Start with a health concern. Understand the options, compare them, and save what matters. Open My Journal
Start My Journal
DiscoverCompareLearnHow We VerifyMy JournalStart My Journal
No. 031peptide

Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin is a peptide that is FDA-approved, prescription only.

Also known as Egrifta, Egrifta SV, Egrifta WR

Tesamorelin is a synthetic growth-hormone-releasing hormone analog. It is FDA-approved as Egrifta (a new WR formulation was approved in 2025) to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, and is sometimes asked about off-label.

Where to buy: 1 option
A bright, empty white clinic exam room with a covered treatment table, a simple desk and chair, and a curtained window.
FDA-approved · Prescription

Is Tesamorelin FDA-approved?

Approved by the FDA. A licensed clinician has to decide it is right for you and prescribe it. FDA-approved, prescription only, for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Other uses are off-label.

As of September 23, 2026.

Key takeaways

  • Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is FDA-approved for one thing: reducing excess belly fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
  • Its label says it is weight-neutral and not indicated for weight loss.
  • In its main trials, deep belly fat fell over 26 weeks compared with placebo.
  • It can raise blood sugar and IGF-1, so labs are part of treatment.

How does Tesamorelin work?

Tesamorelin is a man-made version of growth-hormone-releasing hormone. It prompts the pituitary to release your own growth hormone in pulses, which raises IGF-1.

In people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, that growth hormone signal preferentially reduces visceral fat, the fat packed around the organs, rather than overall body weight.

A bright, modern white exam room with a sleek black-and-white treatment chair and hexagonal tile walls, lit by a large window, empty of people.
A clear pill bottle with a black cap, a blank white label, and cream-colored capsules against a bright pale-yellow background.
A clinician's hands in a white coat holding a stethoscope against a bright, clean white background; no face visible.

What does the evidence say about Tesamorelin?

Moderate human evidence

Strong randomized-trial evidence for reducing visceral fat in its approved population; evidence outside HIV lipodystrophy is limited.

What to expect

What trials and prescribing information measured over time. Everyone responds differently.

  1. About 13 weeks

    In label trials, IGF-1 rises were seen as early as 13 weeks.

  2. 26 weeks

    The main trials measured visceral fat by CT scan at 26 weeks, when the average reduction compared with placebo was assessed.

  3. Weeks 26 to 52

    In the trial extensions, some patients were switched to placebo after week 26 so researchers could see what happened when treatment stopped. Ask your clinician what to expect if you stop.

What do clinicians say about Tesamorelin?

Within its approved use, tesamorelin has solid trial evidence. Outside it, the label is explicit about what it is not for.

Summaries of published guidelines, drug labels, regulators and reviews, each attributed to its source. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.

Is Tesamorelin right for you, and who should avoid it?

Often considered for

  • Adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat (the FDA-approved use)

Not a fit, or needs extra care

  • Pregnancy (contraindicated)
  • Active cancer
  • Conditions that disrupt the hypothalamus or pituitary, including pituitary surgery or radiation
  • People with diabetes need close blood sugar monitoring and eye checks
  • Anyone hoping to lose general body weight, since the label says it is weight-neutral

Only a licensed clinician who knows your history can decide whether it is right for you.

What are the risks and side effects of Tesamorelin?

  • Common effects include joint pain, injection-site reactions, swelling and muscle aches.
  • It can raise blood sugar; people with diabetes need monitoring.
  • Not for use in pregnancy, active cancer, or with pituitary problems.

What should you ask a clinician about Tesamorelin?

  • Do I meet the approved indication, and is it covered?
  • How will we monitor my blood sugar?

These save with the compound when you add it to My Journal, so they’re on the printout for your visit.

Where can I get Tesamorelin?

1 provider list Tesamorelin on DiscoverMedica, lowest listed price first.

THERA patient support (Egrifta WR)Egrifta WR (tesamorelin), branded, via specialty pharmacy
Clinician consult required
see site
Start at THERA patient support (Egrifta WR)

† Prices as listed by the provider when we checked; they change.

Compare and learn

Tesamorelin: questions, answered

Is tesamorelin a weight-loss drug?

No. Its label says it is weight-neutral and not for weight loss. It targets deep abdominal fat in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Can I use it off-label for belly fat?

A clinician can prescribe off-label, but evidence outside HIV lipodystrophy is limited, and blood sugar and IGF-1 still need monitoring.

What side effects are common?

The label lists joint pain, injection-area reactions, swelling, muscle aches and higher blood sugar, along with fluid retention.

Will insurance cover it?

For its approved use, many plans do with prior authorization. Off-label use is less likely to be covered.

Important safety information

Key risks

  • Common effects include joint pain, injection-site reactions, swelling and muscle aches.
  • It can raise blood sugar; people with diabetes need monitoring.
  • Not for use in pregnancy, active cancer, or with pituitary problems.

Talk to a clinician first, or avoid it, if

  • Pregnancy (contraindicated)
  • Active cancer
  • Conditions that disrupt the hypothalamus or pituitary, including pituitary surgery or radiation
  • People with diabetes need close blood sugar monitoring and eye checks
  • Anyone hoping to lose general body weight, since the label says it is weight-neutral

This is not a complete list of risks. Read the full prescribing information and any Medication Guide, and talk to a licensed clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. If you have a severe reaction, call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Sources

Also checked for this guide

Guide reviewed September 23, 2026.

Educational information only, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician.

Same goal

Related compounds.

Semaglutide

medication

A GLP-1 medication that reduces appetite, approved for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

PrescriptionStrong human evidence
24 providers

Tirzepatide

medication

A weekly GIP and GLP-1 medication approved for weight management, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes.

PrescriptionStrong human evidence
22 providers

Liraglutide

medication

An older, daily GLP-1 injection for weight management and diabetes, now available as a generic.

PrescriptionStrong human evidence
12 providers

An investigational triple-hormone weight-loss drug from Eli Lilly. Not approved; only available in trials.

Research onlyEmerging evidence
Education only