Synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogueFDA-Approved

Tesamorelin: Patient Information & Safety Notes

Name: Tesamorelin: Patient Information & Safety Notes
Creator: OmniRx Health

Also known as Egrifta, Egrifta SV, TH9507

Other names: egrifta, egrifta-sv, th9507

Tesamorelin is a synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce growth hormone. It is FDA-approved for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy. It is used off-label in other contexts.

FDA-approved as Egrifta / Egrifta SV for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (excess abdominal fat). Use in non-HIV populations is off-label and is not FDA-approved for those indications.

Reviewed by the OmniRx Health clinical team•Last reviewed Jul 4, 2026

In plain language

What Tesamorelin is used for

FDA-approved: reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy
Use outside HIV-associated lipodystrophy is off-label and has not been approved by the FDA

Taking this medicine

How it is administered

Subcutaneous injection

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Risks and precautions

Risks and warnings

Pain, swelling, tingling, and numbness in extremities
Muscle aches, itching
Nausea, vomiting
Fluid retention
Potential glucose elevation

Who should not take it

Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Active malignancy or history of cancer (growth-hormone-related precaution)
Type 1 diabetes (insulin resistance risk)
Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (e.g., prior pituitary surgery)

Common questions

Patient questions

Is tesamorelin FDA-approved?

Yes, but only for a specific indication: reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy (brand name Egrifta). Use in other populations is off-label. A licensed provider must determine if it is appropriate for you.

Related medications

AOD 9604Human growth hormone fragment peptideResearch / not FDA-approved CJC-1295 / IpamorelinGHRH analogue + GHSR agonist combination — research compoundResearch / not FDA-approved Sermorelin / IpamorelinGHRH analogue + GHSR agonist combination — compoundedCompounded / off-label

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This information is educational — not medical advice.

This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

Have medication questions?

A licensed OmniRx provider can review your health history and medication list. Availability and treatment options are determined individually.

Sources & References

Learn more about where our data comes from and how we write and review medical content.