Tesamorelin 20mg
A GHRH-analog protocol entry for approved-indication context, metabolic review, and safety screening.
Contents
Use this guide as a structured review page. The same headings appear for every protocol so clients and the care team can scan the page consistently.
Important Note
This page is informational and does not authorize use. Peptify clients should complete assessment, disclose medications and health history, and follow the clinician-approved plan only.
- Do not start, stop, combine, or change a protocol based only on website content.
- Emergency symptoms require urgent medical care, not a website or routine follow-up message.
Quickstart Highlights
Tesamorelin is a synthetic, stabilized analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) that prompts the pituitary to release growth hormone, raising IGF-1 and notably reducing visceral (deep abdominal) fat[1][3]. Unlike most peptides on this site, tesamorelin is FDA-approved (brand Egrifta / Egrifta SV) for one specific indication: reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Any other use is off-label or research only. This page outlines the once-daily subcutaneous approach and is presented for research and educational purposes.
- Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 20 mg vial → ~6.67 mg/mL (6,667 mcg/mL).
- 2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily subcutaneously — the FDA-approved regimen — after an optional 1 mg first-week titration.
- At ~6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 66.7 mcg; 1 mg ≈ 15 units and 2 mg ≈ 30 units on a U-100 syringe.
- Lyophilized: refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) (Egrifta SV is room-temperature stable); once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze.
- Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
| Phase / Week(s) | Dose & Frequency | Volume (U-100 units / mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (optional titration) | 1 mg / 1000 mcg (1× daily) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Weeks 2–12+ | 2 mg / 2000 mcg (1× daily) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 20 mg vial → final concentration ~6.67 mg/mL (6,667 mcg/mL).
- Standard daily dose: 2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily subcutaneously — the FDA-approved regimen — with an optional 1 mg first week for tolerability.
- Easy measuring: At ~6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 66.7 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so the 2 mg dose reads at a clear 30 units.
- Storage: Refrigerate the lyophilized vial at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) (Egrifta SV is stable at room temperature); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the mixed solution.
- Frequency: one subcutaneous injection each day, preferably in the evening to align with the body’s natural nocturnal growth-hormone release[2]. The 2 mg daily dose is the standard FDA-approved regimen for HIV-associated lipodystrophy[3][4]; a one-week titration at 1 mg may improve early tolerability.
Reconstitution Steps
Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
- Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
- Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
- The 3.0 mL dilution keeps the standard 2 mg dose at 30 units, where U-100 syringe markings are easy to read. Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
- Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Tesamorelin is a prescription medication; any therapeutic use should be supervised by a qualified clinician.
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course of once-daily injections at the standard 2 mg dose (after the optional Week 1 titration).
- At 2 mg/day, a 20 mg vial covers about ten days, so plan for roughly 0.7 vials per week.
- 8 weeks: ~6 vials
- 12 weeks: ~9 vials
- 16 weeks: ~11 vials
- Per injection: 1 syringe
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~56 syringes
- 16 weeks (once daily): ~112 syringes
- Use ~3.0 mL per 20 mg vial for reconstitution.
- 8 weeks (6 vials): ~18 mL → 2 bottles
- 16 weeks (11 vials): ~33 mL → 7 bottles
- One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per injection: 2 swabs
- 8 weeks (once daily): ~112 swabs → 1–2 boxes
Protocol Overview
A concise summary of the FDA-approved once-daily regimen.
- ▪Goal: Reduce visceral (deep abdominal) adipose tissue and improve lipid profiles through sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation[3][4].
- ▪Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections; clinical use typically runs 12–26 weeks and is supported up to 52 weeks under medical supervision[3].
- ▪Dose: 2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily after an optional Week 1 titration at 1 mg.
- ▪Reconstitution: 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 20 mg vial gives ~6.67 mg/mL for accurate unit measurements.
- ▪Storage: Refrigerate the dry vial at 2–8 °C (Egrifta SV is room-temperature stable); once mixed, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the solution.
Dosing Protocol
The FDA-approved daily dosing approach, with an optional tolerability titration.
- ▪Week 1 (optional): 1 mg (1000 mcg) once daily to assess tolerability.
- ▪Weeks 2+: 2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily — the standard FDA-approved dose[3][4].
- ▪Frequency: One subcutaneous injection per day, preferably in the evening.
- ▪Cycle Length: Typically 12–26 weeks; trials support up to 52 weeks with monitoring[3].
- ▪Timing: Evening administration is recommended; rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
- ▪Lyophilized: Store at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); newer formulations (Egrifta SV) are stable at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) before reconstitution[5].
- ▪Reconstituted (bacteriostatic water): Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F)[5].
- ▪Reconstituted (sterile water): Use immediately and discard any unused portion[5].
- ▪Freeze–thaw: Do not freeze the reconstituted solution, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Important Notes
Practical points that keep daily administration safe and consistent.
- ▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward.
- ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[6].
- ▪Metabolic monitoring: Because tesamorelin strongly stimulates GH, IGF-1 should be monitored periodically and blood glucose watched in patients with diabetes[6].
- ▪Recordkeeping: Log the daily dose, injection site and any observations to keep the protocol consistent.
- ▪Regulatory note: Tesamorelin is a prescription medication, FDA-approved (as Egrifta / Egrifta SV) only for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; any other use is off-label or research and should follow applicable law and medical supervision.
How This Works
Tesamorelin is a synthetic, stabilized analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) — a 44-amino-acid peptide carrying a chemical modification that resists rapid breakdown[1].
- It binds GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, prompting the gland’s own pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH), which in turn raises circulating IGF-1[2]. Because it works through the body’s natural feedback loop rather than supplying GH directly, the GH release stays closer to a physiological pattern.
- The downstream GH/IGF-1 signalling promotes lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat) and favorable metabolic shifts. Its best-documented effect is a meaningful reduction of visceral adipose tissue — the deep abdominal fat — in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, alongside improved lipid profiles, over roughly 6–12 months of daily use[3][4].
- Approval status: Unlike most peptides on this site, tesamorelin is FDA-approved (brand Egrifta / Egrifta SV) — but only for one specific indication: reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Other uses, such as general body-composition or anti-aging goals, are off-label or research and are presented here for educational purposes only.
- Researchers also study tesamorelin for related questions — for example, reducing liver fat in NAFLD and exploring effects on age-related GH/IGF-1 decline — but those applications remain investigational[4].
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary habits that may support the protocol’s metabolic goals.
- ▪Nutrition: Favor a balanced, protein-forward diet to support the anabolic side of GH/IGF-1 signalling.
- ▪Activity: Combine resistance training with aerobic exercise to maximize fat loss and metabolic benefit.
- ▪Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to support natural GH pulsatility.
- ▪Stress: Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation practices to support adherence and recovery.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from clinical trials and FDA-approved use; individual results vary.
- ▪Visceral fat reduction: Meaningful reduction in visceral adipose tissue, measurable after about 3–6 months in HIV-associated lipodystrophy[3].
- ▪Lipid & liver-fat signals: Improved lipid profiles, with research interest in reducing liver fat in NAFLD[4].
- ▪Sustained tolerability: Generally well tolerated, with maintained benefits during continuous use up to 52 weeks[3].
- ▪Note on scope: Approved benefits are established for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; other uses (anti-aging, cognition) remain investigational[4].
- ▪Injection-site reactions: Mild redness, itching, pain or bruising at the injection area[6].
- ▪Musculoskeletal: Joint pain (arthralgia), muscle aches and mild peripheral edema; occasional carpal-tunnel-type tingling that is dose-dependent and reversible[6].
- ▪Metabolic: IGF-1 elevation requires monitoring; small HbA1c increases have been observed in some patients[6].
- ▪Contraindications: Active malignancy (GH stimulation may accelerate latent tumors), pregnancy, and known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitol[6].
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[7][8].
- ▪Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry.
- ▪Choose a site (abdomen at least 2 inches from the navel, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully[8].
- ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
- ▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger.
- ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[7].
- ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn't needed[7].
- ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it's fully down.
- ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
- ▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle.
- ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away.
- ▪Rotate the injection site each day to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[6].
- ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides for Tesamorelin (20 mg).
- ▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA. Open source
- ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition.
- ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch.
- ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain.
- ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
- Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
- Shop at Prime Lab Peptides →
References
Reference-derived details for Tesamorelin 20mg.
- Tesamorelin (20mg Vial) Dosage Protocol Open source
- 1 FDA Prescribing Information (Egrifta / Egrifta SV) Tesamorelin is a stabilized synthetic analog of GHRH (1-44); approved indication, dosing and storage. View Source ↗ Open source
- 2 Tesamorelin (Subcutaneous route) – Drug Information Mayo Clinic / IBM Merative: mechanism, GH/IGF-1 stimulation, administration and timing. View Source ↗ Open source
- 3 J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. (2010) Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a GH-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials. View Source ↗ Open source
- 4 Safety and metabolic effects of tesamorelin Longer-term safety and metabolic effects, including visceral fat and lipid outcomes; research interest in NAFLD and aging. View Source ↗ Open source
- 5 Tesamorelin – LiverTox (NIH/NIDDK, 2018) Clinical and research information, including formulation storage (Egrifta vs Egrifta SV) and reconstitution handling. View Source ↗ Open source
- 6 Egrifta Medication Guide / NCBI Bookshelf Common adverse effects, contraindications (active malignancy, pregnancy, mannitol hypersensitivity), IGF-1 monitoring and site rotation. View Source ↗ Open source
- 7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Subcutaneous injection technique: angle, site and no-aspiration guidance. View Source ↗ Open source
- 8 Subcutaneous Injection Technique (Patient Education) How to administer a subcutaneous injection: clinical technique guidelines. View Source ↗ Open source