Library / Tesamorelin
Approved medicine
Tesamorelin
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue · Growth hormone · Egrifta
What it is
A lab-made version of the hormone that signals the pituitary gland to release growth hormone.
What research covers
Approved in the US to reduce excess abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, after trials showed around a 15% drop in deep belly fat over six months. It is not approved as a general weight-loss medicine.
Reported side effects
- Injection-site reactions
- Joint pain
- Swelling from fluid retention
- Higher blood sugar
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
Not suitable for, or talk to a doctor first
- Active cancer
- Pituitary disorders
- Pregnancy
- Poorly controlled diabetes
Good to know
- Raises growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, which prescribers monitor.
Legal status
| Australia | Not registered in Australia. |
|---|---|
| United States | FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, prescription only. |
| Sport | Prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) at all times. |
Rules change. Check with the TGA (Australia), your local regulator, or WADA for sport.
Key references
- Falutz et al. Metabolic effects of a growth hormone-releasing factor in patients with HIV. NEJM, 2007.
General information, not advice. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing or stopping anything.