Type of medicine: growth hormone releasing factor
Generic and brand names: tesamorelin, injection; Egrifta
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to reduce excess abdominal fat (lipodystrophy) in people who have HIV. This medicine is not used for weight loss.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your health care provider if you have recently had a severe illness, surgery or injury.
Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine has been reported to cause birth defects. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions exactly. These shots are given just under the skin. You may be able to give yourself the shots, or have someone at home give them to you. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Be sure you understand when and how you are to receive your shots.
This medicine comes in the form of powder and sterile water for injection. Once the powder is mixed with the water, it must be used right away. Make sure that you understand exactly how to give the shots. If you do not understand how to use the disposable syringes, or how to mix the medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to demonstrate. Use disposable syringes and needles only once and dispose of them safely, following your healthcare provider's instructions.
Shots should be given in your abdomen. Choose a site around the belly button but not in the belly button. Do not inject the medicine into scar tissue or bruises. Each day, choose a different spot for the shot to lessen irritation.
Only inject the mixed solution if it is clear, colorless, and does not have particles in it.
Never share needles or syringes with another person. This may increase your risk of transmitting infection to another person.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider.
You may need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
You may develop diabetes when you take this medicine. If you already have diabetes, it may get worse. Check with your healthcare provider.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicine you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Swelling of fingers, arms, feet, or legs; numbness or tingling in wrist or hand; joint or muscle pain or stiffness; depression; irregular heartbeat; chest pain.
Other: Pain, redness, swelling, itching, or rash at the injection site; trouble sleeping; mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, night sweats.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store the vials of powder in the refrigerator, in the original medicine box. Do not let it freeze. Protect it from direct light. Store the sterile water, syringes, and needles at room temperature. Once you mix the powder with the water, use the solution right away. Do not freeze or refrigerate the mixed solution. Discard any of the mixed solution that you do not use.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
