Tesamorelin
Also sold as: Egrifta
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Drug Information
Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action In vitro, tesamorelin binds and stimulates human GRF receptors with similar potency as the endogenous GRF [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF), also known as growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), is a hypothalamic peptide that acts on the pituitary somatotroph cells to stimulate the synthesis and pulsatile release of endogenous growth hormone (GH), which is both anabolic and lipolytic. GH exerts its effects by interacting with specific receptors on a variety of target cells, including chondrocytes, osteoblasts, myocytes, hepatocytes, and adipocytes, resulting in a host of pharmacodynamic effects. Some, but not all these effects, are primarily mediated by IGF-1 produced in the liver and in peripheral tissues.
Indications & Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE EGRIFTA SV is indicated for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy. Limitations of Use: Long-term cardiovascular safety of EGRIFTA SV has not been established. Consider risk/benefit of continuation of treatment in patients who have not had a reduction in visceral adipose tissue. EGRIFTA SV is not indicated for weight loss management as it has a weight neutral effect. There are no data to support improved compliance with anti-retroviral therapies in HIV-positive patients taking EGRIFTA SV. EGRIFTA SV is a growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF) analog indicated for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy. ( 1 ) Limitations of use: Long-term cardiovascular safety of EGRIFTA SV has not been established. ( 1 ) Not indicated for weight loss management. ( 1 ) There are no data to support improved compliance with anti-retroviral therapies in HIV-positive patients taking EGRIFTA SV. ( 1 )
Dosage & Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommendations in this prescribing information only apply to EGRIFTA SV (tesamorelin) for injection 2 mg per vial formulation. For recommendations for tesamorelin for injection 1 mg per vial formulation, see the EGRIFTA prescribing information. These two formulations and strengths have differences in the dosage, the number of vials required to prepare a dose, reconstitution instructions, and storage requirements. ( 2.1 ). The dose of EGRIFTA SV is 1.4 mg (0.35 mL of the reconstituted solution) injected subcutaneously once daily. ( 2.1 ) Inject EGRIFTA SV into the abdomen, rotating injection sites. ( 2.1 , 5.6 ) Use only the diluent provided, Sterile Water for Injection, to reconstitute EGRIFTA SV. ( 2.2 ) Reconstitute one vial of lyophilized powder with 0.5 mL of diluent. Mix by rolling the vial gently in your hands for 30 seconds. Do not shake. ( 2.2 ) Inspect the reconstituted vial visually for particulate matter and discoloration. Use only if the solution is clear, colorless and without particulate matter. ( 2.2 ) Administer 0.35 mL of EGRIFTA SV immediately following reconstitution and throw away any unused solution and diluent. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Dosage and Administration • The dosage and administration recommendations in this prescribing information only apply to EGRIFTA SV (tesamorelin) for injection 2 mg per vial formulation. For dosage and administration recommendations for tesamorelin for injection 1 mg per vial formulation, see the EGRIFTA prescribing information. These two formulations and strengths have differences in the dosage, the number of vials required to prepare a dose, reconstitution instructions, and storage requirements. • The dose of EGRIFTA SV is 1.4 mg, 0.35 mL of the reconstituted solution [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] , injected subcutaneously once daily. • Inject EGRIFTA SV into the abdomen. Rotate injection sites to different areas of the abdomen [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Do not inject into scar tissue, bruises or the navel. 2.2 Reconstitution Procedure • Instruct patients to read the Instructions for Use enclosed in the EGRIFTA SV Medication Box. • Use only the diluent provided, Sterile Water for Injection, to reconstitute EGRIFTA SV. • Reconstitute 1 vial of EGRIFTA SV lyophilized powder with 0.5 mL of diluent (2 mg per 0.5 mL). Mix by rolling the vial gently in your hands for 30 seconds. Do not shake. • Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Use only if the solution is clear, colorless and without particulate matter. • Administer 0.35 mL of EGRIFTA SV immediately following reconstitution and throw away any unused solution and diluent. If not used immediately, discard the reconstituted solution. Do not freeze or refrigerate the reconstituted solution.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling: Increased risk of neoplasms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Elevated IGF-1 levels [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Fluid retention [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Injection site reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Most commonly reported adverse reactions (>5%): Arthralgia, injection site erythema, injection site pruritus, pain in extremity, peripheral edema, and myalgia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact THERA patient support ® toll free at 1-833-23THERA (1-833-238-4372) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of EGRIFTA SV (2 mg/vial formulation) has been established based on clinical trials conducted with EGRIFTA (1 mg/vial formulation). Adverse reactions for the 1.4 mg dose (2 mg/vial formulation) of EGRIFTA SV are expected to be similar to those observed with the 2 mg dose (1 mg/vial formulation) of EGRIFTA [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Seven hundred and forty (740) HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat were treated with EGRIFTA in clinical trials; of these, 543 received EGRIFTA during the initial 26-week placebo-controlled phase. The most commonly reported adverse reactions were hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, urticaria), edema-related reactions (e.g., arthralgia, extremity pain, peripheral edema, and carpal tunnel syndrome), hyperglycemia, and injection site reactions (injection site erythema, pruritus, pain, urticaria, irritation, swelling, and hemorrhage). Adverse reactions that occurred more frequently with EGRIFTA relative to placebo and had an incidence ≥1% during the first 26 weeks across all studies are presented in Table 1 . Table 1. Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥ 1% and More Frequent in EGRIFTA –treated than Placebo Patients during the 26-Week Phase (Combined Studies) * Injection site reaction includes: Injection site erythema, Injection site pruritus, Injection site rash, Injection site urticaria, Injection site pain, Injection site swelling, Injection site irritation, Injection site hemorrhage. Preferred Term Placebo (N=263) EGRIFTA (N=543) Injection site reaction* Arthralgia Pain in extremity Myalgia Edema peripheral Paresthesia Hypoesthesia Rash Dyspepsia Musculoskeletal pain Pain Pruritus Vomiting Musculoskeletal stiffness Blood creatine phosphokinase increased Carpal tunnel syndrome Joint swelling Muscle strain Night sweats Palpitations 6 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 13 6 6 6 5 4 4 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 In the EGRIFTA clinical trials, mean baseline HbA 1c was 5.3% among patients in both the EGRIFTA and placebo groups. Patients receiving EGRIFTA had an increased risk of developing diabetes (HbA 1c level ≥ 6.5%) compared with placebo (5% vs. 1%), with a hazard ratio of 3.3 (CI 1.4, 9.6).
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Cytochrome P450-metabolized drugs : Monitor patients for potential interactions when administering with EGRIFTA SV . ( 7.1 ) Glucocorticoids : Patients receiving glucocorticoid replacement for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in maintenance or stress doses following initiation of EGRIFTA SV. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Cytochrome P450-Metabolized Drugs Co-administration of tesamorelin with simvastatin, a CYP3A substrate had no significant impact on the pharmacokinetics profiles of simvastatin in healthy subjects [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . EGRIFTA SV stimulates GH production. Published data indicate that GH may modulate cytochrome P450 (CYP450) mediated antipyrine clearance. These data suggest that GH may alter the clearance of compounds known to be metabolized by CYP450 liver enzymes (e.g., corticosteroids, sex steroids, anticonvulsants, and cyclosporine). Monitor patients for potential interactions when administering EGRIFTA SV in combination with other drugs known to be metabolized by CYP450 liver enzymes. 7.2 Glucocorticoids GH inhibits 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD-1), a microsomal enzyme required for conversion of cortisone to its active metabolite, cortisol, in hepatic and adipose tissue. EGRIFTA SV stimulates GH production; therefore, patients receiving glucocorticoid replacement for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in maintenance or stress doses following initiation of EGRIFTA SV. Patients treated with cortisone acetate and prednisone may be affected more than others because conversion of these drugs to their biologically active metabolites is dependent on the activity of 11βHSD-1.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS EGRIFTA SV is contraindicated in: Patients with disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis ( 4 ) Patients with active malignancy ( 4 ) Patients with known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or excipients in EGRIFTA SV ( 4 ) Pregnancy ( 4 ) EGRIFTA SV is contraindicated in: Patients with disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis due to hypophysectomy, hypopituitarism, pituitary tumor/surgery, head irradiation or head trauma. Patients with active malignancy. Any preexisting malignancy should be inactive and its treatment complete prior to instituting therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Patients with known hypersensitivity to tesamorelin or the excipients in EGRIFTA SV [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. Pregnant women because modifying visceral adipose tissue offers no benefit in a pregnant woman and could result in fetal harm [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )].
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Data sourced from RxNorm (NLM/NIH), FDA Orange Book, OpenFDA, DailyMed. Last updated: 2026-03-02.