Ross is a writer for Verywell with years of experience practicing pharmacy in various settings. She is also a board-certified clinical pharmacist and the founder of Off Script Consults.
Mary Choy, PharmD, is board-certified in geriatric pharmacotherapy and is an active leader in professional pharmacy associations.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't assigned any black box warnings to Egrifta SV.
Egrifta SV (tesamorelin ) is a prescription medication used to treat lipodystrophy (abnormal fat changes) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Egrifta SV is not a weight-loss medication and should not be used to treat obesity.
Egrifta SV is a growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF). It attaches to certain receptors (binding sites) of the pituitary gland in the brain. This attachment encourages the gland to make and release naturally-occurring growth hormone.
Growth hormone interacts with different receptors on numerous cells, including fat cells. Growth hormone may relieve HIV-related lipodystrophy symptoms by lowering the amount of fat in your body.
Egrifta SV is available as a powder. After it's mixed with sterile water, Egrifta SV is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
Brand Name(s): Egrifta SV
Therapeutic Classification: Growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF)
Administration Route: Subcutaneous (under the skin) injection
Dosage Form(s): Powder mixed with sterile water to turn into a solution
Egrifta SV is a prescription medication used to treat HIV-related lipodystrophy. Lipodystrophy is a condition of abnormal fat changes or fat distribution. Fat may build up in certain body areas and thin out in other body parts.
This condition might be due to the HIV infection or the medications used for HIV. The exact cause, however, isn't clearly understood. Compared to past HIV medications, there is a lower risk of lipodystrophy with the newer HIV medicine options. So, this side effect is less of a concern for people who are recently starting their HIV treatment.
HIV is a condition that affects around 1.4 million people in the United States (U.S.)—with more than 10% of them being unaware of their HIV status.
HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system (the body's defense system). If you have HIV, you might only experience flu-like symptoms during the first few weeks of infection. Without treatment, however, HIV can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection when your immune system is so weak that you may have trouble fighting off infections.
Carefully read the directions and packaging label on the containers. In general, however, keep the following information in mind.
The following are directions on how to prepare the Egrifta SV solution mixture:
After you prepared the Egrifta SV solution mixture, the following are additional steps to inject the medication.
When you receive Egrifta SV from the pharmacy, keep everything in the original boxes until you're ready to use the medication.
Protect Egrifta SV from light. Also, place Egrifta SV at 77 degrees Fahrenheit (F)—with a short-term safety storage range of 59 degrees to 86 degrees F. As for the sterile water vial, syringes, and needles, you can store these items between 68 degrees to 77 degrees F. Considering these temperatures, room temperature should usually be okay.
To be safe, you can use a locked cabinet or closet to keep your medication out of the reach of children and pets.
If you plan to travel with Egrifta SV, get familiar with your final destination's regulations. Checking with the U.S. embassy or consulate might be a helpful resource. In general, however, be sure to make a copy of your Egrifta SV prescription. If possible, keep your medication in its original container from your pharmacy with your name on the label. If you have any questions about traveling with your medicine, be sure to ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
You can also ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the best ways to dispose of your medications. The FDA's website is a potentially helpful resource to know where and how to discard all unused and expired drugs. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.
You may notice some improvement in your symptoms within six to seven months.
There's currently no off-label uses for Egrifta SV.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.
Common side effects of Egrifta SV may include:
Serious side effects and their symptoms may include:
Get medical help right away if you develop any of these serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Egirfta's long-term side effects are likely similar to many of the medication's severe side effects.
Egrifta SV may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your provider may send a report to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
The following modifications (changes) should be kept in mind when using Egrifta SV:
Severe allergic reaction: Avoid using Egrifta SV if you have a known allergy to it or any of its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you're unsure.
Pregnancy: Fat cells naturally go through changes during pregnancy. Affecting this process with Egrifta SV may lead to negative effects on the unborn fetus. Therefore, Egrifta SV isn't recommended during pregnancy.
Discuss with your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant or are pregnant. Your healthcare provider will help you weigh the benefits and risks of taking Egrifta SV during your pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: We don't know if Egrifta SV is present in human breast milk. We also don't know about the effects and safety of Egrifta SV on nursing infants.
Breastfeeding, however, isn't recommended to limit the chances of HIV passing onto an HIV-negative baby. Avoiding breastfeeding may also prevent treatment-resistant HIV in HIV-positive babies.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and harms of taking Egrifta SV while nursing. They can also discuss the different ways available to feed your baby.
Adults over 65: Clinical studies haven't included a large enough number of people in this age group to see whether they respond differently from younger adults.
Children: There is limited safety and effectiveness information about Egrifta SV in children. Egrifta SV may cause children to experience excessive growth in height.
Kidney or liver problems: Egrifta SV been studied in people with kidney or liver problems.
Critically ill people: If you develop a critical illness (e.g., severe lung condition, open-heart procedure, stomach surgery), your healthcare provider may discontinue Egirfta.
People with high IGF-1 levels: If you consistently have high IGF-1 levels while on Egifta, your healthcare provider may stop this treatment.
If you accidentally forgot your Egrifta SV dose, inject the medication as soon as you remember. If it's already close to your next scheduled dose, however, then skip the missed dose and inject Egrifta SV at your next scheduled dosing time. Don't try to double up to make up for the missed dose.
Try to find ways that work for you to help yourself remember to routinely keep your appointments and take your medication. If you miss too many doses, Egrifta SV might be less effective at treating your condition.
There is limited information available about Egrifta SV overdose.
If you think that you're experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, however, seek immediate medical attention.
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on Egrifta SV, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).
If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Egrifta SV, call 911 immediately.
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine may cause swelling (fluid retention) in some parts of your body. Check with your doctor right away if you have an increase in joint pain, numbness or tingling sensation in your hands or wrist.
Tesamorelin injection may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor if you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests.
Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, hives or welts, itching skin, redness of the skin, shortness of breath, or swelling of the face, lips, hands, or feet.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Before taking Egrifta SV, talk with your healthcare provider if any of the following applies to you.
Use caution when taking Egrifta SV with the following medications:
Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) medications: CYP450 is a family of proteins that are responsible for breaking down medications. Many of these proteins are located in the liver.
Egrifta SV works by encouraging the pituitary gland to make and release growth hormone (GH). GH may affect some CYP450 activity levels, which may affect how quickly other medications are broken down. As a result, your healthcare provider may need to adjust the doses of your other medications.
Steroids: Egrifta SV encourages the release of GH. GH can block steroids from turning into their active form, which is cortisol. Cortisol is a naturally-occurring hormone. Combining steroids with Egrifta SV may lower the effectiveness of steroids. Therefore, your healthcare provider may need to increase your steroid dose.
For more detailed information about medication interactions with Egrifta SV, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
And be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any other medicines that you take or plan to take, including over-the-counter, nonprescription products, vitamins, herbs, or plant-based medicines.
Presently, Egrifta SV is the only growth hormone release factor (GHRF) that's used to treat abnormal fat changes or distribution in people with HIV.
Egrifta SV isn't typically available at your local retail pharmacy. It's distribution is limited. Your healthcare provider may need to send an Egrifta SV prescription to a specialty pharmacy.
Egrifta SV is a specialty medication that doesn't have a generic version yet. It's also a biologic injection that's made from naturally-occurring sources, such as proteins. Therefore, chances are Egrifta SV is a costly medication.
If cost is a concern, Egrifta SV's manufacturer offers a copay assistance program. For eligibility questions, visit the Theratechnologies website or call 1-833-238-4372.
Other potentially helpful resources may also include RxAssist, NeedyMeds, Simplefill, BenefitsCheckUp, Medicare Rights Center, or State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP).
If you're missing any items from your Egrifta boxes, you can contact Theratechnologies at 1-833-238-4372. You can also reach out to the manufacturer if your mixed Egrifta solution is cloudy with discoloration and particles.
If you're taking Egrifta, chances are HIV-related lipodystrophy (abnormal fat changes) has been negatively affecting your quality of life. You may have tried different approaches or treatments. While living with HIV does have its challenges, there are ways to help improve your quality of life. Refer below for some general tips to support your health:
Verywell Health's drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.
Get information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment to better ensure a long and healthy life.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
Food and Drug Administration. Egrifta label.
HIV.gov. HIV and lipodystrophy.
Koethe JR, Lagathu C, Lake JE, et al. HIV and antiretroviral therapy-related fat alterations. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2020;6(48). doi:10.1038/s41572-020-0181-1
HIV.gov. U.S. statistics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About HIV.
Food and Drug Adminstration. About HIV and the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research's role.
HIV.gov. Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents living with HIV.
World Health Organization. HIV/AIDS.
Theratechnologies. Egrifta SV helpful resources.
Food and Drug Administration. Orange book: approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations.
Food and Drug Administration. What are "biologics" questions and answers.
Food and Drug Administration. Database of licensed biological products.
Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.
There was an error. Please try again.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.