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In addition to this condition, HIV-associated lipodystrophy is another potential consequence of HIV infection. It is a condition that involves abnormal fat distribution in several regions of the body. HIV-associated lipodystrophy is associated with lower serum levels of growth hormone (GH).
While a 100% cure for HIV is still under hunt, the symptoms of HIV can be managed to considerable levels. Tesamorelin, a peptide that triggers the secretion of growth hormone (GH), is often prescribed to people with deficiency of growth hormone (GH), particularly HIV patients.
In this review, I aim to give you an inside-out knowledge of tesamorelin therapy, such as how it works, the potential benefits and side effects, and will help you decide whether or not to use it.
Pros vs Cons Of Tesamorelin Pros[/b][/i]Triggers the release of growth hormone naturally
[/i]Helps in managing HIV-associated lipodystrophy
[/i]Releases IGF-1 without altering blood glucose levels
[/list]Cons[/b][/i]It needs to be taken continuously, otherwise, VAT starts accumulating again
[/i]It might increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases
[/i]It doesn’t help in weight loss
[/list] What Is Tesamorelin The hypothalamus, a portion of the brain that establishes a link between the endocrine and nervous system, releases a hormone called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). This hormone triggers the release of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary gland. [2]
Tesamorelin acetate, a synthetic peptide comprising 44 Amino acids, is analogous to the growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in structure and function both. [3]
However, the N-terminal portion of Amino acids that give any peptide its characteristic properties is slightly modified in tesamorelin compared to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) for improved stability and pharmacodynamics.
How Does Tesamorelin Work As tesamorelin mimics the action of a naturally occurring endogenous hormone, it also acts on specific target sites. Hence, the mechanism of action followed by tesamorelin is very specific.
Tesamorelin binds to the growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors (GHRHr) located in the anterior pituitary gland. This binding stimulates the somatotrophic cells in the pituitary gland to synthesize and secrete growth hormone (GH).
Growth hormone (GH) acts primarily on adipocytes (fat cells), hepatocytes (liver cells), myocytes (muscle cells), and osteoblasts (bone cells). [4]
To ensure the tesamorelin-induced release of growth hormone (GH) is within set limits, a negative feedback mechanism is initiated, so that serum growth hormone (GH) levels don’t overshoot.
As tesamorelin triggers the release of growth hormone (GH) naturally, it maintains homeostatic coordination between Hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Benefits Of Tesamorelin The primary purpose of tesamorelin is to increase the serum levels of growth hormone (GH). The other potential benefits of the tesamorelin therapy just come organically with it.
As discussed earlier, one of the major symptoms of HIV and antiretroviral medication is lipodystrophy. [5] It refers to either excessive build-up of fat in certain areas of the body, especially the abdominal region, or loss of normal body fat.
Clinical trials have shown a considerable reduction of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in patients suffering from HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Besides, tesamorelin also improved body composition measures by proving effective in reducing trunk fat, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. [6]
Tesamorelin is also seen to reduce the size of carotid-intima media size (cIMT). Hence, it reduces the progression of carotid atherosclerotic vascular disease.
These prospective benefits might help establish a link between tesamorelin therapy and reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Patients with lipodystrophy have lower serum levels of Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Tesamorelin administration triggers the production (IGF-1) from the hepatocytes. [7] IGF-7, without altering blood glucose levels, carries out the process of growth and inhibits the programmed cell death mechanism.
Tesamorelin reduces the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides by carrying out the process of lipolysis. Hence, lipid profiles improved in the people who were administered tesamorelin.
Additionally, tesamorelin was also seen to enhance the cognitive capacities of individuals over the age of 60, thereby delaying the decline in brain functioning. This is achieved as tesamorelin lowers the level of myo-inositol (MI), an osmolyte that triggers the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease. [8]
Is Tesamorelin Legal Owing to its effectiveness in treating patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, FDA has approved the use of tesamorelin. But you will still need a prescription from a medical practitioner to make a legal purchase of tesamorelin.
Who Should Use Tesamorelin Patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy should use tesamorelin to reduce the excessive abdominal fat that has been accumulated. It is imperative to mention that clinical trials showed a decrease in abdominal and deep belly fat in non-HIV individuals. [9]
Tesamorelin can also be used by people deficient in the normal serum levels of growth hormone (GH) as tesamorelin therapy induces its natural release from the pituitary gland.
It is very critical to note that tesamorelin should not be used for weight loss. [10]
How To Use Tesamorelin Tesamorelin injection comes in powder form that needs to be mixed with a liquid that comes alongside it. Also, make sure to have a check on tesamorelin liquid if it’s clear or not. In case of the slightest cloudiness or colored particle, you should discard them straight away.
After mixing it with the right amount of your dosage, use it straight away without any delays. Don’t store the injection after you have mixed it.
Tesamorelin is usually injected via the subcutaneous method. The most common regions of the body where it is injected are under the stomach’s skin or below the belly button.
Make sure to inject tesamorelin at different sites of the skin. Never pinch the needle at the same point twice in a row. Your doctor would educate you about the appropriate sites of administration.
You should make sure that your injection site is free of any bruises, scars, or injuries. Also, using a new syringe is a no-brainer at all!
Use each vial (glass container) of tesamorelin once only. Storing of unsealed vials should be done in the refrigerator but make sure not to freeze it.
Forms Of Tesamorelin Tesamorelin is only available in injectable forms. Each vial will have tesamorelin in powder form that will be mixed with the liquid that comes along.
The main reason why tesamorelin is only available in injectable forms is that hormone therapies are generally more effective when injected than oral intake. [11]
Besides, tesamorelin is not advisable to be stored after it is unsealed. This can be correlated to why it is not available in any of the oral forms.
Tesamorelin Dosage Since tesamorelin can be used for multiple reasons, the dosage guidelines differ for each purpose of intake.
The best way to decide your dosage is to consult a doctor who would give you the precise guidelines considering your medical condition, body size, age, etc.
But generally, adult patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy are advised to take 2mg of tesamorelin subcutaneously once in a day. [12]
To meet growth hormone (GH) deficiency in your children, consult your doctor for an effective prescription.
Tesamorelin Cycle The clinical trials observed across various groups of patients gave us considerable information about cycling guidelines.
Patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy were seen to experience a reduction in Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) but only as long as tesamorelin administration continued.
Once tesamorelin injection stopped and placebo was introduced, irregular fat distribution across several body regions was again seen.
Thus, experts conclude that tesamorelin should be taken 5 days per week for 2 months followed by a month off.
Also, the ideal time to inject tesamorelin is before bed to set up a natural timer.
Tesamorelin Stacking So far, not enough studies suggest that tesamorelin should be stacked with any other similar peptide. This is because peptides similar to tesamorelin, such as Ipamorelin, haven’t undergone human clinical trials yet.
But considering the more or less similar mechanism of action and the benefits, tesamorelin can be stacked with ipamorelin to achieve an optimum growth hormone (GH) release.
Tesamorelin Reviews As I started to read personal experiences of people using tesamorelin on a credible website, people had mixed opinions.
Here are some of the reviews I could find:
“Just finishing 2 months on Egrifta. 1st month not remarkable but at the 6 weeks mark I’m noticing a change. It seems as if the visceral fat has reduced and moving to sub-q fat. I’ve maintained the same diet, medication and workout schedule. Just about 7 lbs. weight loss but not sure it’s the Egrifta. Will check in at the 3-month mark.”
-Brainsbelly
“I have been on Egrifta for 14 months. It took 6 months before I noticed much. I am now pleased with the results and will continue to use the product.”
-Jack
“Body aches, nausea, but it is working. Not actual weight, but reducing belly fat”
-Steve
“I have been administering Egrifta now for 2 1/2 months, with absolutely no reduction of abdominal fat. I am a thin person with my abdominal fat causing me to be unable to close my buttons and zippers of my clothing. Then I heard of Egrifta thinking it was the answer. Wrong! No results, just a painful irritated, scar tissue in my abdomen now.”
-Mad
“I began the Egrifta Injection at 2 ml per day. I began feeling the fat soften with in the first week. I began the medication weighing 226.2lb and in less than 6 month I was weighted at 198.2lbs. Then my GH1 level shot up and within 2 weeks ever bit of the weight I had lost all returned plus. By the way once you begin taking this cover up drug, you’re on it the rest of your life or the fat returns.”
-Anonymous
Tesamorelin Side Effects Human clinical trials improve our understanding of the possible side effects of tesamorelin injection. Generally, there are just mild symptoms observed which diminish after continuous administration.
Sweating, redness/itching/rashness at the injection site, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea are a few of the adverse effects observed.
Increased hunger, frequent urination, a feeling of fatigue, and chest pain are some of the chronic side effects.
Where Can I Buy Tesamorelin As tesamorelin requires a prescription for legal purchase, it makes it relatively less available in pharmacies.
I suggest you buy tesamorelin from authentic stores like Swiss Chems and Behemoth Labz because of their genuine products and nominal prices.
Tesamorelin by Swiss Chems Their unique selling point is that tesamorelin is sold according to vials depending on the dosage guidelines of the user. Besides, a cashback offer will incline you to make a purchase!
Tesamorelin by Behemoth Labz They sell the powder form of tesamorelin in a range of concentrations from 5mg to 20mg. Besides personal use, if you want to buy tesamorelin for research purposes, Behemoth Labz should be your go-to store.
Pricing of Tesamorelin 2mg of tesamorelin vial will cost you around $13.25 at Swiss Chems after applying a cashback offer. As you buy more quantities of vials, an additional 2% discount is applied. This makes the purchase of tesamorelin a lot economical!
Prices at Behemoth Labz start at $70.48. As you increase the concentration from 5mg to 10mg to 20mg, prices may rise to as high as $227.98. You also get additional points which can compound over time for discount coupons.
Tesamorelin vs. Other Peptides Tesamorelin vs Ipamorelin What distinguishes both the peptides is the human clinical trials. Ipamorelin is yet to undergo human-based research. Although the result of both the peptides is more or less similar, there still exist differences in structure and mechanism of action.
Ipamorelin is just made up of 5 Amino acids. [13] Besides, it also puts a halt to the negative feedback mechanism by inhibiting somatostatin.
Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin Tesamorelin is better than sermorelin as it has a longer half-life and stimulates the pulsatile release of growth hormone (GH) from the somatotrophic cells.
Is Tesamorelin legit? The conclusive results from human-based clinical trials of tesamorelin distinguish it from other similar peptides from all dimensions.
I would recommend tesamorelin at any time of the day owing to its widespread benefits to HIV patients and meeting the deficiency of serum levels of growth hormone (GH).
I believe a bit more research of tesamorelin linked with minimizing the development of cardiovascular diseases can make it more acceptable in the eyes of the potential audience.
Tesamorelin FAQ’s How long does it take for tesamorelin to work? The human-based clinical trials suggest that the effect appears after three months, increases at six months, and is sustained for 12 months.
Is tesamorelin legal? Yes, it was legalized in 2010.
How much bacteriostatic water do you mix with tesamorelin? Use only the diluent provided, Sterile Water for Injection, USP, 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.
What time should I take tesamorelin? The ideal time is before bed because it helps set a natural rhythm to trigger the release of growth hormone (GH).
Is tesamorelin a steroid? No, it is a peptide.
References See all references
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