Tesamorelin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 22, 2025.

Applies to tesamorelin: subcutaneous powder for solution.

Precautions

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.

Serious side effects of tesamorelin

Along with its needed effects, tesamorelin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tesamorelin:

Other side effects of tesamorelin

Some side effects of tesamorelin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tesamorelin: subcutaneous powder for injection.

Musculoskeletal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (13.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain in extremity, myalgia, musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal stiffness, joint stiffness, muscle spasms, joint swelling, muscle strain^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site erythema, injection site pruritus, injection site pain, injection site irritation, injection site hemorrhage, injection site urticaria, injection site swelling, injection site reaction, injection site rash^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Paresthesia, hypoesthesia, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain upper^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Diabetes
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased HbA1c^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Palpitations, hypertension, hot flush^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, insomnia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus, night sweats^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, pain, chest pain, blood creatine phosphokinase increased

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anti- tesamorelin IgG antibodies (49.5%)

See also:

Further information

Tesamorelin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer