What is Tesamorelin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Tesamorelin is a synthetic hormone that helps reduce excess belly fat in people with HIV who develop lipodystrophy. It's a prescription medication that works by mimicking your body's natural growth hormone-releasing hormone, encouraging your pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone naturally.

This medication specifically targets the stubborn abdominal fat that can accumulate as a side effect of certain HIV treatments. While it's not a general weight-loss drug, tesamorelin can be incredibly helpful for people dealing with this particular health challenge.

What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is a man-made version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that your body naturally produces. It's specifically designed to help people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition where fat redistributes abnormally in the body, particularly around the midsection.

The medication comes as a powder that you mix with sterile water and inject under your skin once daily. It's marketed under the brand name Egrifta and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Unlike direct growth hormone injections, tesamorelin works more gently by encouraging your own pituitary gland to release growth hormone. This approach tends to produce more natural hormone patterns in your body.

What is Tesamorelin Used For?

Tesamorelin is specifically approved to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy. This condition causes abnormal fat distribution, often leading to a protruding belly while fat is lost from other areas like the face, arms, and legs.

The medication is not intended for general weight loss or cosmetic purposes. It's designed for people who have developed this specific fat redistribution problem as a side effect of their HIV treatment regimen.

Your doctor will typically recommend tesamorelin if you have HIV, are experiencing lipodystrophy, and other treatments haven't been effective. They'll also consider your overall health status and other medications you're taking.

How Does Tesamorelin Work?

Tesamorelin works by binding to growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors in your pituitary gland. This stimulates your pituitary to release more growth hormone, which then helps break down fat tissue, particularly in the abdominal area.

The medication is considered moderately potent, meaning it produces noticeable effects but works gradually over time. Most people start seeing improvements in abdominal fat after several months of consistent use.

Growth hormone affects how your body processes fats and proteins, encouraging the breakdown of stored fat while helping maintain lean muscle mass. This dual action is particularly beneficial for people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

How Should I Take Tesamorelin?

You'll inject tesamorelin once daily under the skin of your abdomen, typically in the evening. The medication comes as a powder that you'll need to mix with sterile water using the provided supplies.

Before injecting, let the medication reach room temperature if it's been refrigerated. Clean your hands thoroughly and use a different injection site each day to prevent skin irritation. Rotate between different areas of your abdomen, staying at least one inch away from your belly button.

You can take tesamorelin with or without food, though some people find it easier to remember when they take it at the same time each evening. Store the mixed medication in the refrigerator and use it within a few days of mixing.

Your healthcare provider will show you the proper injection technique during your first visit. Don't hesitate to ask questions or request a demonstration if you're unsure about any step of the process.

How Long Should I Take Tesamorelin For?

The duration of tesamorelin treatment varies depending on your individual response and health needs. Most people need to take it for several months to see significant improvements in abdominal fat reduction.

Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular check-ups and may adjust your treatment plan based on how well you're responding. Some people may need to continue treatment long-term to maintain their results.

Clinical studies have shown that benefits typically become noticeable after 3-6 months of consistent daily use. However, stopping the medication may lead to a gradual return of excess abdominal fat over time.

Never stop taking tesamorelin suddenly without discussing it with your healthcare provider first. They may want to gradually reduce your dose or monitor you closely during the transition.

What Are the Side Effects of Tesamorelin?

Like all medications, tesamorelin can cause side effects, though many people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are generally mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Here are the more common side effects you might experience:

• Injection site reactions like redness, swelling, or tenderness
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Muscle pain
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Headaches
• Flushing or hot flashes
• Tingling or numbness in hands or feet

These symptoms are usually temporary and manageable. Rotating injection sites can help reduce local skin reactions.

More serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention. These rare but important side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions with difficulty breathing or swelling of face and throat
• Signs of diabetes like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss
• Severe joint pain or swelling
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Persistent nausea or vomiting

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any concerning symptoms. They can help determine whether your symptoms are related to the medication and adjust your treatment if needed.

Who Should Not Take Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin isn't suitable for everyone, and certain health conditions or circumstances make it unsafe to use. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing this medication.

You should not take tesamorelin if you have any of these conditions:

• Active cancer or a history of certain cancers
• Severe illness or critical medical conditions
• Known allergies to tesamorelin or its ingredients
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Severe liver or kidney disease

Additionally, certain health conditions require extra caution and close monitoring. Your doctor will weigh the benefits against potential risks if you have:

• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Heart disease
• A history of pituitary gland problems
• Autoimmune conditions
• Sleep apnea

Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting tesamorelin. This helps ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

Tesamorelin Brand Name

Tesamorelin is available under the brand name Egrifta in the United States. This is currently the only FDA-approved brand of tesamorelin available for treating HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Egrifta is manufactured by Theratechnologies and comes as a powder for injection that you mix with sterile water. The medication is typically supplied in single-use vials along with the necessary mixing and injection supplies.

Since tesamorelin is a specialty medication, it's usually available only through select pharmacies and may require prior authorization from your insurance company. Your healthcare provider's office can help coordinate access to the medication.

Tesamorelin Alternatives

Currently, there are no direct alternatives to tesamorelin for treating HIV-associated lipodystrophy. However, your doctor might consider other approaches depending on your specific situation and treatment goals.

Some alternative treatment options your healthcare provider might discuss include:

• Switching HIV medications to ones less likely to cause lipodystrophy
• Lifestyle modifications including targeted exercise and nutrition counseling
• Cosmetic procedures like liposuction in certain cases
• Other hormonal treatments, though these are typically less effective

The choice of treatment depends on many factors including the severity of your lipodystrophy, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Your healthcare team will work with you to find the most appropriate approach.

Is Tesamorelin Better Than Growth Hormone?

Tesamorelin and direct growth hormone injections work differently, and each has its own advantages. Tesamorelin stimulates your body's natural growth hormone production, while growth hormone injections provide the hormone directly.

Tesamorelin tends to produce more natural hormone patterns because it works through your body's own regulatory systems. This can lead to fewer side effects and a more gradual, sustainable response.

Direct growth hormone injections can be more potent but may also cause more side effects and require more careful monitoring. For HIV-associated lipodystrophy specifically, tesamorelin is the preferred and FDA-approved option.

Your doctor will consider your individual needs, medical history, and treatment goals when recommending the most appropriate medication for your situation.