Tesamorelin Dosage Chart
FDA-labeled daily protocols for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — 1.4 mg for Egrifta SV, 1.28 mg for Egrifta WR — plus the off-label visceral fat reduction schedules.
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Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic GHRH analog FDA-approved (2010) as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy — specifically reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat. It is also used off-label in anti-aging and aesthetic medicine for visceral fat reduction in non-HIV populations. The labeled dose depends on the product: Egrifta SV is 1.4 mg subcutaneously once daily and Egrifta WR is 1.28 mg subcutaneously once daily. The original 2010 Egrifta formulation was dosed at 2 mg daily and has been superseded — a 2 mg figure today usually refers to the SV vial contents, not the dose.
Tesamorelin at a Glance
| FDA-labeled dose (Egrifta SV) | 1.4 mg subQ once daily (0.35 mL reconstituted) |
|---|---|
| FDA-labeled dose (Egrifta WR) | 1.28 mg subQ once daily (0.16 mL reconstituted) |
| Route | Subcutaneous, abdominal injection (rotate sites) |
| Best timing | Bedtime preferred (aligns with overnight GH pulse) |
| Cycle length (labeled) | Continuous use approved |
| Off-label cycling | 5 days on, 2 off, for 12–26 week cycles |
| FDA status | FDA-approved 2010 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy |
| Vial size | Egrifta SV: 2 mg lyophilized vial. Egrifta WR: 11.6 mg lyophilized vial (7 daily doses). Both require reconstitution. |
Tesamorelin Reconstitution Chart
How vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and insulin-syringe units convert for Tesamorelin. Use this to translate a prescribed mcg or mg dose into a syringe measurement.
| Vial size | Bac water | Concentration | Dose → insulin-syringe units (U-100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mg (compounded) | 1 mL or per pharmacy label | 2 mg/mL |
|
| Egrifta SV 2 mg vial (FDA-labeled) | 0.5 mL Sterile Water for Injection (supplied diluent) | 4 mg/mL |
|
| Egrifta WR 11.6 mg vial (FDA-labeled) | 1.3 mL Bacteriostatic Water for Injection (supplied diluent) | 8 mg/mL |
|
U-100 syringe reference: 100 units = 1.0 mL. So 10 units = 0.1 mL, 25 units = 0.25 mL, 50 units = 0.5 mL. Both FDA-approved tesamorelin products are lyophilized powder vials that require reconstitution with the diluent supplied in the kit — neither is a pre-filled pen. One reconstituted Egrifta WR vial supplies seven consecutive daily doses. Compounded tesamorelin from 503A pharmacies is also supplied as lyophilized powder; reconstitute per the pharmacy's instructions, which may differ from the labels above.
Tesamorelin Dosing by Use Case
Commonly cited protocols vary by what Tesamorelin is being used for. The table below summarizes typical ranges reported in clinical practice and published literature.
| Use case | Typical dose | Frequency | Cycle length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HIV-associated lipodystrophy (FDA-labeled) | 1.4 mg (Egrifta SV) or 1.28 mg (Egrifta WR) | Once daily | Continuous, indefinite | Standard FDA-labeled use. Reassess after 6 months — discontinue if no visceral fat reduction. |
| Visceral fat reduction (off-label) | 1–2 mg | Once daily | 12–26 weeks, often 5 days on / 2 off | Off-label aesthetic protocols often cycle to reduce GH receptor desensitization. |
Stacking Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is sometimes stacked with ipamorelin to combine GHRH stimulation (tesamorelin) with ghrelin-receptor stimulation (ipamorelin) for stronger pulsatile GH release. The combination is used in anti-aging settings rather than HIV lipodystrophy.
Tesamorelin has the most extensive clinical safety data among GHRH analogs and an FDA approval, but raises GH-related metabolic concerns with long-term use.
- •Common side effects: injection-site reactions, joint pain (arthralgias), peripheral edema, mild hyperglycemia, paresthesias.
- •Increases IGF-1 levels — labeled monitoring includes periodic IGF-1 measurement; doses adjust if IGF-1 is significantly elevated.
- •Theoretical concern with chronic GH/IGF-1 elevation: facilitation of cancer growth in patients with malignancy. Contraindicated in active pituitary or non-pituitary cancers.
- •Glucose intolerance is a class effect — caution and monitoring in patients with prediabetes or T2D.
- •Active malignancy
- •Disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary axis (post-surgery, irradiation, trauma)
- •Pregnancy
Tesamorelin Dosing FAQ
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta SV for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy. Off-label, it is used in anti-aging and aesthetic medicine for visceral fat reduction in non-HIV patients.
FDA labeling and trial data indicate visceral fat reduction is typically measurable at 6 months. Reassessment at 6 months is built into the labeled use — discontinuation is recommended if no benefit is observed by then.
Yes. Egrifta and Egrifta SV are the brand-name FDA-approved tesamorelin products. Compounded tesamorelin from 503A pharmacies contains the same active ingredient but is not FDA-approved as a finished drug.
Sources
Related Dosage Charts
Where to get Tesamorelin with a prescription
Tesamorelin requires a prescription and medical supervision. Each service below states that a licensed provider reviews your intake and prescribes through a US compounding pharmacy where appropriate. Those are the companies’ own descriptions of how they operate, not findings of ours. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
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Says a board-certified physician reviews each intake and prescribes through a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy where appropriate, and lists a LegitScript certification. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
We are not a clinic and do not prescribe. Listing a service here is not a clinical endorsement of it, and you should confirm licensure and pharmacy sourcing yourself before treatment.
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Mechanism, clinical evidence, side effects, costs, and provider listings for Tesamorelin therapy.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.