Weight loss · Muscle & recovery
Tesamorelin, simplified.
Also called Egrifta
Approved RxA prescription peptide that tells your body to make more of its own growth hormone. It is approved to shrink deep belly fat in one specific group of patients.
- Size
- 44 amino acids
- How it is taken
- Daily injection
- Status
- FDA-approved for one use
- Available sizes
- Vials: 5 mg, 10 mg
What is it?
Your brain releases a signal called GHRH that tells the pituitary gland to make growth hormone. Tesamorelin is a longer-lasting copy of that signal.
Got a vial? See how it mixes
Tap your vial size to watch how it is mixed and see exactly what each mark on the syringe holds.
Official prescribing information
Egrifta is FDA-approved. The official label shows how it was dosed in the trials that led to approval, along with warnings and who should not use it.
Doses on the label are for the approved product under a prescriber’s care. Talk with your doctor before starting anything.
What studies show
- In peopleIn people with HIV-related belly fat, it cut deep (visceral) belly fat by about 15% over six months.
- In peopleEarly studies suggest it may reduce liver fat.
What we don’t know yet
- How well it works for general fat loss in healthy people.
- Belly fat tends to come back after stopping.
Side effects and cautions
- Joint pain, swelling and injection-site reactions.
- Can raise blood sugar.
Is it legal?
FDA-approved for HIV-related abdominal fat. Other uses are off-label.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
FDA-approved products exist for specific indications, and schedules vary by product, indication, and formulation. Follow the current official prescribing information and your clinician's instructions.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
For source context, see third-party published protocols ↗. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is Tesamorelin?
A prescription peptide that tells your body to make more of its own growth hormone. It is approved to shrink deep belly fat in one specific group of patients. Your brain releases a signal called GHRH that tells the pituitary gland to make growth hormone. Tesamorelin is a longer-lasting copy of that signal.
What does the research say about Tesamorelin?
In people with HIV-related belly fat, it cut deep (visceral) belly fat by about 15% over six months. Early studies suggest it may reduce liver fat.
Is Tesamorelin FDA approved?
FDA-approved for HIV-related abdominal fat. Other uses are off-label.
What are the side effects of Tesamorelin?
Joint pain, swelling and injection-site reactions. Can raise blood sugar.
Comes in these blends
- Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin (10/5 mg vial): Tesamorelin + Ipamorelin
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.