Peptide Schedule
Tesamorelin44 residuesYADAIFTNSYRKVLGQLSARKLLQDIMSRQQGESNQERGARARLEach bubble = one amino acid. Size = residue mass. Color = chemical class.Tesamorelin
Benefits
About Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved GHRH analog marketed as Egrifta for reducing visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It's the most potent GHRH peptide available, producing strong natural GH pulses. Beyond HIV, it's widely used for visceral belly fat reduction, cognitive enhancement, and overall GH optimization. Studies show it reduces visceral fat by ~18% without affecting subcutaneous fat or lean mass.
Who Should Consider Tesamorelin
- HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy and excess visceral adipose tissue
- Individuals seeking visceral belly fat reduction
- Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) under clinical investigation
- Adults pursuing GH optimization through pulsatile release
- Patients interested in cognitive support via GH pathway activation
What to Expect
GH and IGF-1 levels begin to rise. Mild injection site reactions may occur. No visible body composition changes yet.
IGF-1 stabilizes at elevated levels. Improved sleep quality and recovery often reported. Early visceral fat mobilization begins.
Measurable reductions in visceral adipose tissue. Clinical trials showed significant VAT decrease by week 12. Waist circumference begins decreasing.
Phase III trials demonstrated ~18% visceral fat reduction at 26 weeks. Trunk fat and waist circumference significantly reduced. Lipid profiles may improve.
Sustained visceral fat reduction with continued use. NAFLD trial showed 35% of patients achieved liver fat below 5% at 12 months. Fibrosis progression significantly slowed.
Dosing Protocol
| Level | Dose / Injection | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 1mg | Daily |
| Moderate | 2mg | Daily |
| Aggressive | 2mg | Daily |
Note: FDA-approved GHRH analog (Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy. Most potent GHRH for pulsatile GH release. Inject subcutaneously in abdomen. Assess IGF-1 after 4-6 weeks.
Pharmacokinetics
Source: Egrifta FDA label Section 12.3 — mean t1/2 26 min (healthy) and 38 min (HIV patients) after 14-day SC dosing; single-dose t1/2 8-11 min. Using steady-state mean of ~32 min (0.53h)
Loading the interactive decay curve.
Side Effects
Injection site reactions, joint pain, peripheral edema. Monitor IGF-1 levels after 4-6 weeks.
Contraindications
- Active malignancy — newly diagnosed or recurrent cancer (tesamorelin may stimulate growth via IGF-1)
- Pregnancy — tesamorelin is contraindicated in pregnant women due to potential fetal harm
- Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis from hypophysectomy, pituitary tumor, or pituitary surgery
- Known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitol (excipient)
- Breastfeeding — insufficient data on excretion in human milk
Drug Interactions
- Cortisone and prednisone — tesamorelin may alter glucocorticoid metabolism via 11-beta-HSD1, potentially reducing cortisol conversion
- Medroxyprogesterone and norethindrone — tesamorelin may decrease levels by altering metabolism
- Phenytoin — tesamorelin may decrease phenytoin levels through metabolic alteration; monitor drug levels
- Theophylline — may decrease tesamorelin effectiveness by altering its metabolism
- Insulin and oral hypoglycemics — GH release from tesamorelin can reduce insulin sensitivity; monitor glucose and adjust diabetes medications
Molecular Profile
Related Peptides
References
- Tesamorelin: a review of its use in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (Dhillon, Drugs 2011)PubMed 21668043
- Spotlight on tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy (HIV/AIDS Research and Palliative Care 2011)PubMed 22050344
- Effects of tesamorelin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in HIV (Stanley et al., Lancet HIV 2019)PubMed 31611038
- Tesamorelin — clinical review and pharmacology (Drugs 2011)PubMed 21283099
- Egrifta (tesamorelin) FDA Prescribing InformationFDA Label