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Educational Wellness Information Only

This platform provides peer-reviewed research summaries and educational content about peptides for wellness and optimization purposes. Nothing on this site is intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not claim any peptide can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any wellness protocol.

Statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Compounded preparations are subject to applicable state and federal regulations. Availability and eligibility vary.

Growth Hormone Axis

Tesamorelin

GHRH analog FDA-approved for HIV-associated visceral fat.

FDA-Approved

Plain-Language Label Highlights

Brand names: Egrifta, Egrifta SV

What it's approved for

Reducing excess belly fat in adults with HIV-related lipodystrophy.

A daily injection that tells your body to make more of its own growth hormone, which can shrink deep belly fat caused by HIV medications.

Common side effects
  • Joint pain
  • Redness or itching at injection site
  • Muscle pain
  • Swelling in arms/legs
  • Tingling
Serious risks to know
  • Higher blood sugar / new or worsening diabetes
  • Fluid retention
  • Possible growth of hidden tumors (use caution with cancer history)
Who should avoid or use with extra caution
  • You have active cancer
  • You have a pituitary tumor or recent pituitary surgery
  • You are pregnant

Educational summary of the FDA prescribing information. Not a substitute for the full label or medical advice. Always discuss with a licensed prescriber.

Mechanism of Action

A stabilized analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates pulsatile endogenous GH and IGF-1 release. FDA-approved (Egrifta) for the reduction of excess abdominal visceral fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy.

Research Areas

Visceral adipose tissue reduction (approved)
Cognitive function in older adults (research)
NAFLD / hepatic fat (research)

Common Research Protocols

Daily subcutaneous clinical use

2 mg subcutaneous daily in the approved HIV-lipodystrophy indication.

Protocols summarized for educational reference from published research. Not dosing guidance.

Cited Research

[1]New England Journal of Medicine·2007

Tesamorelin for HIV-associated lipodystrophy

Phase 3 trials showing significant visceral fat reduction.

[2]The Lancet HIV·2019

Tesamorelin and NAFLD in HIV

Reduced hepatic fat fraction in HIV-infected adults with NAFLD.

Important Considerations

  • FDA-approved only for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
  • May affect glucose tolerance; monitor in at-risk patients.
  • Requires physician oversight.

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Educational Information Only — Not Medical Advice

All content on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We make no claims that any peptide can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Peptides discussed are not FDA-approved for the indications listed unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before beginning any wellness protocol. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Compounded preparations are subject to applicable state and federal regulations. Availability, eligibility, and pricing may vary.

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