Tesamorelin Reference Guide

Compound Reference Overview

Field Value
Name Tesamorelin
Reference Code TESA
Category Growth Hormone–Releasing Hormone (GHRH) Analog
Example Strength 10 mg vial (commercial formulation)
Reference Dose 2 mg once daily (FDA-approved dosing for HIV-associated lipodystrophy)
Frequency Once daily (subcutaneous)
Key Safety Warning Contraindicated in active malignancy and disrupted hypothalamic–pituitary axis. May increase IGF-1 levels. Effects reverse upon discontinuation.

Mechanism of Action (Educational)

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). It stimulates the anterior pituitary to increase endogenous growth hormone secretion in a physiologic pulsatile pattern.

The resulting increase in GH leads to elevated insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which contributes to reduction in visceral adipose tissue.

Unlike exogenous growth hormone administration, tesamorelin acts upstream at the hypothalamic–pituitary level.

Indications (Literature)

  • FDA-approved: HIV-associated lipodystrophy (reduction of excess abdominal visceral fat)
  • Investigational: Visceral adiposity modulation in other metabolic contexts

Administration (Literature)

Parameter Details
Route Subcutaneous
Frequency Once daily
Injection Site Abdomen (rotate sites)
Timing Administered consistently at the same time daily; empty stomach preferred in some protocols

Pharmacokinetics (Literature)

Tesamorelin has a half-life of approximately 26–38 minutes.

GH secretion increases within minutes of administration. Reduction in visceral adipose tissue is typically observed after 3–6 months of consistent therapy.

Titration Schedule (FDA-Approved)

No titration required. Therapy is initiated at the full dose of 2 mg once daily.

Reconstitution & Concentration (Commercial Formulation)

Commercially manufactured tesamorelin is supplied with sterile diluent and should be reconstituted according to manufacturer instructions.

Parameter Value
Diluent Sterile water (commercial kit) or bacteriostatic water in compounded settings
Example Reconstitution 10 mg vial + 2 mL diluent → 5 mg/mL
Stability Use immediately if sterile water; up to 28 days refrigerated if bacteriostatic water (varies by formulation)

Safety & Contraindications (Summary)

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy
  • Disrupted hypothalamic–pituitary axis
  • Pregnancy

Drug Interactions

  • Glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone) may reduce effectiveness

Adverse Events

  • Injection site reactions
  • Arthralgia
  • Peripheral edema
  • Myalgia

Serious Risks

  • Fluid retention
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Glucose intolerance

Monitoring (Literature)

  • IGF-1 levels
  • Fasting glucose / HbA1c
  • Body composition (visceral fat assessment)

Mathematical Calculation Tool

The calculator below allows mathematical concentration and volume calculations using variable vial strengths and reconstitution volumes. This tool is provided strictly for arithmetic reference.

Peptide Reconstitution Calculator

For Educational & Professional Reference Only

⚠️ This is a mathematical reference tool only. No medical or dosing advice is provided.

Disclaimer

Tesamorelin is FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. All other uses are investigational. This content is provided for educational and professional reference purposes only.

Reference Sources