Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide hormone used to treat excess abdominal fat in people with HIV/AIDS. It is a modified form of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which stimulates the body to produce its own growth hormone (GH). The increased GH production is thought to help reduce excess abdominal fat, as well as improve body composition, bone density, cognitive function, and quality of life. Tesamorelin is administered as a subcutaneous injection once daily. Common side effects include injection site reactions, headaches, and upper respiratory tract infections.
Tesamorelin is a medication used to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have lipodystrophy . Lipodystrophy is a condition that causes fat to build up in some parts of the body (such as the face, neck, and upper back) and waste away in others (such as the buttocks, arms, and legs).
Tesamorelin is a man-made form of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a natural substance in the body that tells the pituitary gland to make growth hormone. Growth hormone helps to regulate how the body uses fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Tesamorelin works by increasing the amount of growth hormone that the body makes. This can help to reduce the amount of fat in the abdomen.
Tesamorelin comes as a powder that is mixed with a liquid and injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once a day. It is important to use tesamorelin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Tesamorelin can cause side effects. The most common side effects of tesamorelin include injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, or itching), headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Tesamorelin is not for everyone. It is not safe to use if you are allergic to tesamorelin or any of the ingredients in the medication, or if you have active cancer.