Tesamorelin brand name is Egrifta, also sold as Egrifta SV in the US. Learn what it's approved for, how it compares to other peptides, and key safety facts.
The brand name for tesamorelin in the United States is Egrifta, and a newer version of the same drug is sold as Egrifta SV. Tesamorelin is the generic, nonproprietary name of the active ingredient, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog. Both products are prescription-only and FDA-approved for one specific medical condition, not for general weight loss.
Egrifta and Egrifta SV: The Two Tesamorelin Brand Names
Egrifta was the first brand name approved for tesamorelin, and it remains the name most people recognize. It is manufactured by Theratechnologies, a biopharmaceutical company. Egrifta SV came later as a simplified, single-vial formulation that cut down the number of preparation steps before an injection.
Both versions contain the same active drug, tesamorelin. The main difference is packaging and reconstitution, not the way the drug behaves in the body. The letters SV stand for single vial.
| Feature | Egrifta | Egrifta SV |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Tesamorelin | Tesamorelin |
| Form | Lyophilized powder with diluent | Single-vial formulation |
| Reconstitution steps | Multiple vials and steps | Fewer steps |
| Prescription status | Prescription only | Prescription only |
| Approved indication | HIV-associated lipodystrophy | HIV-associated lipodystrophy |
What Tesamorelin (Egrifta) Is Approved For
Egrifta is FDA-approved to reduce excess visceral abdominal fat in adults living with HIV who have lipodystrophy. Visceral fat is the deep fat that surrounds internal organs, and it is linked to cardiovascular and metabolic risk. The drug is used alongside diet and exercise, not as a replacement for either.
Tesamorelin is not approved for weight loss, bodybuilding, anti-aging, or cosmetic fat reduction. Any use outside the labeled HIV lipodystrophy indication is considered off-label. Off-label prescribing is legal when a licensed clinician decides it is appropriate, but it is not the same as FDA approval.
Tesamorelin vs. Other Peptides: How Egrifta Compares
People researching tesamorelin often compare it with other growth hormone-related peptides. These compounds are not interchangeable, and they differ in approval status, half-life, and effects. If you are also looking into metabolic drugs, you may already know the tirzepatide brand name or the retatrutide brand name, which belong to entirely different drug classes.
| Compound | Main mechanism | FDA-approved brand | Common research or medical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesamorelin | GHRH analog | Yes (Egrifta, Egrifta SV) | HIV-associated visceral fat |
| Sermorelin | GHRH analog | No (legacy product, discontinued) | Growth hormone stimulation research |
| CJC-1295 | GHRH analog | No | GH and IGF-1 research |
| Ipamorelin | Ghrelin receptor agonist | No | GH secretion research |
| AOD-9604 | HGH fragment | No | Fat metabolism research |
For a side-by-side breakdown, see tesamorelin vs sermorelin vs cjc-1295. A frequent question is can you take cjc-1295 and tesamorelin together, since both act on the growth hormone axis and could theoretically overlap. Researchers also examine aod 9604 with tesamorelin in fat-metabolism experiments.
None of these peptides are approved for over-the-counter sale for human use. Buying them from unregulated online vendors carries real risks, including unknown purity, incorrect dosing, and contamination.
Is There a Generic Version of Egrifta?
Tesamorelin is the generic name and Egrifta is the brand name, so a true generic would simply be called tesamorelin for injection. Availability can vary by pharmacy, so the most reliable way to check is to ask a pharmacist or your insurance provider directly.
Compounded tesamorelin is a separate category from a generic drug. Compounded products are not FDA-approved, even when they contain the same active ingredient. The FDA has warned that some compounded peptides sold online are unapproved, incorrectly dosed, or contaminated.
Safety, Side Effects, and Legal Status
Egrifta is a prescription injectable that requires a diagnosis and ongoing medical supervision. Common side effects include injection-site reactions, joint pain, muscle pain, swelling, and nausea. Tesamorelin can also affect blood sugar and IGF-1 levels, so lab monitoring is often needed.
Serious risks include hypersensitivity reactions and changes in glucose tolerance in some patients. Tesamorelin is contraindicated during pregnancy and in people with certain cancers or pituitary conditions. Anyone considering it should talk with a healthcare professional about their full medical history and other medications.
In the United States, tesamorelin cannot legally be sold as a dietary supplement or as a research chemical intended for human consumption. Products labeled for research use only are not meant for people, and their sterility and potency are not guaranteed.
Questions to Ask Before Using Egrifta
- Do I have the specific diagnosis Egrifta is approved to treat?
- What benefits should I expect, and how long until they appear?
- How will my blood sugar and IGF-1 levels be monitored?
- Which side effects should prompt me to call you right away?
- Is a generic version or an alternative treatment better for my insurance coverage?
The tesamorelin brand name is simple to remember, but the decision to use it belongs with a licensed clinician who knows your history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the brand name for tesamorelin?
The brand name for tesamorelin in the United States is Egrifta, and a newer formulation is sold as Egrifta SV. Tesamorelin is the generic name of the active ingredient. Both products are prescription-only injectables made by Theratechnologies.
Is Egrifta the same as tesamorelin?
Yes. Egrifta and Egrifta SV contain tesamorelin as their active ingredient. The difference between the two brand names is mainly the packaging and reconstitution process, not the drug itself.
Is tesamorelin FDA-approved for weight loss?
No. Tesamorelin is FDA-approved only for reducing excess visceral abdominal fat in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, used together with diet and exercise. It is not approved for weight loss, bodybuilding, or cosmetic use, and off-label use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
This page provides educational research information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.