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Tesamorelin: status, evidence, storage and handling

What tesamorelin is, the narrow use it's approved for, why compounded versions are restricted, and what to know about storage and safety.

Reviewed October 11, 2026FDA-approved (Rx)Narrow approved useBanned in sport (WADA S2)3 min read
What it isGHRH analog
FDA statusApproved as Egrifta only
Human evidenceRandomized trials for approved use
CompoundingRestricted

What Tesamorelin is

Tesamorelin is a synthetic version of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It signals the pituitary to release more of the body's own growth hormone. It is in the same family as CJC-1295, but unlike CJC-1295, it went through full FDA review.

It is popular online for belly fat loss. Its approval covers a much narrower use than that.

BrandForm and approved use
Egrifta WR

Approved March 2025, replacing Egrifta SV. Reconstituted weekly, injected daily. Reduces excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Egrifta SV

Earlier version, being phased out. Not interchangeable with WR because strength, mixing, and storage differ.

Regulatory status in 2026

Tesamorelin is approved only as Egrifta, for one condition. Because an approved product exists, compounding it is restricted.

  1. Tesamorelin first approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

  2. Egrifta SV approved.

  3. Egrifta WR approved as the replacement for SV.

  4. Approved for one use only. Compounded tesamorelin is restricted. Prohibited in sport at all times under WADA class S2.

Regulatory status can change. Check the sources linked at the bottom of this page before relying on anything here.

What's proven vs. what's claimed

Tesamorelin has solid trial data for its approved use. Most online claims extend it to people that use was never tested in.

Common claim

Reduces belly (visceral) fat in HIV lipodystrophy.

What the evidence shows

Shown in randomized trials. This is the approved use.

Strong human evidence
Common claim

Melts belly fat in anyone.

What the evidence shows

Not established outside the approved population.

Insufficient data
Common claim

Builds muscle and slows aging.

What the evidence shows

Not shown.

Insufficient data

Storage and stability

Egrifta WR and Egrifta SV have different storage instructions. Follow the carton and pharmacist for your version.

Egrifta (brand)

  • Store exactly as the carton for your version says.
  • WR and SV are not interchangeable, including in how they're stored and mixed.
  • Keep vials in the carton to protect from light.

Gray-market tesamorelin

  • Keep refrigerated. Do not freeze.
  • Protect from light. Clear glass lets it through.
  • Opened multi-dose bacteriostatic water is typically discarded 28 days after first puncture.
  • Log the mix date so you know the vial's age at a glance.

Light exposure is easy to overlook in a fridge door that opens dozens of times a day. VIALTIGHT is building stackable cases that block light from every side. See vialtight.com for updates.

Safety flags

Not for some people. The label says not to use it during pregnancy, with an active cancer, or with certain pituitary conditions.

Blood sugar and IGF-1. It can raise blood sugar and IGF-1. The label calls for monitoring.

Common side effects. Joint pain, injection site reactions, swelling, and muscle pain were reported in trials.

Tested athletes. Prohibited at all times under WADA class S2.

FAQ

Is tesamorelin the same as CJC-1295?

No. Both act like GHRH, but tesamorelin is a different molecule with FDA approval. CJC-1295 has none.

Can I get compounded tesamorelin?

Generally no. Because an approved product exists and is available, compounding is restricted.

Does VialTracker tell me what to take?

No. VialTracker organizes the information you enter and runs the math. It does not recommend doses, products, or protocols.

Sources

  1. DailyMed: Egrifta prescribing information
  2. WADA: Prohibited List

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