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Comparison

Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin

Tesamorelin vs Sermorelin: two GHRH analogs head-to-head on potency, FDA status, cost, and dosing protocol.

The verdict

Same mechanism (both are GHRH analogs), different weight class. Tesamorelin is the more potent, FDA-approved one with real data behind visceral-fat reduction, and it costs more. Sermorelin is the older, gentler, cheaper sibling, lighter touch on the GH axis. If you specifically want stronger effect and visceral-fat targeting, Tesamorelin. If you want an easy, low-cost entry into GHRH-style support, Sermorelin does the job with less intensity.

013
Tesamorelin
GH-axisEvidence: Strong

Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved GH-axis peptide that specifically targets visceral fat, the deep belly fat around organs. Daily injection. Slow burn, but the visceral fat reduction is well-documented.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
82
Popularity
55
014
Sermorelin
GH-axisEvidence: Moderate

Sermorelin is the older, gentler cousin in the GH-axis family. Approved decades ago. Often used by anti-aging clinics for adults with declining GH output. Daily injection at bedtime.

Onset
65
Documentation
75
Side intensity
64
Popularity
50
Side-by-side
Field
Left
Right
Category
GH-axis
GH-axis
Half-life
~30 minutes
~10-20 minutes
Route
Subcutaneous
Subcutaneous
Schedule
Once daily
Once daily, typically before bed
Cycle length
12-26 weeks typical
12-24 weeks
Dose
1-2 mg sub-q daily. Taken at the same time each day, ideally before bed.
200-500 mcg sub-q nightly, on an empty stomach. Some protocols use 100-300 mcg twice daily.
FDA
Approved as Egrifta, 2010, for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
Approved as Geref (1997) for treatment of pediatric growth hormone deficiency. Discontinued by the manufacturer around 2008 for commercial reasons (the FDA's 2013 determination explicitly states it was not withdrawn for safety or effectiveness). Now compounded-only, not FDA-approved as a finished product.
WADA
Banned (S2)
Banned (S2)
Natty?
Not natty
Not natty
Prescribed
Yes for HIV indication. Off-label use outside that scope is common but not on-label.
Some longevity / anti-aging clinics prescribe via compounding pharmacies, off-label.
Top side effects
Injection-site reaction; Fluid retention; Joint stiffness
Head-rush at injection; Hunger pulse 30-60 min post-dose; Mild flushing

Which one should you pick?

Pick Tesamorelin if users targeting visceral (deep abdominal) fat specifically or older adults wanting gh-axis support without hgh.

Pick Sermorelin if beginners to gh-axis peptides or older adults with declining gh output.

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