Tesamorelin dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Oct 7, 2026. Editorial policy
US regulatory status: FDA-approved drug
Tesamorelin is a GHRH analog specifically studied for reducing visceral (abdominal) fat. FDA-approved as Egrifta for lipodystrophy in HIV patients, it has shown significant reductions in trunk fat while preserving lean mass. One of the most targeted peptides for abdominal fat reduction available.
- Vial size: 5 mg
- Reconstitution: 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 2.0 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Fat Loss
- Visceral Fat Reduction
- Growth Hormone
- Metabolic Health
- Body Recomposition
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water to the 5 mg vial for 2.0 mg/mL
- Typical dose: 1 mg daily in week 1, then 2 mg once daily
- Easy measuring: At 2.0 mg/mL, 1 unit (0.01 mL) on a U-100 syringe is 20 mcg; 1 mg is 50 units and 2 mg is a full 100-unit syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at 2-8°C or -20°C; after reconstitution refrigerate at 2-8°C, use within 7 days, do not freeze
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 1 mg (1000 mcg) | Once daily (SC) | 0.50 mL (50 units) |
| Weeks 2–12+ | 2 mg (2000 mcg) | Once daily (SC) | 1.00 mL (100 units) |
How it works
Tesamorelin is a stabilised analog of the full 44-amino-acid growth hormone-releasing hormone, with a trans-3-hexenoyl group added to the N-terminus to resist enzymatic breakdown. It binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs and stimulates pulsatile release of the body's own growth hormone, which raises IGF-1. Feedback regulation through somatostatin and IGF-1 remains in place. Growth hormone promotes lipolysis, and visceral adipose tissue appears particularly responsive. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta (first approved in 2010) to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy. The approved dose is 2 mg subcutaneously once daily. It is not approved for general weight loss. In phase 3 placebo-controlled trials in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, tesamorelin significantly reduced visceral fat measured by CT over 26 weeks, with little change in subcutaneous fat and preservation of lean mass. The fat reduction largely reversed after treatment stopped. Further studies in people with HIV have examined reductions in liver fat. Data in people without HIV are more limited.
Units chart for a 5 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 1 mcg | 2 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 50 mcg | 0 units | 0 units |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 25 mcg | 0 units | 0.1 units |
| 2.5 mL | 2 mg/mL | 20 mcg | 0.1 units | 0.1 units |
| 3 mL | 1.67 mg/mL | 16.7 mcg | 0.1 units | 0.1 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
Pages for each vial size and water volume
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8°C, protected from light; use within 7 days
Storage
Evidence: FDA label. From the US prescribing information of the approved product. It applies to that product only.
Applies to: Egrifta WR 11.6 mg vial (label).
- Powder or unopened: Room temperature, 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), excursions to 15–30 °C, in the original box. Do not freeze.
- Mixed or in use: Keep the mixed solution at room temperature, 20–25 °C. Do not freeze.
- Use within: 7 days after mixing or first use
- Light: Store the vial in its original box to protect it from light.
Research tesamorelin is not Egrifta and has no tested storage data.
Sources: Egrifta WR prescribing information, rev. 3/2025 (FDA)
Store lyophilized at 2–8°C for short-term or −20°C for long-term storage. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C and use within 7 days. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.
Important notes
- Research use only
- FDA-approved form exists (Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy
- Specifically targets visceral/trunk fat
- Combine with GHRP like Ipamorelin for enhanced GH release
- Monitor glucose levels during use
Supplies
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs