Peptide · Performance & growth
Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Off-label use targets visceral fat reduction.
Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Off-label use targets visceral fat reduction.
Tesamorelin is a stabilized GHRH analog approved by the FDA as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess visceral fat in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy). It binds the GHRH receptor in the pituitary, stimulating GH release. Compared to CJC-1295, tesamorelin is more potent and has more clinical-trial data, including specific evidence for visceral fat reduction.
FDA-approved as Egrifta. Off-label data on visceral fat from secondary analyses.
Egrifta is FDA-approved. Compounded tesamorelin is prepared per-patient.
FDA-approved Egrifta dosing for lipodystrophy: 1.4 mg subcutaneous daily. Off-label dosing in compounded settings varies but generally aligns with the FDA-approved range. The medication is dosed daily (unlike CJC-1295 with DAC's weekly cadence).
Compounded tesamorelin should follow the compounding pharmacy's beyond-use date and storage instructions. Dosing should always be set by a prescribing clinician.
Dosing in research and clinical-use contexts varies. Specific protocols should always be set by a prescribing clinician, not by patient-direct sources.
Trial-reported side effects: injection-site reactions (most common), arthralgia, peripheral edema, myalgia, headache. Less common but more serious: glucose intolerance (monitor HbA1c in diabetic or pre-diabetic patients), fluid retention. Tesamorelin should not be used in active malignancy.
Tesamorelin is typically used standalone for visceral fat reduction or stacked with ipamorelin for additional GH stimulation through the ghrelin receptor pathway. It can substitute for CJC-1295 in protocols prioritizing visceral fat reduction or in patients who want the FDA approval pedigree of the parent compound.
Most peptides discussed on this page are compounded products requiring a prescription from a licensed clinician. Reputable telehealth peptide programs include physician-led oversight, accredited compounding pharmacies, and clear regulatory framing. For weight-management GLP-1 programs, see our provider reviews.
Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Off-label use targets visceral fat reduction.
Egrifta is FDA-approved. Compounded tesamorelin is prepared per-patient.
Uses include: Visceral fat reduction (FDA-approved indication subset), Metabolic support (off-label). This is research and clinical-use context, not a recommendation. Always work with a licensed clinician.
FDA-approved as Egrifta. Off-label data on visceral fat from secondary analyses.
Reported dosing: 1–2 mg subcutaneous daily. Actual dosing should always be determined by your prescribing clinician, not by online sources.
Egrifta is FDA-approved as a finished drug. Compounded tesamorelin uses the same active ingredient but is prepared by a compounding pharmacy and is not FDA-approved as a finished product. Quality depends on the pharmacy.
It primarily reduces visceral fat (the deep abdominal fat around organs). Effects on total body weight are modest. It is not a GLP-1 alternative for general weight loss.
Trial data shows visceral fat reduction at 26 weeks. Expect a 6-month commitment to evaluate effect.