Mechanism
Stabilized GHRH (1-44) analog; stimulates pituitary GH release, raising IGF-1 and reducing visceral abdominal fat.
Dosing
2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily subcutaneously, the FDA-approved regimen, after an optional 1 mg first-week titration.
Reconstitution
3 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial gives ~3.33 mg/mL for accurate insulin-syringe dosing.
Storage
Refrigerate the lyophilized vial (Egrifta SV is room-temp stable); refrigerate the reconstituted solution and do not freeze it.
Quick answerIn the research literature the 10 mg Tesamorelin vial is typically reconstituted with 3 mL of bacteriostatic water, and documented research protocols reference 2 mg per dose drawn from the resulting solution. These figures reflect published research conventions rather than clinical guidance, and are provided strictly for research use only.
01 · At a glance
Quickstart Highlights
Tesamorelin is a synthetic, stabilized analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) that prompts the pituitary to release growth hormone, raising IGF-1 and notably reducing visceral (deep abdominal) fat[1][3]. Unlike most peptides on this site, tesamorelin is FDA-approved (brand Egrifta / Egrifta SV) for one specific indication: reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Any other use is off-label or research only. This page outlines the once-daily subcutaneous approach and is presented for research and educational purposes.
Reconstitute
Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → ~3.33 mg/mL (3,333 mcg/mL).
Standard daily dose
2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily subcutaneously — the FDA-approved regimen — after an optional 1 mg first-week titration.
Easy measuring
At ~3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 33.3 mcg; 1 mg ≈ 30 units and 2 mg ≈ 60 units on a U-100 syringe.
Storage
Lyophilized: refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) (Egrifta SV is room-temperature stable); once reconstituted, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze.
i
Important: Start with the Prep & Injection Guide — it covers the preparation and safety basics every protocol on this site assumes.
02 · Dosing & reconstitution
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate once-daily dosing, step by step
Standard FDA-Approved Protocol (3 mL = ~3.33 mg/mL)
▪
Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water to one 10 mg vial → final concentration ~3.33 mg/mL (3,333 mcg/mL).
▪
Standard daily dose: 2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily subcutaneously — the FDA-approved regimen — with an optional 1 mg first week for tolerability.
▪
Easy measuring: At ~3.33 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 33.3 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so the 2 mg dose reads at a clear 60 units.
▪
Storage: Refrigerate the lyophilized vial at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) (Egrifta SV is stable at room temperature); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the mixed solution.
Phase / Week(s) Dose & Frequency Volume (U-100 units / mL) Week 1 (optional titration) 1 mg / 1000 mcg (1× daily) 30 units (0.30 mL) Weeks 2–12+ 2 mg / 2000 mcg (1× daily) 60 units (0.60 mL)
Frequency: one subcutaneous injection each day, preferably in the evening to align with the body’s natural nocturnal growth-hormone release[2]. The 2 mg daily dose is the standard FDA-approved regimen for HIV-associated lipodystrophy[3][4]; a one-week titration at 1 mg may improve early tolerability.
Reconstitution Steps
1
Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
2
Release it slowly down the vial’s inner wall to limit foaming.
3
Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don’t shake.
4
Label with the date and concentration, then refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), shielded from light.
Note
The 3.0 mL dilution keeps the standard 2 mg dose at 60 units, where U-100 syringe markings are easy to read. Avoid freezing the reconstituted solution, since freeze–thaw can denature the peptide.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Tesamorelin is a prescription medication; any therapeutic use should be supervised by a qualified clinician.
03 · What you'll need
Supplies Needed
Quantities below assume an 8–16 week course of once-daily injections at the standard 2 mg dose (after the optional Week 1 titration).
✓Peptide Vials (Tesamorelin, 10 mg each)
At 2 mg/day, a 10 mg vial covers about five days, so plan for roughly 1.4 vials per week.
8 weeks: ~11 vials 12 weeks: ~17 vials 16 weeks: ~22 vials
✓Insulin Syringes (U-100, 1 mL)
Per injection: 1 syringe 8 weeks (once daily): ~56 syringes 16 weeks (once daily): ~112 syringes
✓Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles)
Use ~3.0 mL per 10 mg vial for reconstitution.
8 weeks (11 vials): ~33 mL → 4 bottles 16 weeks (22 vials): ~66 mL → 7 bottles
✓Alcohol Swabs
One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
Per injection: 2 swabs 8 weeks (once daily): ~112 swabs → 1–2 boxes
Protocol Overview
A concise summary of the FDA-approved once-daily regimen.
▪Goal: Reduce visceral (deep abdominal) adipose tissue and improve lipid profiles through sustained GH/IGF-1 elevation[3][4]. ▪Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections; clinical use typically runs 12–26 weeks and is supported up to 52 weeks under medical supervision[3]. ▪Dose: 2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily after an optional Week 1 titration at 1 mg. ▪Reconstitution: 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial gives ~3.33 mg/mL for accurate unit measurements. ▪Storage: Refrigerate the dry vial at 2–8 °C (Egrifta SV is room-temperature stable); once mixed, refrigerate at 2–8 °C and do not freeze the solution.
Dosing Protocol
The FDA-approved daily dosing approach, with an optional tolerability titration.
▪Week 1 (optional): 1 mg (1000 mcg) once daily to assess tolerability. ▪Weeks 2+: 2 mg (2000 mcg) once daily — the standard FDA-approved dose[3][4]. ▪Frequency: One subcutaneous injection per day, preferably in the evening. ▪Cycle Length: Typically 12–26 weeks; trials support up to 52 weeks with monitoring[3]. ▪Timing: Evening administration is recommended; rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Correct storage is what preserves the peptide’s stability and activity.
▪Lyophilized: Store at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); newer formulations (Egrifta SV) are stable at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) before reconstitution[5]. ▪Reconstituted (bacteriostatic water): Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F)[5]. ▪Reconstituted (sterile water): Use immediately and discard any unused portion[5]. ▪Freeze–thaw: Do not freeze the reconstituted solution, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
04 · Good to know
Important Notes
Practical points that keep daily administration safe and consistent.
▪Sterile technique: Use a fresh sterile U-100 insulin syringe each time and drop it straight into a puncture-proof sharps container afterward. ▪Site rotation: Move between abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), thighs and upper arms to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy[6]. ▪Metabolic monitoring: Because tesamorelin strongly stimulates GH, IGF-1 should be monitored periodically and blood glucose watched in patients with diabetes[6]. ▪Recordkeeping: Log the daily dose, injection site and any observations to keep the protocol consistent. ▪Regulatory note: Tesamorelin is a prescription medication, FDA-approved (as Egrifta / Egrifta SV) only for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; any other use is off-label or research and should follow applicable law and medical supervision.
05 · How it works
How This Works
Tesamorelin is a synthetic, stabilized analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) — a 44-amino-acid peptide carrying a chemical modification that resists rapid breakdown[1].
It binds GHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, prompting the gland’s own pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH), which in turn raises circulating IGF-1[2]. Because it works through the body’s natural feedback loop rather than supplying GH directly, the GH release stays closer to a physiological pattern.
The downstream GH/IGF-1 signalling promotes lipolysis (the breakdown of stored fat) and favorable metabolic shifts. Its best-documented effect is a meaningful reduction of visceral adipose tissue — the deep abdominal fat — in people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, alongside improved lipid profiles, over roughly 6–12 months of daily use[3][4].
Approval status: Unlike most peptides on this site, tesamorelin is FDA-approved (brand Egrifta / Egrifta SV) — but only for one specific indication: reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Other uses, such as general body-composition or anti-aging goals, are off-label or research and are presented here for educational purposes only.
Researchers also study tesamorelin for related questions — for example, reducing liver fat in NAFLD and exploring effects on age-related GH/IGF-1 decline — but those applications remain investigational[4].
06 · Daily habits
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary habits that may support the protocol’s metabolic goals.
▪Nutrition: Favor a balanced, protein-forward diet to support the anabolic side of GH/IGF-1 signalling. ▪Activity: Combine resistance training with aerobic exercise to maximize fat loss and metabolic benefit. ▪Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep to support natural GH pulsatility. ▪Stress: Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation practices to support adherence and recovery.
07 · What to expect
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from clinical trials and FDA-approved use; individual results vary.
Potential Benefits
▪Visceral fat reduction: Meaningful reduction in visceral adipose tissue, measurable after about 3–6 months in HIV-associated lipodystrophy[3]. ▪Lipid & liver-fat signals: Improved lipid profiles, with research interest in reducing liver fat in NAFLD[4]. ▪Sustained tolerability: Generally well tolerated, with maintained benefits during continuous use up to 52 weeks[3]. ▪Note on scope: Approved benefits are established for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; other uses (anti-aging, cognition) remain investigational[4].
Side Effects & Cautions
▪Injection-site reactions: Mild redness, itching, pain or bruising at the injection area[6]. ▪Musculoskeletal: Joint pain (arthralgia), muscle aches and mild peripheral edema; occasional carpal-tunnel-type tingling that is dose-dependent and reversible[6]. ▪Metabolic: IGF-1 elevation requires monitoring; small HbA1c increases have been observed in some patients[6]. ▪Contraindications: Active malignancy (GH stimulation may accelerate latent tumors), pregnancy, and known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or mannitol[6].
08 · Injection technique
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous technique, following established clinical best-practice guidance[7][8].
Pre-Injection Preparation
▪Wash your hands well with soap and water. ▪Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and let it air-dry. ▪Choose a site (abdomen at least 2 inches from the navel, thigh, or upper arm) and clean it with a fresh alcohol swab, letting it dry fully[8]. ▪Draw the intended dose, then check for air bubbles and push any out.
Injection Procedure
▪Pinch a skinfold at the chosen site between thumb and forefinger. ▪Insert the needle into the pinch at a 45–90-degree angle (use 45 degrees if the fat layer is thin)[7]. ▪Skip aspiration for subcutaneous shots — it isn't needed[7]. ▪Press the plunger slowly and steadily until it's fully down. ▪Wait 5–10 seconds, then pull the needle straight out to prevent leakage.
Post-Injection Care
▪Drop the used syringe straight into a puncture-proof sharps container — never recap a needle. ▪Return the reconstituted vial to the fridge right away. ▪Rotate the injection site each day to prevent irritation and lipohypertrophy[6]. ▪Watch the site for excess redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
09 · Where to source
Recommended Source
For high-purity research peptides, we point researchers to Prime Lab Peptides for Tesamorelin (10 mg).
Why Prime Lab Peptides?
▪Top-rated on Trustpilot: Independently reviewed as the highest-rated peptide lab on Trustpilot — making it the best current source in the USA. ▪Third-party tested: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming purity and composition. ▪Consistent quality: ISO-aligned manufacturing and handling keep product integrity reliable batch to batch. ▪Cold-chain integrity: Temperature-controlled shipping and storage across the whole fulfilment chain. ▪Research-grade purity: Fit for educational and research use that demands high-quality peptides.
Note: Product availability and specifications subject to change. Verify current product details on supplier website.
Shop at Prime Lab Peptides →
10 · The evidence
References
1
FDA Prescribing Information (Egrifta / Egrifta SV)
Tesamorelin is a stabilized synthetic analog of GHRH (1-44); approved indication, dosing and storage.
View Source ↗ 2
Tesamorelin (Subcutaneous route) – Drug Information
Mayo Clinic / IBM Merative: mechanism, GH/IGF-1 stimulation, administration and timing.
View Source ↗ 3
J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. (2010)
Effects of tesamorelin (TH9507), a GH-releasing factor analog, in HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat: pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials.
View Source ↗ 4
Safety and metabolic effects of tesamorelin
Longer-term safety and metabolic effects, including visceral fat and lipid outcomes; research interest in NAFLD and aging.
View Source ↗ 5
Tesamorelin – LiverTox (NIH/NIDDK, 2018)
Clinical and research information, including formulation storage (Egrifta vs Egrifta SV) and reconstitution handling.
View Source ↗ 6
Egrifta Medication Guide / NCBI Bookshelf
Common adverse effects, contraindications (active malignancy, pregnancy, mannitol hypersensitivity), IGF-1 monitoring and site rotation.
View Source ↗ 7
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Subcutaneous injection technique: angle, site and no-aspiration guidance.
View Source ↗ 8
Subcutaneous Injection Technique (Patient Education)
How to administer a subcutaneous injection: clinical technique guidelines.
View Source ↗