Tesamorelin
Also known as Egrifta
A peptide that raises your own growth hormone. Approved in the US to reduce belly fat in people with HIV.
Quick facts
- Status
- Approved medicine in the US
- Evidence
- Approved in the US for a narrow indication
- Taken as
- Injection under the skin
- Common sizes
- 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
- Category
- Growth hormone secretagogue
How it works
It copies the brain signal (GHRH) that makes the pituitary gland release growth hormone.
What it’s used for
- Belly fat in people with HIV (approved in the US)
- Fat loss in general (not approved)
What the research shows
- Proven to reduce deep belly fat in people with HIV.
- Not studied well in other groups.
Side effects & risks
- Joint pain and swelling
- Injection-site reactions
- Higher blood sugar
- Banned in sport
Is it legal?
Approved in the US (FDA) for a narrow indication. Not approved in the EU or UK.
Storage & safe handling
- Only use as prescribed and supervised by a doctor.
- Store exactly as described in the patient leaflet.
- Use a new sterile needle every time and dispose of it in a sharps container.
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Sources: FDA prescribing information for EGRIFTA WR (2025) and EGRIFTA SV (2024).
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information — not medical advice. PepTimer does not replace a doctor. Many peptides are not approved medicines in the EU, UK or US. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.
Last updated 12 October 2026. Information — not medical advice. PepTimer does not replace a doctor. Many peptides are not approved medicines in the EU, UK or US. Talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing or stopping any treatment.