Research use only. Not for human consumption. 18+ only.

Growth Hormone Secretagogues / Subcutaneous

Tesamorelin

Also known as Egrifta, TH9507

Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog that specifically reduces visceral adipose tissue. It is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and has cognitive and metabolic benefits.

What is Tesamorelin used for? Research has focused on reduces visceral adipose tissue; fda-approved for hiv lipodystrophy; improves metabolic parameters.

Compare with other peptides studied forfat loss,recovery and healing,muscle growth

Evidence grade AFDA approved

Tesamorelin injection at a glance

Figures from the published research literature. Research use only.

Dose range
2 mg
Route
Subcutaneous

How often, when, and the dosing notes are in the dosing reference further down.

Work out your units in the free calculator

Beginner basics

Plain-English guide to Tesamorelin

What it does
Tesamorelin signals your body to release more of its own growth hormone, which helps reduce deep belly fat and improve how your body processes energy and glucose. Researchers commonly study it for metabolic health and fat loss in specific populations.
Typical dose
2 mg injected once daily under the skin, typically in the morning.
When to inject
First thing in the morning is typical; inject into your abdomen and rotate where you inject each day to avoid irritation.
Storage
Keep the dry powder in the refrigerator before mixing. After you mix it with water, store it in the refrigerator and use within the timeframe specified on the label.
Beginner tip
Rotate your injection spots daily around your belly to prevent lumps or soreness from building up in one area.

Research status

Evidence grade A
Large human randomised controlled trials, or approved by the FDA or another major authority.
FDA approved
Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for at least one indication.

FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy

For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.

Research areas

  • Reduces visceral adipose tissue
  • FDA-approved for HIV lipodystrophy
  • Improves metabolic parameters
  • Cognitive benefits
  • Body composition improvement
  • Supports GH production

Side effects

EffectHow oftenSeverity
Injection site reactions (erythema, induration, pruritus)Localised redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site typically resolves within hours to days. Rotate injection sites to minimise recurrence. Apply ice if needed for comfort. Ensure proper injection technique and allow solution to reach room temperature before injection.CommonMild
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)GH-induced fluid retention can compress the median nerve in the wrist, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand. Reported in approximately 5-10% of tesamorelin users in clinical trials. Symptoms typically appear after 4-12 weeks of therapy. Manage with wrist splinting, NSAIDs, or dose reduction. Discontinue if symptoms are severe or progressive. Resolves within weeks of stopping therapy.UncommonModerate
Arthralgia (joint pain)GH-induced fluid retention and metabolic changes can cause joint pain, particularly in the knees, hips, and shoulders. Usually mild and self-limiting. Manage with NSAIDs, stretching, and adequate hydration. Typically resolves within 4-8 weeks as the body adapts.UncommonMild to moderate
Myalgia (muscle pain or weakness)Muscle soreness or mild weakness may occur early in therapy, likely due to metabolic shifts and increased protein turnover. Usually resolves within 2-4 weeks. Ensure adequate protein intake and hydration.UncommonMild
Fluid retention (peripheral oedema)GH stimulates sodium and water retention, potentially causing mild swelling in the hands, feet, or face. More common in patients with pre-existing hypertension or renal impairment. Manage with sodium restriction and adequate hydration. Typically mild and self-limiting. Monitor blood pressure regularly.UncommonMild to moderate
Hyperglycaemia or impaired glucose toleranceGH has anti-insulin effects and can transiently elevate fasting glucose or impair glucose tolerance, particularly in patients with pre-existing insulin resistance or diabetes. Monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c at baseline and during therapy. Usually mild and reversible. Tesamorelin's visceral fat reduction may improve insulin sensitivity over time, offsetting acute GH-induced effects.UncommonModerate
HeadacheMild to moderate headaches reported in approximately 5-8% of users, possibly related to fluid retention or metabolic changes. Usually self-limiting. Manage with analgesics and hydration. Discontinue if severe or persistent.UncommonMild
Nausea or gastrointestinal upsetMild nausea, bloating, or changes in appetite may occur early in therapy. Usually transient and resolves within 1-2 weeks. Take with food if tolerated; ensure adequate hydration.UncommonMild
Hypertension (elevated blood pressure)GH can increase blood pressure through fluid retention and increased cardiac output. Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially in patients with pre-existing hypertension. Manage with sodium restriction, weight loss, and antihypertensive medication if needed. Discontinue if blood pressure becomes uncontrolled.UncommonModerate
Hypothyroidism or thyroid dysfunctionGH can affect thyroid function and increase the risk of autoimmune thyroiditis in susceptible individuals. Monitor TSH and free T4 at baseline and annually during therapy. Manage with levothyroxine if hypothyroidism develops. More common in patients with pre-existing thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions.RareModerate
Gynecomastia (breast tissue enlargement in males)GH-induced changes in sex hormone metabolism or increased aromatisation of androgens to oestrogen may rarely cause breast tissue growth in males. Usually mild and reversible. Discontinue if bothersome or progressive.RareMild to moderate
Increased risk of malignancyTheoretical concern with long-term GH elevation, though clinical evidence in tesamorelin trials is reassuring. Tesamorelin is contraindicated in patients with active malignancy or a history of malignancy within 5 years. Monitor for signs of malignancy during therapy. Discuss risk: benefit ratio with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a personal or family history of cancer.RareSerious
Antibody formation to tesamorelinChronic peptide therapy can trigger antibody formation, potentially reducing efficacy over time. Reported in <5% of tesamorelin users in clinical trials. If efficacy wanes after initial improvement, antibody testing may be warranted. Discontinuation and rechallenge after a washout period may restore responsiveness.RareModerate

Dosing reference

Dose scale from the research

Starting
1 mg
Upper end
2 mg
Tesamorelin dosing reference
ParameterValue
Dose range2 mg
Frequency, timing and route are for members

Research disclaimer. Figures are drawn from published research literature and community logs. They are not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.

Reconstitution guide

  • Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
  • Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
  • Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
  • Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
  • Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
  • Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration

Worked example

With 5 mg in the vial, the water you add changes the draw. Mixed with 1 mL that is 5,000 mcg per mL, so on a U-100 syringe 1 mg is 20 units and 2 mg is 40 units. Mixed with 2 mL it is 2,500 mcg per mL, so 1 mg is 40 units and 2 mg is 80 units.

Work out your exact dose in the free peptide calculator

Storage and stability

Refrigerate after reconstitution

Molecular and pharmacological data

Molecular weight5136 Da
Half-life26-40 minutes (endogenous GH half-life is 15-20 minutes; tesamorelin extends GH elevation)
SequenceMembers only

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that binds to GHRH receptors on the anterior pituitary gland, stimulating the release of endogenous growth hormone (GH). This increased GH secretion enhances lipolysis (fat breakdown) and preferentially reduces visceral adipose tissue (deep abdominal fat) while preserving or increasing lean muscle mass. The mechanism is particularly effective at targeting visceral fat depots, which are metabolically active and associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk.

Pathways and mechanism detail are for members

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Research citations

2 sources
  • Tesamorelin visceral fat reduction

  • GHRH analogs clinical applications

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Research use only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. Tesamorelin is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.