Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide that mimics Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH), stimulating the body's natural growth hormone production. It is FDA-approved for reducing abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Dosing is typically 1-2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection.
- FDA-approved for reducing visceral adipose tissue in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
- Stimulates endogenous growth hormone and raises IGF-1 levels.
- Commonly dosed at 1-2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection.
- Preferably injected at night to align with natural GH release.
- Requires reconstitution with bacteriostatic water.
Reconstitution
Vial strength
5 mg
Bacteriostatic water
2.5 mL
Concentration
2 mg/mL
1 unit = 0.01 mL = 20 mcg
- 1Draw 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- 2Inject the water slowly down the inside wall of the 5 mg Tesamorelin vial, avoiding direct contact with the powder and foaming.
- 3Gently swirl the vial until the peptide powder is completely dissolved; do not shake.
- 4Label the reconstituted vial with the date and refrigerate it at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
- 5Use the reconstituted solution within 7 days.
Dosing schedule
| Phase | Dose | On a U-100 syringe |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1 mg | 50 units (0.50 mL) |
| Weeks 2-12+ | 2 mg | 100 units (1.00 mL) |
Protocol detail
| Week 1 | 1 mg (1000 mcg) once daily to evaluate tolerability. |
|---|---|
| Weeks 2+ | 2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily, which is the standard FDA-approved dose. |
| Frequency | Once per day via subcutaneous injection, ideally in the evening. |
| Cycle Length | Typically 12–26 weeks, with clinical trials supporting use up to 52 weeks under supervision. |
| Timing | Evening administration is recommended; rotate injection sites daily. |
Overview at a glance
| Goal | Reduce visceral adipose tissue and improve lipid profiles by elevating GH/IGF-1. |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Daily subcutaneous injections for 12–26 weeks, potentially up to 52 weeks. |
| Dose | 2 mg (2000 mcg) daily after a Week 1 titration. |
| Reconstitution | 2.5 mL per 5 mg vial for a 2.0 mg/mL concentration. |
| Storage | Lyophilized refrigerated; reconstituted refrigerated up to 7 days; avoid freezing. |
How it works
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH). It acts by binding to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, which stimulates the natural, pulsatile secretion of growth hormone. This increase in growth hormone leads to higher levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). The resulting cascade promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown), enhanced protein synthesis, and beneficial metabolic changes. In individuals with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, daily Tesamorelin has been shown to significantly reduce visceral adipose tissue and improve lipid profiles over several months. Research also explores its potential in reducing liver fat and improving cognitive function by restoring age-related GH/IGF-1 declines.
Reported effects
- Significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue
- Improved lipid profiles
- Potential reduction in liver fat
- Enhanced cognitive function (research ongoing)
- Well-tolerated with sustained benefits
Reported side effects
- Injection-site reactions (redness, itching, pain)
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Muscle aches
- Mild swelling (peripheral edema)
- Carpal tunnel symptoms (tingling/numbness)
- Elevated IGF-1 levels requiring monitoring
- Small increases in HbA1c in some patients
Storage
Lyophilised (unmixed)
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); newer formulations stable at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) before reconstitution.
After reconstitution
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within 7 days when reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
Supplies
| Peptide vials | Tesamorelin 5 mg vials based on cycle length (e.g., 23 vials for 8 weeks). |
|---|---|
| Insulin Syringes | U-100, 1 mL capacity (7 per week). |
| Bacteriostatic Water | 10 mL bottles (2.5 mL per 5 mg Tesamorelin vial for reconstitution). |
| Alcohol Swabs | Two per day (one for vial, one for injection site). |
Important notes
- Always use a new sterile insulin syringe for each injection.
- Dispose of all used syringes in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation.
- Inject slowly and allow a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Monitor IGF-1 levels and blood glucose, especially for diabetic patients.
- Avoid in active malignancies, pregnancy, or known hypersensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary use of Tesamorelin?
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for reducing excess visceral adipose tissue (internal belly fat) in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It also shows promise in research for other metabolic conditions and anti-aging benefits related to growth hormone.
How should Tesamorelin be reconstituted and stored?
Reconstitute a 5 mg vial with 2.5 mL of bacteriostatic water to achieve a concentration of 2.0 mg/mL. The lyophilized powder should be refrigerated. Once reconstituted, store the solution in the refrigerator (2-8 °C) and use it within 7 days. Do not freeze the reconstituted solution.
When is the best time to inject Tesamorelin?
It is generally recommended to inject Tesamorelin once daily in the evening, as this timing aligns with the body's natural nocturnal growth hormone release, potentially optimizing its effects.
Can women use Tesamorelin?
Yes, Tesamorelin can be used by women. However, it is contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid using Tesamorelin.
Educational reference only. These figures summarise how Tesamorelin is commonly described in research literature and supplier documentation, including the Tesamorelin listing at peptidesuk4u.co.uk. They are not a prescription, not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-administer anything.
Related protocols
Tesamorelin (10 mg Vial)
GHRH analog stimulating GH for visceral fat reduction and metabolic health.
Tesamorelin (20 mg Vial)
GHRH analog stimulating GH/IGF-1 for visceral fat reduction and metabolic benefits.
AOD-9604 (10 mg Vial)
Targets fat loss, prevents new fat storage, and supports metabolic health.
AOD-9604 (5 mg Vial)
Targets fat loss, prevents new fat storage, and supports metabolic health.