Tesamorelin (10mg)
Tesamorelin (Egrifta®) is an FDA-approved 44-amino acid GHRH analogue for visceral fat reduction. The 10mg vial is the most cost-effective option for typical cycles. Reconstitute with 2mL of bacteriostatic water for a concentration of 5mg/mL (500mcg per 10 units).
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
Research monograph
See the full Tesamorelin encyclopedia page with mechanism, evidence tier, related variants and research context.
How It Works
Tesamorelin is a **synthetic 44-amino acid analogue** of human GHRH. It binds to GHRH receptors on the somatotroph cells of the **anterior pituitary gland**, stimulating pulsatile GH secretion. This increases circulating levels of **IGF-1**, which mediates lipolysis — particularly in **visceral adipose tissue**. Unlike exogenous GH, Tesamorelin **preserves the negative feedback mechanism** via somatostatin, avoiding supraphysiological levels. Clinical studies also highlight **neuroprotective action** through the reduction of cerebral amyloid-beta deposition.
Quick Start
- Typical dose: 1–2mg subcutaneously, daily
- Frequency: Daily, 30–60 minutes before bed, on an empty stomach
- Storage: 2–8°C after reconstitution, use within 21 days
- Advantage: 5 full doses per vial — fewer reconstitutions
Dosing Table — Tesamorelin 10mg
Route: Subcutaneous injection | Frequency: Daily, before bed
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 1mg | 20 Units (0.20 mL) |
| 3+ | 2mg | 40 Units (0.40 mL) |
The 10mg vial is reconstituted in 2mL of BAC water (concentration 5mg/mL) and provides 5 doses of 2mg (~5 days of full dosing). Administer before bed on an empty stomach (≥2 hours fasting) for optimal synergy with nocturnal GH secretion.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Clean the vial and BAC water stoppers with an alcohol wipe.
- Draw 2mL of bacteriostatic water (BAC water).
- Inject slowly down the side of the vial — do not spray directly onto the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved — do not shake.
- Mark the reconstitution date on the vial.
- Store immediately in the refrigerator (2–8°C).
Protocol Overview
- FDA-approved (2010) for visceral fat reduction — the only GHRH compound with clinical approval.
- Natural pulsatile GH secretion without suppression of the GH-IGF-1 axis.
- The 10mg vial is the optimal price per mg for long-term protocols.
- Phase III clinical studies: average visceral fat reduction of ~18% over 26 weeks.
- Clinical tolerance data in long-term studies (up to 2 years).
Dosing Protocol
- Weeks 1–2: 1mg/day — introductory phase to assess tolerability.
- Weeks 3+: 2mg/day — clinically used dose corresponding to the FDA dose.
- Administer before bed on an empty stomach (≥2 hours fasting).
- Cycle: 3–6 months active, followed by a 4–8 week washout.
- Evaluate data at 12 weeks — if no change, reassess.
- Break between cycles: After the cycle (3–6 months), a 4–8 week pause is recommended. Tesamorelin stimulates endogenous GHRH receptors — the pause prevents tolerance (down-regulation) and allows for sensitivity to be restored. Maintain exercise and diet during the washout.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After the cycle (3–6 months), a 4–8 week pause is recommended. Tesamorelin stimulates endogenous GHRH receptors — the pause prevents tolerance (down-regulation) and allows for sensitivity to be restored. Maintain exercise and diet during the washout.
Minimum wait period: 4 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized powder: room temperature (up to 25°C) or refrigerator.
- Reconstituted solution: 2–8°C required, use within 21 days.
- Do not freeze after reconstitution.
- Avoid exposure to direct light or temperatures >25°C.
Important Notes
- Monitor IGF-1 every 4–6 weeks and fasting glucose monthly.
- Contraindicated in active neoplasia or history of GH-dependent malignancies.
- Report immediately: persistent edema, severe arthralgias, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
- The use of this protocol is for informational purposes only.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Visceral fat reduction — ~18% over 26 weeks (Phase III clinical studies)
- Increased GH and IGF-1 — physiological pulsatile secretion
- Body composition data — increased lean mass
- Lipid profile data — reduced triglycerides
- Neuroprotective research — markers of amyloid-beta deposition
- Sleep quality — research link to nocturnal GH secretion
Potential Side Effects:
- Injection site irritation — redness, itching (~10%)
- Arthralgias — mild, transient (~5%)
- Peripheral edema — fluid retention (~4%)
- Transient increase in fasting glucose
- Rare: carpal tunnel syndrome, myalgias
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Theoretical neoplasia risk (IGF-1 elevation)
Tesamorelin increases GH/IGF-1. Contraindicated in active neoplasia. No significant signal observed in clinical trials.
📄 FDA Label — Egrifta®References
- FDA Approval — Tesamorelin — Dhillon S. Tesamorelin: a review of its use in the management of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Drugs. 2011;71(8):1071-1091.
View Source - Visceral Fat Reduction RCT — Falutz J, et al. Effects of tesamorelin on body composition and visceral fat in HIV-infected patients. JAMA. 2007;298(7):761-769.
View Source - Long-term Safety — Falutz J, et al. Long-term safety and efficacy of tesamorelin in HIV patients. AIDS. 2008;22(14):1719-1728.
View Source - Neuroprotective Effects — Stanley TL, et al. Effects of tesamorelin on neuroimaging markers of brain aging. Ann Neurol. 2023;93(4):808-816.
View Source - Metabolic Effects Review — Stanley TL, Grinspoon SK. Effects of GHRH on visceral fat, metabolic, and cardiovascular indices. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2015;25(2):59-65.
View Source
Recommended Supplements
L-Arginine + L-Ornithine
ZMA (Zinc + Magnesium + B6)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Egrifta® · HIV lipodystrophy (2010)
Egrifta® · HIV lipodystrophy (2015)
FDA + Health Canada approved
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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