Tesamorelin (Egrifta) — Dosing, Cycles, Half-Life & Side Effects

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue with a half-life of 26-38 minutes. Synthetic GHRH analog FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Effectively reduces visceral adipose tissue while increasing GH and IGF-1 levels. This page is educational harm-reduction reference compiled from peer-reviewed literature — not medical advice, not an endorsement, not a recommendation to use. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision.

Quick Facts

ClassGrowth Hormone Releasing Hormone
Half-life26-38 minutes
HepatotoxicityNone
Suppression0/10

Typical Dosing Ranges

Common dose range: 2mg subcutaneous daily

Cycle length: 12-24 weeks

Dose ranges are compiled from published pharmacokinetic studies and community-reported usage. Where a value is community-reported rather than clinically studied, this page and its structured data flag it. Lower end of any range is always the safer starting point.

Stacking Considerations

  • No structural stacking blockers. Standard harm-reduction rules apply: minimize total androgen load, minimize oral exposure, and monitor bloodwork.

PCT Requirements

  • Never stack two SERMs. Extend a single SERM (tamoxifen OR enclomiphene/clomiphene) rather than combining.
  • Use the cycle planner to generate a full protocol based on your complete stack, not this compound alone.

Side Effect Profile

  • Prescription only (expensive)
  • Short half-life requires daily injection
  • Primarily indicated for lipodystrophy
  • May increase IGF-1 to supraphysiological levels

Known Interactions

No compound-specific interactions are catalogued in the current matrix. This does not mean no risk exists — it means there is no curated pairwise entry.

Related compounds

Monitoring (Bloodwork & Vitals)

  • Comprehensive metabolic panel (baseline, mid-cycle, post-cycle)
  • Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
  • CBC (hemoglobin, hematocrit — watch for erythrocytosis)
  • Sex-hormone panel (Total T, Free T, Estradiol sensitive, SHBG, LH, FSH)
  • Blood pressure (weekly self-check; flag systolic >140 or diastolic >90)

Baseline bloodwork is recommended before any cycle. Discontinue if liver enzymes exceed 3× upper limit of normal or if hematocrit exceeds 54%.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the half-life of Tesamorelin (Egrifta)?

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) has a half-life of approximately 26-38 minutes. This figure is used to determine injection frequency (for esters) and post-cycle clearance timing.

What is the typical dose range for Tesamorelin (Egrifta)?

Commonly reported ranges for Tesamorelin (Egrifta): 2mg subcutaneous daily. Cycle length: 12-24 weeks. These are compiled from published studies and community-reported usage — individual response varies and lower end is always preferred.

Does Tesamorelin (Egrifta) suppress natural testosterone?

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) causes minimal suppression of the HPTA axis (score 0/10). PCT may still be advisable depending on stack and duration.

What is Tesamorelin (Egrifta) typically used for?

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is commonly used for: Visceral fat reduction, Body composition improvement, Recovery enhancement. Intended-use context does not imply safety — every use case carries the same underlying pharmacological risks.

Is Tesamorelin (Egrifta) legal?

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions (typically Schedule III in the US when it is an anabolic androgenic steroid). StackItSmart does not provide sourcing information. Possession, import, and use without a prescription carry legal consequences that vary by country and state.

Citations

  1. FDA NDA 022505. 2010. FDA prescribing information — FDA-approved 2010; two pivotal Phase III RCTs; strongest evidence of any peptide
  2. Jansen M et al.. 2004. Int J Pharm — Tesamorelin (TH9507) terminal t½ 26 min after SC dosing in canine PK study; supports daily SC schedule
  3. Falutz J et al.. 2007. N Engl J Med — Pivotal Phase III RCT (n=412): 2mg SC daily for 26 weeks reduced VAT by 15.2%, increased IGF-1 81%, decreased triglycerides 50 mg/dL
  4. Falutz J et al.. 2008. AIDS — 52-week extension: VAT reduction sustained at -18%; reaccumulates after discontinuation; glucose changes not clinically significant
  5. Stanley TL et al.. 2014. JAMA — Tesamorelin 2mg SC daily for 6 months reduced VAT (-42 cm² treatment effect) and liver fat (-2.9% lipid/water) in HIV patients
  6. Fourman LT et al.. 2017. AIDS — VAT-responders had ALT reductions (-8.9 U/L) vs non-responders; tesamorelin associated with improved liver enzymes, not hepatotoxicity

Disclaimer

StackItSmart is an independent harm-reduction reference. The content above is compiled from peer-reviewed literature and is not medical advice, not an endorsement, and not a recommendation to use Tesamorelin (Egrifta). Performance-enhancing compounds carry legal, endocrine, cardiovascular, and hepatic risks. Consult a licensed clinician before any decision. StackItSmart does not provide sourcing, procurement, or dosing prescriptions.

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