Tesamorelin

Tesamorelin (brand names Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR) is a prescription synthetic peptide medication used to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy. It is not a general weight-loss drug for obesity.

How It Works
Tesamorelin is an analogue of the naturally occurring growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) found in the brain's hypothalamus. It works by stimulating the pituitary gland to naturally produce and release more of the body's own growth hormone (GH) in a pulsatile, physiological manner. This increase in GH then boosts levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), leading to enhanced fat metabolism and a reduction in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) - the deep fat surrounding internal organs.

Key Uses and Benefits
--HIV-associated lipodystrophy: The primary FDA-approved indication for tesamorelin is the reduction of excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV experiencing lipodystrophy.
--Body Composition Improvement: It helps preserve and increase lean muscle mass while targeting fat.
--Metabolic Health: Tesamorelin may help improve lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides) and insulin sensitivity.
--Potential Off-Label Uses: Research is ongoing into its use for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), age-related metabolic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment, though these are not yet FDA-approved indications.

Administration and Side Effects
Tesamorelin is administered as a once-daily subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the stomach area. The medication comes as a powder that must be reconstituted with a liquid before use, with specific instructions depending on the formulation used (Egrifta SV or Egrifta WR).

Common side effects may include:
--Injection site reactions (pain, redness, itching, swelling, bruising).
--Joint or muscle pain.
--Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet.
--Numbness or tingling sensations.

Serious side effects, though less common, can include allergic reactions and high blood sugar levels, so regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential.

It is a prescription-only medication and should only be used under strict medical supervision. The fat reduction effects are temporary and typically reverse if the treatment is discontinued.