Tesamorelin
Growth-hormone axis (GHRH analogue)
Status & caution. FDA-approved (Egrifta) to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Use outside that indication is off-label. Raises endogenous GH/IGF-1; carries the metabolic and growth-signalling considerations of the GH axis.
At a glance
Indications & what it's studied for
Approved for HIV lipodystrophy; studied for visceral fat and cognition. Stimulates the pituitary to release growth hormone in a more physiologic, pulsatile way than exogenous GH.
Contraindications & cautions
Active malignancy; pituitary tumour/disruption; pregnancy; hypersensitivity. Caution with diabetes/glucose intolerance (can raise blood glucose).
Commonly reported dosing
Reported, not recommended. The following describes what appears in research literature and community use. It is not a protocol, and unapproved peptides have no validated human dosing.
Approved dosing is a fixed daily subcutaneous injection; reconstituted product is used promptly.
Routes of administration
Subcutaneous injection, typically once daily.
Don't combine with
Glucocorticoids and CYP-affecting drugs may alter response; care alongside insulin/oral hypoglycaemics.
Reported to stack with
Community use pairs GHRH analogues with GH secretagogues (e.g. ipamorelin); this amplifies GH/IGF-1 and the associated unknowns.
Note: "stacking" combines multiple agents and multiplies unknowns; popularity of a combination is not evidence of its safety.
What the research actually shows
Pivotal trials in HIV lipodystrophy support approval; smaller studies explore visceral fat and mild cognitive endpoints.
Before acting on anything here, see Safety & the grey market and how to read a COA.