Tesamorelin Injection (Egrifta): Uses, Dosage, Safety & Side Effects

Brand Name / US Brand Name

• Egrifta
• Egrifta WR

Overview

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Tesamorelin injection is a hormone similar to the one normally released from the hypothalamus gland in the brain. It is used to reduce excess fat (lipodystrophy) in the stomach area in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Powder for Solution

Before Using

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In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of tesamorelin injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of tesamorelin injection in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (OTC) medicine.

Other Interactions

Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine.

Should not be used in patients with:

• Allergy to mannitol
• Active cancer
• Pituitary gland tumor or surgery

Use with caution in:

• Lung disease
• Diabetes
• Edema
• Retinopathy
• Trauma

Proper Use

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A nurse or other trained health professional may give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot under the skin of your stomach.

Tesamorelin may sometimes be given at home. If so, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to prepare and inject the medicine.

Important instructions include:

• Use a new needle and syringe each time
• Rotate injection sites
• Do not inject into scars or bruises
• Do not use cloudy or discolored solution

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.

For HIV lipodystrophy:

• 1 mg vial: Adults—2 mg injected once daily
• 2 mg vial: Adults—1.4 mg injected once daily
• 11.6 mg vial: Adults—1.28 mg injected once daily
• Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.

Storage

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• Keep out of reach of children
• Store at room temperature
• Protect from heat, moisture, and light
• Do not freeze
• Use mixed solution immediately
• Dispose needles in a hard container

Precautions

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• Regular doctor visits are required
• May harm unborn baby
• May increase cancer risk
• May cause swelling (fluid retention)
• May affect blood sugar levels
• May cause serious allergic reactions
• May cause injection site reactions

Side Effects

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More common

• Arm or leg pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle stiffness

Less common

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Weakness

Other possible effects

• Injection site irritation
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach discomfort

Some side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts.

Final Notes

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2026

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2026. All rights reserved.

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