Powered By
Egrifta (tesamorelin), available as Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR, is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy.
These insights are based on 51 comments about Egrifta from myHIVteam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Benefits:
Considerations:
Egrifta is a type of medicine called a growth hormone-releasing factor analog. It attaches to growth hormone-releasing factor receptors and helps the body release more of its own growth hormone.
Doctors prescribe Egrifta when adults with HIV have lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat. Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR are not used to treat HIV itself.
Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR contain the same medicine, but they come in different strengths and have different doses, mixing instructions, and storage requirements. They are not substitutable.
Both forms are injected under the skin of the abdomen once daily. The injection site should be changed each day. Do not inject into scar tissue, bruises, or the belly button.
A healthcare provider should show you how to prepare and inject Egrifta correctly.
Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR are prepared and stored differently, so follow the instructions for the exact product you were prescribed.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 51 comments about Egrifta from myHIVteam members.
Members who use Egrifta often say it helps to set realistic expectations, since changes may take months and results can vary. They also encourage staying in close touch with your doctor about side effects, insurance issues, and whether the treatment is a good fit for your goals.
Be patient. Results may take time.
“I started EGRIFTA SV last month. They say should see improvement starting after four months. We’ll see.”
Talk to your doctor if Egrifta is not helping.
“I used Egrifta for about a year and a half with no change.”
Ask your doctor whether Egrifta fits your overall plan.
“Ask your doctor about Egrifta. It has helped me with my hard belly fat.”
Connect with others who understand life with HIV. Join myHIVteam for free.
In clinical studies of Egrifta for reducing excess abdominal fat in adults with HIV who have lipodystrophy, the most common side effects occurred in about 5 percent to 17 percent of people. These include:
Egrifta can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Theratechnologies, the manufacturer of Egrifta, offers the THERA patient support program. Eligible people with private or commercial insurance may be able to lower their out-of-pocket costs through a THERA Co-Pay Assistance Program. People with government insurance or no insurance can also receive information about financial-assistance options.
The THERA Patient Assistance Program offers qualifying people THERA medications at no cost.
The THERA patient support program also offers insurance coverage verification, prior authorization and appeals support, and injection training and one-on-one support from THERA Nurse Navigators.
To learn more, visit THERA patient support or call 833-238-4372.
Before starting Egrifta, your doctor will check your blood sugar. Your blood sugar should also be monitored while you are using Egrifta.
Before using Egrifta, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not use Egrifta if you have certain problems involving the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, such as:
Do not use Egrifta if you have active cancer. If you had cancer in the past, it should be inactive and treatment should be complete before you start Egrifta.
Do not use Egrifta if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Egrifta, stop using it and contact your doctor.
Do not breastfeed while receiving Egrifta. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Egrifta at reducing excess abdominal fat?
Egrifta was studied in adults with HIV who had lipodystrophy and excess abdominal fat. In two studies lasting 26 weeks, people who received tesamorelin had greater reductions in visceral abdominal fat than people who received a placebo (an inactive treatment). Visceral fat is fat stored deep inside the abdomen around the organs.
In one study, visceral abdominal fat decreased by 18 percent with tesamorelin, compared with a 2 percent increase with placebo. In the other study, visceral abdominal fat decreased by 14 percent with tesamorelin, compared with a 2 percent decrease with placebo.
Waist size also decreased more with tesamorelin. At week 26, the difference compared with placebo was about 2 centimeters in one study and 1 centimeter in the other.
In the extension phase of the studies, people who stopped tesamorelin after 26 weeks regained some visceral abdominal fat. People who continued treatment generally maintained their reduction through week 52.
How long does Egrifta take to work?
The main studies measured the reduction in visceral abdominal fat after 26 weeks of treatment. The studies also followed visceral fat at other times, including week 13, but they do not show exactly how soon a person should expect Egrifta to work. If treatment is stopped, visceral abdominal fat may increase again.
Does Egrifta interact with other medicines?
Yes. Egrifta may interact with some medicines. Tell your doctor about everything you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Egrifta may affect how the body processes certain medicines, including:
If you take steroid medicines to replace hormones your body does not make, your doctor may need to adjust your dose after you start Egrifta. Cortisone acetate and prednisone may be affected more than some other steroid medicines.
This is not a complete list of possible drug interactions. Always tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.
On myHIVteam, people share their experiences with HIV, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about Egrifta and HIV care:
More resources from myHIVteam that mention Egrifta
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
