Tesamorelin (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) studied for visceral adipose tissue reduction. Approved internationally for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This page covers the 20 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
20 mg vial calculations and four reconstitution steps
Phase 3 Research Schedule (3.0 mL = ~6.67 mg/mL)
| Research Period | Daily Dose (mg / mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–26 | 2 mg / 2000 mcg | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
Frequency: Once daily by subcutaneous injection. Phase 3 trials evaluated 2 mg daily for 26 weeks, with extension data through 52 weeks. This research schedule is distinct from the current EGRIFTA SV label, which uses a different formulation and dose.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl until dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with the compound, concentration, and preparation date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Storage note: Bacteriostatic water does not establish a universal use-by period. Follow the exact product label and formulation-specific stability instructions.
Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.
Supplies Needed
Supply calculations below use the displayed 2 mg once-daily research amount for 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peptide vials (Tesamorelin, 20 mg each) | 8 weeks: 6 vials (112 mg total) 12 weeks: 9 vials (168 mg total) 16 weeks: 12 vials (224 mg total) |
| U-100 insulin syringes | 8 weeks: 56 syringes 12 weeks: 84 syringes 16 weeks: 112 syringes |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL bottles) | Use 3.0 mL per vial. 8 weeks: 18 mL → 2 bottles 12 weeks: 27 mL → 3 bottles 16 weeks: 36 mL → 4 bottles |
| Alcohol swabs | Two per administration. 8 weeks: 112 swabs — 2 boxes required (100 swabs each) 12 weeks: 168 swabs — 2 boxes required (100 swabs each) 16 weeks: 224 swabs — 3 boxes required (100 swabs each) |
Sharps safety: Place used syringes directly into an appropriate sharps container and follow local disposal requirements.
Protocol Overview
Tesamorelin is the only GHRH analog with dedicated visceral-fat-reduction research. The selectivity for visceral over subcutaneous fat is unusual — most metabolic compounds reduce both.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 28 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
Tesamorelin is a 44-amino-acid synthetic GHRH analog. A trans-3-hexenoic acid modification at the N-terminus extends bioactive half-life enough for once-daily administration. It binds GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, stimulating endogenous pulsatile GH release.
Because the action is upstream of GH itself, resulting GH and IGF-1 elevations follow physiological pulsatile patterns rather than the steady-state seen with exogenous GH. Studied effects include selective visceral adipose tissue reduction without comparable effect on subcutaneous fat.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Selective visceral fat reduction (~15–18% over 26 weeks at 2 mg).
- Reductions in liver fat content.
- Improved triglyceride profile.
- Restoration of physiological GH/IGF-1 pulsatility.
Side Effect Profile
- Injection-site reactions (most common).
- Joint stiffness and arthralgia.
- Mild peripheral edema, especially first weeks.
- Carpal tunnel symptoms in a minority.
- Glucose intolerance — monitor fasting glucose.
- Headache.
Lifestyle Factors
- Inject in evening to align with natural overnight GH pulse.
- Avoid eating for 1–2 hours after dosing.
- Resistance training amplifies anabolic effects.
- Adequate sleep is critical.
- Monitor fasting glucose and HbA1c periodically.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Rotate sites daily to minimize injection-site reactions.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle.
- Bring to room temperature before injecting.