Tesamorelin peptide is a synthetic form of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that is used to reduce excess visceral fat (belly fat) in HIV-infected individuals with lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy is a condition that causes changes in the way body fat is distributed in people with HIV infection. People with HIV lipodystrophy may have too much fat in their abdomen and upper back, and too little fat in their arms, legs, and face.
Tesamorelin is also being investigated for the treatment of a number of other conditions, including:
- Obesity
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Cachexia (a wasting condition that can occur with cancer or other chronic diseases)
- Frailty in older adults
Tesamorelin is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneously) once a day. It is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects such as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching)
Less common side effects of tesamorelin include:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Insomnia
If you experience any side effects from tesamorelin, talk to your doctor.
Here is a more detailed overview of the known side effects of tesamorelin peptide:
- Headache: Headache is the most common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have a severe headache or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is another common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have severe dizziness or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Nausea: Nausea is a common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have severe nausea or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Injection site reactions: Injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, swelling, and itching, are common side effects of tesamorelin peptide. These reactions are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days. However, if you have severe injection site reactions or if they do not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a less common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have severe diarrhea or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Constipation: Constipation is a less common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have severe constipation or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a less common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have severe fatigue or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Muscle pain: Muscle pain is a less common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have severe muscle pain or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Rash: Rash is a less common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have a severe rash or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
- Insomnia: Insomnia is a less common side effect of tesamorelin peptide. It is usually mild and goes away on its own. However, if you have severe insomnia or if it does not go away, talk to your doctor.
It is important to note that these are just some of the known side effects of tesamorelin peptide. It is possible that other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual side effects, talk to your doctor.
If you are considering using tesamorelin peptide, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Tesamorelin peptide is not right for everyone, and it is important to make sure that it is safe for you to use.
