What it is
Tesamorelin is a man-made version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It signals the pituitary gland to release more of the body's own growth hormone.
It is used for one specific purpose: to reduce excess belly fat around the organs (visceral fat) in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy, a condition that changes where fat is stored.
US regulatory status
FDA-approved (Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR) to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy. It is not approved for general weight loss, anti-aging or athletic use.
What the research shows
Randomized trials in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy showed reductions in visceral fat compared with placebo. The fat tends to come back after treatment stops. Its long-term effects on heart disease risk have not been established.
How it is given
Subcutaneous injection (vial, mixed before use)
Commonly reported side effects
- Joint pain
- Injection site redness, itching or pain
- Pain in arms or legs
- Swelling (fluid retention)
- Muscle aches
- Higher blood sugar
Questions to ask your provider
- Do I meet the approved criteria for tesamorelin?
- How will we check my blood sugar and IGF-1 levels while I am on it?
- What happens to my results if I stop treatment?