Growth Hormone Protocol
TesamorelinComplete Dosing & Administration Guide
The only FDA-approved peptide specifically designed to melt away stubborn belly fat by telling your brain to release more growth hormone naturally—working with your body's own systems rather than replacing them.
Dose Range
1-2mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
12+ weeks
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
1 mg
Some practitioners start at the lower approved dose to assess tolerance before increasing. The standard FDA-approved dose is 2mg, but starting lower allows you to monitor for side effects like injection site reactions or joint discomfort.
Standard Dose
2 mg (or 1.4 mg Egrifta SV)
This is the FDA-approved dose shown effective in large Phase 3 trials. Clinical studies showed significant visceral fat reduction at 26 weeks with continued benefits at 52 weeks. Note: Egrifta SV uses a 1.4mg dose which is bioequivalent to the original 2mg formulation.
Advanced Dose
2 mg
Long-term use beyond the initial 26 weeks has been studied and shows maintained benefits. However, stopping treatment causes visceral fat to return. Many users continue indefinitely with periodic monitoring. Extended use requires regular IGF-1 and glucose monitoring.
Timing
Best time to take
Inject in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating. This aligns with your natural cortisol awakening response and may optimize growth hormone release patterns.
With food?
Do NOT inject with food. Tesamorelin should be given on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. Wait at least 30 minutes after injection before eating breakfast.
If stacking
If using with other growth hormone secretagogues, separate injections by several hours. Some practitioners alternate between tesamorelin and other GHRH peptides rather than using them the same day. Never combine with exogenous GH—choose one or the other.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've been on the starting dose for 4+ weeks with no issues
- +IGF-1 levels haven't increased meaningfully on lower doses
- +Your physician recommends the standard FDA-approved dose
Decrease if
- -You experience significant joint pain or swelling
- -Blood glucose levels rise substantially
- -Fluid retention becomes uncomfortable
- -Injection site reactions are severe or persistent
Signs of right dose
- ✓Measurable reduction in waist circumference over 3-6 months
- ✓Improved triglyceride levels on blood work
- ✓IGF-1 levels in the upper normal range
- ✓Better body image and reduced belly appearance distress
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Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Tesamorelin powder vial
- •Sterile water for injection (provided with prescription products)
- •Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge, 1/2 inch needle)
- •Alcohol swabs
- •Sharps disposal container
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin into fatty tissue)—this is the only approved administration route
Best sites
- •Abdomen (2 inches away from belly button)—the most common site
- •Front or outer thigh
- •Rotate sites to prevent lipodystrophy at injection locations
Technique
- 1.Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let dry completely
- 3.Pinch a fold of skin between thumb and forefinger
- 4.Insert needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle (90 for more tissue, 45 for lean individuals)
- 5.Inject slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
- 6.Wait 5 seconds before withdrawing the needle
- 7.Do not rub the injection site afterward
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Tesamorelin has a strong safety profile backed by FDA approval and multiple large Phase 3 clinical trials involving over 800 patients. The most common issues are injection site reactions and the typical side effects of elevated growth hormone (joint pain, fluid retention). Glucose metabolism should be monitored as some patients experience increased blood sugar. Long-term cardiovascular safety data is still being collected, which is why the FDA recommends reassessing treatment if visceral fat doesn't reduce.
Safety data comes from well-designed, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials published in peer-reviewed journals and reviewed by the FDA. Studies extended up to 52 weeks with safety monitoring. This represents some of the strongest evidence available for any peptide therapy.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site reactions
Redness, itching, pain, swelling, or bruising where you inject. This is the most frequently reported side effect, affecting up to 25-30% of users.
Management: Rotate injection sites between left and right abdomen. Make sure the solution reaches room temperature before injecting. Apply a cool compress if needed. Most reactions resolve within a day or two.
Joint pain (arthralgia)
Aching in joints, particularly knees, hips, or hands. This happens because increased growth hormone affects your connective tissues.
Management: Often improves after the first few weeks as your body adjusts. Stay well-hydrated. If severe, discuss dose adjustment with your doctor. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
Muscle pain (myalgia)
General muscle aches or soreness, similar to what you might feel after exercise.
Management: Usually mild and transient. Gentle stretching and staying active can help. Should improve within the first month of treatment.
Peripheral edema
Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles due to fluid retention—a known effect of growth hormone.
Management: Usually mild. Reduce salt intake and stay active. Elevate feet when resting. If swelling is significant or affects breathing, contact your doctor immediately.
Less Common
- •Carpal tunnel symptoms
- •Elevated blood glucose
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe allergic reaction occurs—stop immediately and seek emergency care
- ×Visceral fat has not decreased after 3 months of treatment (per FDA guidance)
- ×Blood glucose becomes uncontrolled despite adjustments
- ×Development of new or worsening malignancy
- ×Pregnancy occurs or is planned
- ×Intolerable side effects that don't resolve with dose adjustment
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved prescription medication that should only be used under physician supervision. Never start, stop, or adjust your dose without consulting your prescribing healthcare provider. This information is educational and does not constitute medical advice.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Similar mechanism (GHRH pathway). Can be used together but may be redundant. Some practitioners alternate rather than combine.
- ✓Works on different receptor (GHRP). Can complement tesamorelin for enhanced GH release. Use at different times of day.
- ✓Very similar mechanism (also GHRH analog). Generally not used together—choose one or the other.
- ✓Different mechanism entirely (healing peptide). Safe to use together if addressing different goals.
With medications
- !Insulin - Tesamorelin can increase blood glucose, potentially requiring insulin dose adjustments. Monitor closely.
- !Oral diabetes medications - May need dose adjustment as tesamorelin affects glucose metabolism. Work with your endocrinologist.
- ✓Glucocorticoids (prednisone, etc.) - Steroids may reduce tesamorelin's effectiveness and counteract fat reduction benefits.
- !Growth hormone - Do not combine. Using both would be redundant and could cause excessive GH effects.
With supplements
- ✓Arginine - May have additive GH-releasing effects. Generally safe but probably unnecessary with tesamorelin.
- ✓Glucose disposal agents (berberine, etc.) - May help counteract tesamorelin's glucose-raising effects. Discuss with your doctor.
- ✓Fish oil - Safe to combine. May complement the triglyceride-lowering effects of tesamorelin.
- ✓Chromium - Safe. May help with blood sugar regulation.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete Tesamorelin research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
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