Dosage Guide
Tesamorelin dosing examples from 1–2 mg, the 2 mg daily research dose, and mixing calculations for a 10 mg vial. Trial evidence and personal cycling are explained separately below.
Free Download – The #1 Reference Guide
The Ultimate Peptide Blueprint
Reconstitute
3.0mL bacteriostatic water
10 mg vial: 3.33 mg/mL
Daily Range
Once-daily examples; 2 mg daily in major trials
Storage
Lyophilized: Freeze at−20 °C (−4 °F)
After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within 1–2 weeks.
Free Download
Want the Complete Stack?
Tesamorelin, also known by its FDA-approved brand name Egrifta, is a synthetic peptide designed to mimic the body’s natural growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). Its primary function is to stimulate the pituitary gland to increase the release of growth hormone, a key regulator of metabolic activity, fat distribution, and overall physiological balance.
Tesamorelin was originally approved for the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by excess accumulation of abdominal fat. Since then, it has drawn broader research interest due to its targeted effects on visceral fat, the metabolically active fat stored around internal organs that is closely linked to cardiometabolic risk.
Because of this selective action, Tesamorelin continues to be studied for its role in body composition, metabolic regulation, and hormone-mediated pathways beyond its initial clinical indication.
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing.
1 mg example
Daily Dose: 1 MG (1,000 mcg)
30 U-100 units = 0.30 mL
2 mg example
60 U-100 units = 0.60 mL
Important
The example range is 1–2 mg once daily. The 2 mg trial dose and personal cycling schedule have different evidence behind them.
Keep the example dose, clinical research, and personal cycle separate.
Free Download – Complete Peptide Reference
The Ultimate Peptide Blueprint
Tesamorelin functions by closely replicating the body’s own growth hormone–releasing hormone (GHRH). After administration, it binds to GHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, signaling the release of endogenous growth hormone (GH).
Once GH enters circulation, it prompts the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 plays a central role in regulating tissue growth, metabolic activity, and fat utilization. This downstream cascade is what makes Tesamorelin particularly effective in research related to visceral fat reduction while helping preserve lean tissue.
Unlike short-acting compounds that cause brief spikes in growth hormone, Tesamorelin provides a sustained signaling effect. This longer duration leads to more stable GH and IGF-1 levels over time, which has been associated in studies with improved metabolic markers and, in some cases, enhanced recovery and sleep quality.
Rather than delivering a sudden surge, Tesamorelin offers a steady hormonal signal—an approach that supports more gradual, consistent, and potentially sustainable outcomes.
The example range used in this guide is 1–2 mg (1,000–2,000 mcg) once daily. This example range is not a general FDA-approved dosing recommendation.
My Tesamorelin Substack article explains that the major trials used 2 mg once daily by subcutaneous injection for 26 weeks, with some participants continuing to 52 weeks. Those trials involved people with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. I also describe 12 weeks on and 12 weeks off as my personal approach; that cycle has not been tested against continuous use in a clinical trial.
Formulation matters: prescription EGRIFTA products have their own labeled doses and preparation instructions. EGRIFTA WR is labeled at 1.28 mg daily, and WR and SV are not substitutable. The 10 mg vial calculations here are not instructions for preparing either prescription product. See the FDA prescribing information.
1 mg = 1,000 mcg. In the calculation example of a 10 mg vial mixed with 3.0 mL, this is 0.30 mL, or 30 units on a U-100 scale.
This is the lower end of the example range used on this page. It is not a required first week or a step that must come before the 2 mg example.
The major tesamorelin trials discussed in my Substack article used 2 mg once daily by subcutaneous injection. The study population had HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
2 mg = 2,000 mcg. For the 10 mg / 3.0 mL calculation example, that is 0.60 mL, or 60 units on a U-100 scale. This is a calculation example, not a substitute for a prescription product’s own directions.
In my Substack article, I describe 12 weeks on followed by 12 weeks off as my personal approach.
The major trials used daily treatment for 26 weeks, with some participants continuing to 52 weeks. My cycle has not been shown in a clinical trial to be better than continued use. The studies do not establish the best cycle for otherwise healthy people using tesamorelin for body composition.
Tesamorelin is generally well tolerated when dosing is approached thoughtfully and monitored consistently.
Best practices include:
In my Substack article, I describe 12 weeks on followed by 12 weeks off as a personal approach. The clinical trials studied daily treatment over 26 weeks, with some participants continuing to 52 weeks. Cycling has not been shown to work better than continued treatment in otherwise healthy people, and a break should not be presented as a proven physiological “reset.”
Although uncommon, certain effects warrant closer attention.
Tesamorelin can increase insulin resistance in some individuals. That means blood sugar can rise even if you are following the same diet and activity plan.
Why this happens, in plain terms:
How to monitor and what to do:
Note: If fasting glucose climbs into the diabetic range (above 125 mg/dL) or HbA1c reaches 6.5% or higher, stop the protocol immediately and consult a clinician. It may also be wise to pause earlier if you see steady increases or symptoms like excessive thirst or frequent urination. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, talk to your doctor before using Tesamorelin.
Growth hormone activity can sometimes cause the body to hold on to extra salt and water. People with heart failure, kidney disease, or poorly controlled blood pressure are more likely to notice this.
What to watch for:
If you see these signs, stop dosing and seek medical evaluation. Keep a weekly weight log while on treatment so you can spot sudden changes early.
Because Tesamorelin stimulates the pituitary gland, people with known pituitary tumors or prior pituitary surgery could be at higher risk for changes in pituitary function or pressure.
Red flags to stop immediately and seek urgent care:
If you have a known pituitary condition, discuss risks with a specialist before starting Tesamorelin.
Important
Joe Mars
Founder, The Peptide Report
I’m Joe Mars, and I’ve dedicated the past ten years to understanding peptide therapy, longevity, and how to optimize the body through practical, real-life testing. My journey started when I was tired, inflamed, and aging faster than I should have been. Clear information on peptides was almost impossible to find, so I dug in, researched nonstop, and tested protocols on myself.
Over the years, I have learned from experts like Jay Campbell, Dr. Seeds, Jim LaValle, and Ben Greenfield, and I have completely transformed my health. Now in my fifties, I feel stronger and sharper than I did in my twenties. That experience is why I write. I want to give people simple and honest guidance so they can use peptides safely and effectively.
I believe in data, smart protocols, and taking responsibility for your own health. You are the protocol. Your habits, your consistency, and your awareness shape your results. Through The Peptide Report, I share what actually works so you can make informed decisions and build a healthier, more resilient body.
Instant e-Book Download
