Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide that mimics human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). It is approved for the treatment of excess abdominal fat in adult patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This condition is characterized by changes in body fat distribution, including visceral adiposity (accumulation of fat around internal organs), and can be a side effect of antiretroviral therapy (National Institutes of Health Clinical Center). Tesamorelin works by stimulating the natural production and release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Its structure is similar to naturally occurring GHRH, but with a modification that makes it more stable in the body, allowing for sustained action (DrugBank). It is administered via subcutaneous injection.
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Compound-pair rule
Caution
These do NOT oppose each other — both push the GH/IGF-1 axis the same direction. Tesamorelin raises your own GH and IGF-1; IGF-1 LR3 adds exogenous IGF-1. Stacking is redundant, risks overstimulation, and the added IGF-1 can suppress natural GH via feedback, partly working against the tesamorelin.
Same-axis redundancy, not synergy — don't stack without a clear reason and provider oversight.
Category rule: peptide × hormone
Note
Injectable peptides plus hormones can have overlapping or compounding effects that aren't always well characterized.
Track bloodwork with a provider; don't assume combinations are neutral.
Sources referenced
- DrugBank
- Examine.com
- FDA Prescribing Information (for Egrifta)
- MedlinePlus
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
- PubChem
- Cochrane Review
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the peptide category or studied for the same goals.
