_{Physician-Guided Tesamorelin Therapy in Florida}

Now serving eligible patients throughout Florida—with in-person care at our Jupiter clinic and telemedicine consultations available statewide.

If you're researching Tesamorelin therapy, you likely have several important questions: What is Tesamorelin? How does it work? Is it FDA-approved? Who is it intended for? What results can patients realistically expect? This physician-reviewed guide answers those questions using current medical evidence while explaining how Tesamorelin is prescribed, administered, monitored, and evaluated at NovaGenix. Whether you're learning about Tesamorelin for the first time or preparing for a physician consultation, our goal is to provide accurate, practical, and evidence-based information that helps you make informed healthcare decisions. As more patients are asking us about peptide therapy, it's important to have a conversation to determine the clinical need for these and other medications to determine the medical appropriateness.

What Is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved prescription medication marketed under the brand names Egrifta SV® and Egrifta WR®. It is a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue. Rather than replacing growth hormone directly, Tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to increase the body’s own natural production of growth hormone. This process leads to elevated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, which physicians may monitor as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Quick Facts

• Medication class: Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue
• Brand names: Egrifta SV®, Egrifta WR®
• FDA-approved indication: Reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy
• Administration: Once-daily subcutaneous injection (formulation-specific instructions apply)
• Prescription required: Yes
• Monitoring: Clinical follow-up and laboratory evaluation, including IGF-1 when clinically appropriate

How Does Tesamorelin Work?

Tesamorelin activates GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, stimulating natural growth hormone release. Unlike injectable growth hormone, it works through the body’s own hormonal signaling pathway, resulting in increased IGF-1 levels under physician supervision.

For its FDA-approved indication, clinical studies have demonstrated meaningful reductions in visceral adipose tissue (VAT)—the deep abdominal fat surrounding internal organs that is associated with metabolic complications in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Many patients on medical weight loss programs tend to struggle with those last few stubborn pounds so they call us and ask about this medication. Each patient has unique medical needs so we sit down and discuss whether there is a clincial need on a case by case basis.

How the Process Works

1. Daily subcutaneous injection
2. Activation of pituitary GHRH receptors
3. Increased natural growth hormone release
4. Increased IGF-1 levels
5. Reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat (approved indication)
6. Ongoing physician monitoring and follow-up

What Is Visceral Fat?

Not all body fat is the same. Understanding the difference helps explain Tesamorelin’s approved use:

Subcutaneous fat sits directly beneath the skin and can usually be pinched between your fingers, while visceral fat lies deeper in the abdomen, surrounding organs such as the liver, pancreas, and intestines — where it can be neither seen nor pinched, and can only be measured accurately by CT or MRI imaging.

HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy and Clinical Context

‍Subcutaneous vs. Visceral Fat: Comparing The Two

HIV-associated lipodystrophy is a condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution that can develop in some individuals living with HIV. It may involve accumulation of visceral abdominal fat along with changes in fat distribution affecting the face, arms, legs, or other areas. Recognizing this condition provides essential clinical context for why Tesamorelin targets deep visceral abdominal fat rather than general weight loss or subcutaneous fat.

Beyond this approved indication, some physicians prescribe Tesamorelin off-label for carefully selected patients based on individual clinical circumstances. Potential off-label uses may include:

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What to Expect During Your NovaGenix Consultation

Unlike subcutaneous fat, excess visceral fat is linked to insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol levels, chronic inflammation, and a higher risk of heart disease and metabolic disorders. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Determining whether Tesamorelin therapy is appropriate begins with a comprehensive, personalized medical evaluation with Dr. Timothy W. Mackey, D.O.

Important: These uses are considered off-label, meaning they have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Physicians who prescribe Tesamorelin for off-label indications do so based on their clinical judgment, the available scientific evidence, and an individualized assessment of potential benefits and risks.

• Comprehensive Medical Review: Your physician evaluates your medical history, current medications, symptoms, laboratory findings, and specific health objectives.
• Patient Education & Administration: If treatment is recommended, patients receive clear guidance on self-administration, proper handling, and follow-up protocols.
• Ongoing Physician Supervision: Regular check-ins ensure that therapy remains safe, effective, and tailored to your evolving health needs.

Patients seeking medical weight management for other goals may also discuss FDA-approved options available through our weight loss programs.

Safety, Monitoring & Physician Supervision

Like all prescription medications, Tesamorelin should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Regular follow-up allows physicians to evaluate clinical response, monitor laboratory values (including IGF-1 when appropriate), assess for potential side effects, and ensure therapy continues to align with each patient’s individual health needs. Open communication between patient and physician remains one of the most important components of successful care.

• Reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in non-HIV patients with increased visceral adiposity.
• Body composition optimization, with the goal of decreasing visceral fat while helping preserve lean body mass.
• Metabolic health support in selected patients with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), although evidence is still evolving.
• Healthy aging and longevity programs, where some clinicians incorporate Tesamorelin into individualized treatment plans aimed at improving body composition and supporting growth hormone physiology.
• Performance and recovery optimization in select specialty practices, although robust clinical evidence for these uses remains limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tesamorelin FDA-approved?

Yes. Tesamorelin received FDA approval in November 2010 for the reduction of excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. It is marketed as Egrifta SV® and Egrifta WR® and remains the only medication approved in the United States for this specific indication.

How is Tesamorelin different from growth hormone injections?

Tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary gland to release the body’s own growth hormone rather than supplying growth hormone directly. Both approaches require laboratory monitoring, including IGF-1.

How much visceral fat reduction can patients expect?

In pooled Phase 3 data, the treatment effect on visceral adipose tissue was approximately 15.4% versus placebo over 26 weeks. Individual response varies, and changes are measured by imaging rather than scale weight.

What happens if I stop taking Tesamorelin?

Clinical data indicate that visceral fat tends to return toward baseline after treatment is discontinued. Ongoing therapy is generally needed to maintain the effect.

Can Tesamorelin be used for general weight loss or body composition?

No. Tesamorelin is not FDA-approved for weight loss, anti-aging, athletic performance, or general body composition.

Does Tesamorelin have to be injected at night?

No. The prescribing information does not require a specific time of day. Consistent daily timing is more important than the exact hour chosen.

What are the most common side effects?

Injection site reactions, joint pain, muscle aches, peripheral swelling, and changes related to IGF-1 or glucose metabolism are among the more commonly reported effects. Physicians monitor laboratory values during treatment.

How do I know whether I am a candidate?

Only a comprehensive medical evaluation can determine appropriateness. This includes review of medical history, medications, laboratory findings, and screening for contraindications.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is happy to answer questions about physician-guided Tesamorelin therapy and help determine whether an evaluation is appropriate for your individual health goals. Call or Text us at 561-277-8260 to speak with us.

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Ready to Learn Whether Tesamorelin Is Right for You?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Timothy W. Mackey, D.O. to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Every patient receives an individualized evaluation and personalized recommendations based on current medical evidence.

How to Schedule Your Consultation

If you are considering Tesamorelin therapy and would like to learn whether it may be appropriate for your individual health goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Timothy W. Mackey, D.O. and the NovaGenix team. During your visit you will receive a thorough medical evaluation, discuss your symptoms and treatment objectives, review available options, and receive personalized recommendations based on current medical evidence and your unique health profile. Click Here to contact us and deteremine if Tesamorelin is appropriate for you.

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"At NovaGenix, every treatment plan begins with a thorough medical evaluation. Our goal is to provide evidence-based, individualized care that prioritizes your long-term health, safety, and treatment goals."

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References

1. FDA Prescribing Information – Egrifta WR®
2. FDA Prescribing Information – Egrifta SV®
3. Endo Pharmaceuticals
4. Falutz J, et al. Phase III Clinical Trial.
5. Current HIV Lipodystrophy Treatment Guidelines.

Last medically reviewed: August 2026Reviewed by: Timothy W. Mackey, D.O., Medical Director, NovaGenix