tests only support the tests performed; they do not prove sterility, endotoxin safety, dose accuracy, stability, or clinical suitability
◇A “research use only” vial is not a patient medicine
