Tesamorelin

Also known as: Egrifta

GH/GHRH FDA Approved (Limited)

Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog

Mechanism of Action

Stimulates pituitary release of growth hormone, reducing visceral adipose tissue.

Note: HIV-associated lipodystrophy only

Tesamorelin is one of the few peptides with actual FDA approval — for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — yet observational data suggests substantial off-label interest for body composition and GH optimization. Clinical effect scores reach 95/100 for both body composition (14 trials) and growth hormone outcomes. Self-reported data from 42 unique individuals highlights body composition as the top focus area.

365
Community Posts
148
Users Discussing
28
Research Articles
19
Clinical Trials

Reported Outcomes

Clinical grade reflects published research; Community grade reflects user reports (n=365).

Body Composition

Changes in muscle vs fat ratio

Clinical: A
Community: B
28% (68)

Tesamorelin consistently reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT) significantly in multiple clinical trials while preserving or increasing muscle area and density. It is FDA-approved for reducing abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Growth Hormone

Effects on growth hormone levels

Clinical: A
Community: B
24% (69)

As a GHRH analog, Tesamorelin robustly increases endogenous pulsatile growth hormone secretion and significantly elevates circulating IGF-1 levels.

Sleep Quality

Effects on sleep quality

Clinical: C
Community: B
20% (43)
Energy Levels

Changes in energy and fatigue levels

Clinical: C
Community: A
11% (17)

Improvements in mitochondrial function, assessed by phosphocreatine recovery, were observed and correlated with increases in IGF-1 levels.

Mental/Mood

Effects on mood and cognitive function

Clinical: B
Community: B
11% (19)

In older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment, Tesamorelin increased brain GABA levels and improved cognitive function in a randomized trial.

Muscle Repair

Muscle recovery and repair from exercise or injury

Clinical: D
Community: B
3% (5)

Who Discusses Tesamorelin

From community reports with demographic data.

Gender

Male 81%
Female 19%

n=53

Age Distribution (limited data)

49
median age
range: 21-65
<30
30s
40s
50s
60+

n=17

Side Effects

Limited data

Based on 5 user reports (n=5). Frequency indicates how often each was mentioned.

Common (>5%)

Insomnia
Mild 2 reports 18.2%

Uncommon (1-5%)

Drenching Night Sweats
Mild 1 reports 9.1%
Tingling Issue
Mild 1 reports 9.1%
Injection Site Reaction (Isr)
Mild 1 reports 9.1%
Pain
Mild 1 reports 9.1%
High Estrogen
Mild 1 reports 9.1%
Post Injection Pain (Pip)
Mild 1 reports 9.1%
Bump And Redness At Injection Site
Mild 1 reports 9.1%

Risks & Warnings

Important safety considerations based on clinical data and community reports.

i

Water Retention

19 mentions

Fluid retention can occur with GH-releasing peptides. Usually mild and temporary.

i

Injection Site Reactions

14 mentions

Local reactions are common and usually mild. Rotate injection sites.

Dosing

Standard Protocol

Starting Dose
2mg daily
Titration
Fixed dose
Half-life
26-38 minutes
Administration
Subcutaneous injection, once daily
FDA-Approved Doses
2mg

Community Dosing Patterns

Based on 97 mentions

Community-reported patterns, not medical advice.

1mg daily
11
2mg daily
7
2mg 5x/week
3
daily
2
1.5mg daily
2

Pricing

Research-grade reference pricing for 10mg vial. Prices vary by vendor and quantity. Research chemicals require self-mixing and lack medical oversight. Shipping is not included.

We do not list vendors. Prices are aggregated from community reports and should be treated as rough ranges.

US Research Grade

$70

Single small vial from US domestic vendors

US Research (Bulk)

$57

Per-dose equivalent when buying larger US vials

China Research

$17.85

Per-vial when buying 10-pack from Chinese vendors

Research

28
Total Articles
19
Clinical Trials
5
Reviews

Key Studies

Efficacy and safety of tesamorelin in people with HIV on integrase inhibitors Clinical Trial

AIDS (London, England) (2024)

Effects of a Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analog on Endogenous GH Pulsatility and Insulin Sensitivity in Healthy Men Clinical Trial

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (2011)

Reduction in Visceral Adiposity Is Associated With an Improved Metabolic Profile in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Tesamorelin Clinical Trial

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (2012)

Metabolic Effects of a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor in Obese Subjects with Reduced Growth Hormone Secretion: A Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial

The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (2012)

Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone Effects on Brain γ-Aminobutyric Acid Levels in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Aging Clinical Trial

JAMA Neurology (2013)

Commonly Stacked With

Based on 365 community posts mentioning Tesamorelin.

Ipamorelin 93 mentions (25.5%)
Retatrutide 47 mentions (12.9%)
Tirzepatide 34 mentions (9.3%)
CJC-1295 27 mentions (7.4%)
TB-500 23 mentions (6.3%)

Switching Patterns

Based on 30 discussions about switching to or from Tesamorelin.

→ Switching FROM

Retatrutide 4 mentions

Users who switched to Tesamorelin

← Switching TO

Retatrutide 3 mentions

Users who switched from Tesamorelin