Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Egrifta

Generic Name: tesamorelin (Pronunciation: TES a moe REL in)

• What is tesamorelin (Egrifta)?
• What are the possible side effects of tesamorelin (Egrifta)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tesamorelin (Egrifta)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using tesamorelin (Egrifta)?
• How tesamorelin given (Egrifta)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Egrifta)?
• What happens if I overdose (Egrifta)?
• What should I avoid while using tesamorelin (Egrifta)?
• What other drugs will affect tesamorelin (Egrifta)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is tesamorelin (Egrifta)?

Tesamorelin is made with growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF).

Tesamorelin is used to reduce excess fat around the stomach that is caused by taking certain HIV medications. This condition is also called lipodystrophy (LYE-poe-DIS-troe-fee).

Tesamorelin is not a weight-loss medication and should not be used to treat obesity.

What are the possible side effects of tesamorelin (Egrifta)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using tesamorelin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• pain or stiffness in your muscles or joints;
• pain in your arms or legs;
• wrist pain or numbness;
• numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss);

Less serious side effects may include:

• depressed mood, sleep problems (insomnia);
• night sweats;
• mild rash or itching;
• muscle spasm;
• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• pain, redness, itching, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or other irritation where the injection was given;

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about tesamorelin (Egrifta)?

You should not use tesamorelin if you are allergic to it, or if you have a history of tumor or surgery of your pituitary gland, a history of head injury or radiation treatment,

Before using tesamorelin, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, migraines, an adrenal gland disorder, or if you have ever had cancer, any type of tumor, or open heart surgery.

Also tell your doctor about any major illness or recent trauma or medical emergency.

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