Introduction
Formula: C216H360N72O63S
Structure: Unk-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Arg-Gly-Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu-NH2
Molecular Weight: 5136 g/mol
Tesamorelin is a modified compound based on 44 amino acids sequence of human Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone.
Tesamorelin is a synthetic peptide analogue of the hypothalamic peptide,(GHRH) specified for the decrease of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy is a metabolic condition characterized by insulin resistance, fat redistribution, and hyperlipidemia associated with antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection.
Usage
Tesamorelin is used to reduce the amount of extra fat in the stomach area in adults with HIV who have shifts in the way body fat is distributed. Tesamorelin is not used to help with weight loss and should not be used to treat obesity.
Patients should not use Tesamorelin if they have the following conditions: cancer, a pituitary gland disorder or history of pituitary gland tumors, previous head injury or radiation treatment, or are currently pregnant.
Mechanism of Action
Tesamorelin works by causing the body to produce larger amounts of growth hormone. Tesamorelin acts on the pituitary cells in the brain by stimulating production and releasing the endogenous hormone (hGRF). Through the stimulation of growth hormone secretion, Tesamorelin also increases the levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3.
Administration
Mode of Administration: Subcutaneous injection to a fleshy part of the body, typically to the stomach or abdominal area.
Before administering Tesamorelin, always be sure to use a clean and sterile syringe.
- Hold the Tesamorelin vial upright and insert the syringe in the center of the cap.
- Draw the plunger until you have the correct amount (see ‘Dosage’ below) in the syringe and carefully remove it.
- Before administering the syringe, use alcohol to cleanse the area of skin.
- Pinch the skin around the area to be injected, leave about 2 cm on each side.
- Hold the syringe at a 90 degree angle to your skin and swiftly insert the syringe.
- Depress the plunger fully, until the syringe is empty, and carefully draw out.
Dosage
Dosage Amount:1mg (1000mcg) - 2mg (2000mcg) daily
This dosage is for adults with HIV-infected lipodystrophy.
Dosage Frequency: Once Daily
Side Effects
Although there are typically very mild side effects, if any, of Tesamorelin, the following may occur: redness, itching, pain and bruising at the injection site, muscle ache, depression, insomnia, rash or itching, night sweats, nausea and/or vomiting.
Benefits
- Increase of natural human growth hormone production
- Increase of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3
- Reduction of triglycerides
- Increase of protein synthesis
- Decrease of visceral adipose tissue
- Improvement of cognition in adults over the age of 60
- Reduction c-reactive protein
- Decrease of abdominal fat