Growth-hormone–releasing factor analog
Tesamorelin
A peptide that stimulates the body's own growth-hormone release. It is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy; any other use is off-label and decided case by case.
- Class
- GHRH analog peptide
- How it's given
- Once-daily injection under the skin
- Programs
- Single course or 3-month program
- Before starting
- Labs + provider evaluation
Benefits
What tesamorelin may do for you
Studied for visceral fat
In clinical trials for its approved use, tesamorelin reduced visceral fat, the deep fat around the abdominal organs.
Works with your own system
Stimulates the pituitary to release your own growth hormone rather than supplying it directly.
Body composition focus
Providers may consider it off-label when abdominal and visceral fat are a specific concern.
Monitored with labs
Your provider monitors growth-hormone markers (IGF-1) and blood sugar during treatment.
Evidence outside the FDA-approved use is limited, and individual results vary. Your provider will review the risks, benefits, and alternatives with you.
How it works
The science, simply.
Tesamorelin is a stabilized version of growth-hormone–releasing factor, the brain signal that tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone.
The resulting rise in growth hormone and IGF-1 affects how the body stores and uses fat, particularly visceral fat around the abdomen.
What to expect
Your tesamorelin program, step by step
- 01
Labs and medical evaluation
Every patient completes the Core Clearance lab panel and a consultation with a licensed provider before anything is prescribed.
- 02
Your prescription
A once-daily injection under the skin of the abdomen, at the dose your provider prescribes.
- 03
Choose a program
Available as a single course or a three-month program.
- 04
Monitoring
Follow-up visits and labs, including blood sugar and IGF-1, to review your response and side effects.
Safety
Side effects and who it’s for
- Joint pain
- Redness, itching, or pain at the injection site
- Pain in the arms or legs
- Swelling in the hands or feet
- Muscle pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Rash
- Serious allergic reactions, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face or throat
- Higher blood sugar or new or worsening diabetes
- Fluid retention, including carpal tunnel–like symptoms
- Pregnancy
- Conditions affecting the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, such as pituitary surgery, a pituitary tumor, or radiation to the head
- Active cancer
- A known allergy to tesamorelin or mannitol
- Any history of cancer
- Diabetes or blood-sugar problems
- Breastfeeding
- Other hormone therapies or steroid medications
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy. Use for any other purpose, including general weight or body-composition goals, is off-label. If your prescription is compounded, the compounded medication is not FDA-approved. Prescription treatments require a medical evaluation by a licensed provider, who decides whether a treatment is appropriate for you. Not everyone qualifies. See Important Safety Information.
FAQ
Questions about tesamorelin
Is tesamorelin a weight-loss drug?
Its FDA-approved use is reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Any other use is off-label, and your provider will review whether it's appropriate for you.
How is it different from sermorelin?
Both prompt the body to release its own growth hormone. Tesamorelin has an FDA-approved indication and is studied specifically for visceral fat; sermorelin is generally used for recovery and body-composition goals.
When is it taken?
Once a day, as an injection under the skin of the abdomen, at the dose your provider prescribes.
Does it affect blood sugar?
It can raise blood sugar in some people, so your provider monitors it, especially if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
Keep exploring
Sermorelin
A peptide that signals the pituitary gland to release the body's own growth hormone. Providers may consider it as part of a plan focused on recovery, sleep quality, and body composition.
Learn about sermorelin →
Peptide therapy at Élevé
How our providers approach peptide therapy, from labs to follow-up.
View the program →Start here
Ask a provider whether tesamorelin is right for you.
A two-minute eligibility check, then a consultation with our clinical team.
Check eligibilityPrescription treatments require a medical evaluation by a licensed provider, who decides whether a treatment is appropriate for you. Not everyone qualifies.