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Tesamorelin
Growth hormone–releasing peptide. Daily injection.
- Off-label for weight loss
- Labs may be required
- Pharmacy on your label
Compounded growth hormone–releasing peptide injection
Tesamorelin prompts your pituitary gland to release more of your own growth hormone. A brand-name version is FDA-approved to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Other uses, including weight loss, are off-label.
- Form
- Injection under the skin
- How often
- Daily
- Labs
- IGF-1 and blood sugar may be checked
- Made by
- State-licensed compounding pharmacy
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Quick answer
Tesamorelin at a glance
Tesamorelin prompts your pituitary gland to release more of your own growth hormone.
How it’s taken: injection under the skin, daily.
It starts at $159/mo at Surna, with provider care included.
A prescription from a licensed provider is required. It’s compounded by a state-licensed pharmacy and is not FDA-approved.
Updated
How Tesamorelin works
Tesamorelin mimics GHRH, the hormone that signals your pituitary gland to release growth hormone. Growth hormone plays a role in how your body stores and uses fat.
Because tesamorelin can raise IGF-1 and affect blood sugar, your provider may check labs before and during treatment.
What to expect
Everyone responds differently. Your provider checks in and adjusts your plan along the way.
Weeks 1–4
Daily injections. Redness or itching where you inject is common.
Months 2–3
Your provider may check IGF-1 and blood sugar and adjust your plan.
Ongoing
Benefits generally fade after stopping, so your provider reviews whether to continue.
Is it right for you?
Your provider makes the final call after reviewing your health history and labs.
Often a good fit
- Adults whose provider recommends it as part of a weight loss plan
- Comfortable with a daily injection
- Willing to do labs if your provider asks
Usually not a fit
- Pituitary problems, pituitary surgery, or radiation to the head
- Active cancer
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Allergy to tesamorelin or mannitol
Not a complete list. Tell your provider about all health conditions and medications.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild. Your care team is a message away if something doesn't feel right.
More common
Get medical help right away for
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like hives, swelling of your face or throat, or trouble breathing
- Increased thirst or frequent urination (possible high blood sugar)
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands
For a medical emergency, call 911.
How to take it
Always follow the directions on your label and from your provider.
Inject daily
Inject under the skin of your belly once a day, at about the same time.
Rotate spots
Change where you inject each day.
Store it properly
Follow the storage and mixing directions on your label.
Tesamorelin questions
Is tesamorelin FDA-approved for weight loss?
No. A brand-name version is FDA-approved only to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Prescribing it for weight loss is off-label, and the version we prescribe is compounded and not FDA-approved.
How is it different from sermorelin?
Both prompt your body to release its own growth hormone. Tesamorelin is a longer-acting form of GHRH, and a brand-name version is FDA-approved for a specific type of belly fat.
Will I need labs?
Your provider may check IGF-1 and blood sugar before and during treatment.
Related treatments
See if Tesamorelin is right for you.
Answer a few questions and a licensed provider will review your options.
Important safety information
Last updated
Tesamorelin can cause injection site reactions, joint pain, fluid retention, and increased blood sugar, and can raise IGF-1 levels. Do not use it if you have pituitary problems, have had pituitary surgery or radiation to the head, have active cancer, are pregnant, or are allergic to tesamorelin or mannitol. Use for weight loss is off-label. Egrifta® is a registered trademark of its owner.
Compounded medication, prepared by a state-licensed pharmacy for individual patients. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. Prescribed only if your provider determines it is clinically appropriate for you.
This is not a complete list of risks. Talk with your provider and read the full prescribing information or medication guide.