Tesamorelin
Also known as: Egrifta, Egrifta SV, GHRH(1-44)-NH2 analogue, GHRH(1‑44) analog, hGRF(trans-3-hexenoic acid), Tesamorelin acetate, TH9507
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Summary
Tesamorelin is a 44‑amino‑acid peptide approved for subcutaneous injection to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV‑infected patients with lipodystrophy.
Mechanism of Action
Synthetic GHRH receptor agonist that stimulates endogenous growth hormone secretion from the pituitary.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Improvement of lipid profileCardiovascular / MetabolicModerate
- Reduction of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH)Hepatic / MetabolicLow
- Reduce visceral adipose tissue in HIV‑associated lipodystrophyMetabolicHigh
- General anti-aging / GH optimizationWellness / Off LabelLow
- Improve lipid profileCardiovascularModerate
- Lean body mass preservationBody CompositionModerate
- Reduction of HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral adiposity)Metabolic / Body CompositionHigh
- Cognitive function improvement in older adultsNeurocognitiveModerate
Contraindications
- Active malignancyOncologyModerateUse caution or avoid depending on agent and context
- Known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or excipientsAllergyHigh
- Disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary axis (e.g., pituitary tumor, head trauma, cranial irradiation)EndocrineHigh
- PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
- Diabetic retinopathyOphthalmologyModerate
- Hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitolAllergic / ImmunologicHigh
Adverse Effects
- EdemaFluid BalanceUncommonSwelling from fluid retention
- HyperglycemiaMetabolicUncommonAbnormally high blood glucose
- Joint pain (arthralgia)MusculoskeletalCommon
- Fluid retention / peripheral edemaCardiovascularCommon
- Carpal tunnel syndromeMusculoskeletalUncommon
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria)ImmunologicUncommon
- Hyperglycemia / glucose intoleranceMetabolic / EndocrineUncommon
- Arthralgia / myalgiaMusculoskeletalCommon
- Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus, pain, induration)Dermatologic / LocalCommon
- Injection site erythemaLocalCommonRedness at the injection site
Drug Interactions
- InsulinModerateMay increase risk of low blood sugar
- GlucocorticoidsLow
- Glucocorticoids (systemic)Moderate
- Cytochrome P450-metabolized drugs (e.g., cortisol, sex steroids, anticonvulsants)Low
- Somatostatin analogues (octreotide, lanreotide)High
- Antidiabetic medications (insulin, oral hypoglycemics)Moderate
Population Constraints
- Pediatric patientsAgeAbsolute
- Patients with uncontrolled diabetesMetabolicRelative
- Elderly patients (>65 years)AgeRelative
- Patients with diabetes mellitusMetabolicRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveAbsolute
- Patients with renal or hepatic impairmentOrgan FunctionRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNot authorized; available only in clinical trials.
- United StatesApprovedApproved: HIV‑associated lipodystrophy (excess abdominal fat)Approved under brand name Egrifta; prescription only.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNo marketing authorization; investigational use permitted.
FDA‑approved in 2003 (Egrifta) for HIV‑associated lipodystrophy; not approved in the EU.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is a 44‑amino‑acid peptide approved for subcutaneous injection to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV‑infected patients with lipodystrophy.
What is Tesamorelin used for?
Tesamorelin is educationally associated with: Improvement of lipid profile, Reduction of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH), Reduce visceral adipose tissue in HIV‑associated lipodystrophy, General anti-aging / GH optimization, Improve lipid profile, Lean body mass preservation, Reduction of HIV-associated lipodystrophy (visceral adiposity), Cognitive function improvement in older adults. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is Tesamorelin administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of Tesamorelin?
Reported adverse effects include: Edema, Hyperglycemia, Joint pain (arthralgia), Fluid retention / peripheral edema, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria), Hyperglycemia / glucose intolerance, Arthralgia / myalgia, Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus, pain, induration), Injection site erythema. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid Tesamorelin?
Recorded contraindications: Active malignancy, Known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or excipients, Disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary axis (e.g., pituitary tumor, head trauma, cranial irradiation), Pregnancy, Diabetic retinopathy, Hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitol. Consult a qualified clinician before use.