Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog designed for treating HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This 44-amino acid peptide with a trans-3-hexenoic acid modification selectively reduces visceral adipose tissue while preserving subcutaneous fat, making it unique among growth hormone therapies.

• HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy
• Selective Visceral Fat Targeting
• Sustained Fat Loss

FDA-approved formulation, selective visceral fat targeting, proven clinical efficacy, standardized dosing

Subcutaneous injection provides optimal bioavailability for GHRH receptor binding and pulsatile GH release stimulation

Peak plasma concentration: 9 min. Elimination half-life: 26 min. Largely cleared by: ~2.1 hrs.

Research protocols from published literature — not dosing recommendations.

• Ipamorelin — Monitor Combination: Synergistic GH stimulation possible. Monitor IGF-1 levels closely and consider dose adjustments to prevent excessive growth hormone elevation.
• CJC-1295 — Use Caution: Both bind to pituitary GHRH receptors. Combining saturates receptors without amplifying GH release, risking receptor desensitization and blunted pulsatility. Choose one based on your protocol goals.
• CJC-1295 with DAC — Avoid Combination: Both target GHRH receptors but with conflicting release patterns. Tesamorelin promotes pulsatile GH release while DAC provides continuous stimulation, disrupting natural GH rhythms and accelerating receptor downregulation.
• Sermorelin — Dose Dependent: Similar GHRH mechanism but Tesamorelin has longer half-life. Low doses may be complementary, but higher doses risk excessive GH stimulation.
• Insulin — Monitor Combination: Tesamorelin increases diabetes risk (3.3-fold). Monitor blood glucose closely and adjust insulin doses as needed during treatment.
• Metformin — Compatible: No direct interactions reported. May help mitigate glucose intolerance risk associated with Tesamorelin therapy.
• Prednisone — Use Caution: Decreases corticosteroid effectiveness. Consider increasing steroid doses or using alternative anti-inflammatory therapy.
• Octreotide — Avoid Combination: Somatostatin analog directly blocks GH release, completely negating Tesamorelin's therapeutic effects.
• Growth Hormone — Avoid Combination: Redundant and potentially dangerous combination. Risk of acromegaly and metabolic complications from excessive GH exposure.

Supplies:

• Tesamorelin vial (Egrifta SV 2mg or Egrifta WR 11.6mg)
• Sterile water for injection (SV) or bacteriostatic water (WR)
• Insulin syringes (27-30 gauge, 0.5-1mL)
• Alcohol swabs for injection site preparation

1. 1Remove vial from refrigerator (powder should be stored at 2-8°C) and allow to reach room temperature
2. 2Egrifta SV: Add 0.5 mL sterile water to 2 mg vial
3. 3Egrifta WR: Add 1.3 mL bacteriostatic water to 11.6 mg vial
4. 4Gently swirl to dissolve - do not shake vigorously to prevent protein denaturation
5. 5Solution should be clear and colorless - do not use if cloudy or contains particles
6. 6Withdraw appropriate dose (typically 0.35 mL for 1.4 mg from SV preparation)
7. 7Inject subcutaneously in abdomen, rotating sites to prevent lipodystrophy
8. 8SV: Use immediately after mixing, discard any remaining solution. WR: Store at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 7 days — do NOT refrigerate as it may cause precipitation

Week 1-2: IGF-1 levels begin to rise, possible mild water retention or joint discomfort. Week 4-6: Early metabolic changes, slight improvements in energy and sleep quality. Week 8-12: Visible visceral fat reduction begins, waist circumference may decrease. Week 12-26: Peak effects achieved with significant body composition improvements.

Monitor blood glucose regularly - 3.3-fold increased diabetes risk documented. IGF-1 levels should be checked monthly - 47% exceed normal range at 26 weeks. Contraindicated in active malignancy or pituitary disorders. Common side effects include injection site reactions (17%) and joint pain (13%).

Monitor blood glucose regularly - 3.3-fold increased diabetes risk documented. IGF-1 levels should be checked monthly - 47% exceed normal range at 26 weeks. Contraindicated in active malignancy or pituitary disorders. Common side effects include injection site reactions (17%) and joint pain (13%).

Tesamorelin should be stored at Unreconstituted powder: refrigerate at 2-8°C. Reconstituted solution: room temperature (20-25°C) — do NOT refrigerate after mixing. Use SV immediately, WR stable 7 days..