GROWTH · PEPTIDE
What is Tesamorelin?
Medically reviewed by the G1 Peptides clinical team · Updated October 1, 2026
THE SHORT ANSWER
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone. It is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, and it works by prompting the pituitary to release more growth hormone.
Tesamorelin at a glance
- Type
- Peptide
- Also known as
- Egrifta, Egrifta SV, Egrifta WR
- Mechanism
- Stabilized GHRH analog
- Status
- FDA-approved
- Half-life
- ~26–38 minutes
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- Dosing range in the literature
- 1–2 mg daily
- Onset
- 8–12 weeks (visceral fat)
- Storage
- Refrigerated (2–8 °C); use within the pharmacy beyond-use date
How Tesamorelin works
It is the full 44-amino-acid GHRH molecule with a small modification that protects it from being broken down quickly. It increases natural growth hormone pulses and IGF-1, which reduces visceral fat, the fat stored around the organs.
What Tesamorelin is studied for
- Visceral fat reduction
- Triglycerides
- Growth hormone release
Randomized trials in adults with HIV showed reductions in visceral fat of about 15 to 18% over six months. It has also been studied for liver fat. The fat returns after the drug is stopped.
Being studied for something is not proof that it works. Results in individuals vary.
Tesamorelin dosing
Published protocols describe 1–2 mg daily, once daily, given subcutaneous. Onset is typically reported at 8–12 weeks (visceral fat).
These figures are context from the literature, not instructions. A licensed provider sets the dose and schedule for each patient.
Tesamorelin side effects and risks
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Glucose increase
- Injection-site reactions
Tell your provider about every medication and condition before starting, and report anything unexpected. See peptide side effects and safety and who should not use peptides.
Is Tesamorelin FDA approved?
FDA-approved as Egrifta for abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Other uses are off-label.
Approval and trial status change. This page was last reviewed on October 1, 2026.
Tesamorelin at G1 Peptides
G1 Peptides supplies Tesamorelin as vials (10 mg) and in pens (Fragment Apex, TesaTrim). Prescription products ship only after a licensed provider has reviewed the order.
Tesamorelin questions
- What is Tesamorelin?
- Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone. It is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, and it works by prompting the pituitary to release more growth hormone.
- What is Tesamorelin used for?
- Tesamorelin is studied for visceral fat reduction, triglycerides, and growth hormone release. Randomized trials in adults with HIV showed reductions in visceral fat of about 15 to 18% over six months. It has also been studied for liver fat. The fat returns after the drug is stopped.
- How does Tesamorelin work?
- It is the full 44-amino-acid GHRH molecule with a small modification that protects it from being broken down quickly. It increases natural growth hormone pulses and IGF-1, which reduces visceral fat, the fat stored around the organs.
- Is Tesamorelin FDA approved?
- FDA-approved as Egrifta for abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Other uses are off-label.
- What is the typical Tesamorelin dosage?
- Published protocols describe 1–2 mg daily, given subcutaneous. This is context from the literature, not a recommendation: a licensed provider sets the dose.
- What are the side effects of Tesamorelin?
- Risks noted for Tesamorelin include joint pain, swelling, glucose increase, and injection-site reactions. Tell your provider about your medications and conditions before starting.
- What is the half-life of Tesamorelin?
- The reported half-life is ~26–38 minutes. Onset is typically reported at 8–12 weeks (visceral fat).
- How should Tesamorelin be stored?
- Refrigerated (2–8 °C); use within the pharmacy beyond-use date.
For educational purposes only, and not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Nothing on this page is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Use any compound only under the guidance of a licensed provider.