Tesamorelin 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 thought to work by increasing the production of growth hormone, which can help to reduce body fat and improve body composition. Growth hormone is a hormone that plays an important role in body growth and development, as well as in metabolism and body composition.
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, and injection site reactions. Tesamorelin is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Tesamorelin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 for the treatment of excess visceral fat in HIV-infected individuals with lipodystrophy. It is marketed under the brand name Egrifta.
Potential future applications
In addition to its use in the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy, 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
The results of early studies are promising, and tesamorelin has the potential to be a valuable new treatment for a variety of conditions that are associated with changes in body composition and metabolism.
How to use tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is given as a subcutaneous injection once a day. The injection can be given at any time of day, but it is best to give it at the same time each day.
Tesamorelin comes in a kit that contains everything you need to give yourself the injection, including a prefilled syringe, a needle, and alcohol wipes.
To give yourself an injection of tesamorelin:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Choose a clean injection site on your abdomen or upper thigh.
- Wipe the injection site with an alcohol wipe.
- Remove the needle cap from the prefilled syringe.
- Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site.
- Insert the needle into the fold of skin at a 45-degree angle.
- Slowly inject the tesamorelin into the tissue.
- Remove the needle and release the fold of skin.
- Apply pressure to the injection site with a sterile cotton ball or gauze.
Side effects
Tesamorelin 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.
Precautions
Tesamorelin is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also not recommended for people with:
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- A history of heart attack or stroke
Talk to your doctor about whether tesamorelin is right for you.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic form of growth hormone-releasing hormone that is used to reduce excess visceral fat in HIV-infected individuals with lipodystrophy. Tesamorelin is generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience side effects. Tesamorelin is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In addition to its use in the treatment of HIV lipodystrophy, tesamorelin is also being investigated for the treatment of a number of other conditions. The results of early studies are promising, and tesamorelin has the potential to be a valuable new treatment for a variety of conditions that are associated with changes in body composition and metabolism.
