PinnyPeptide

Hexarelin vs Tesamorelin

Side-by-side comparison: effects, dosing ranges, side effects, regulatory status, and reconstitution.

Peptide A

Hexarelin

Growth Hormone

The most potent GHRP — strong GH release with documented cardioprotective signaling.

Peptide B

Tesamorelin

Growth Hormone

FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy with potent GH-releasing activity.

Typical vial

5 mg

Typical dose

100 mcg

Half-life

~55 minutes

FDA status

Not FDA approved for any indication.

Typical vial

2 mg

Typical dose

1000-2000 mcg

Half-life

~26 minutes

FDA status

FDA approved. Egrifta (tesamorelin) approved November 2010 f…

Hexarelin effects

  • Most potent acute GH release of any GHRP at equivalent doses
  • Documented cardioprotective signaling via CD36 receptor
  • Stimulates IGF-1 elevation over multi-week courses
  • Supports tissue repair and recovery
  • Mild secondary stimulation of ACTH and prolactin

Tesamorelin effects

  • FDA-proven reduction of visceral adipose tissue
  • Stimulates physiological pulsatile GH release
  • Improves body composition by reducing trunk fat
  • May enhance cognitive function in older adults
  • Increases IGF-1 levels
  • Does not significantly affect glucose homeostasis at approved doses

Hexarelin side effects

  • Strongest cortisol and prolactin elevation of the GHRPs
  • Pronounced water retention
  • Lethargy and fatigue with chronic use
  • Rapid tachyphylaxis (response diminishes after 3-4 weeks)
  • Mild appetite stimulation

Tesamorelin side effects

  • Injection site reactions (erythema, pruritus, pain)
  • Arthralgia (joint pain)
  • Peripheral edema
  • Myalgia (muscle pain)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
  • Potential increase in IGF-1 above normal range

Hexarelin dosing ranges

Short-course GH stimulation

100 mcg · Two to three times daily (SubQ) · 4 weeks maximum, then 4-week break

Combined with CJC-1295 (Mod GRF)

100 mcg of each · Two to three times daily · 4 weeks on / 4 weeks off

Cardioprotective research

1-2 mcg/kg · Per protocol (research-only) · Variable

Tesamorelin dosing ranges

HIV lipodystrophy (FDA approved)

2000 mcg · Once daily (SubQ) · Ongoing as prescribed

Body composition / anti-aging (off-label)

1000-2000 mcg · Once daily · 8-12 weeks

Hexarelin vs Tesamorelin — common questions

What is the difference between Hexarelin and Tesamorelin?

Hexarelin: The most potent GHRP — strong GH release with documented cardioprotective signaling. Typical dose 100 mcg. Tesamorelin: FDA-approved GHRH analog for HIV-associated lipodystrophy with potent GH-releasing activity. Typical dose 1000-2000 mcg. Both fall under the Growth Hormone category.

Can you stack Hexarelin and Tesamorelin?

Stacking Hexarelin with Tesamorelin is a protocol-design question best raised with a clinician — it depends on your goal, current bloodwork, and whether both peptides target overlapping mechanisms. Both peptides should be tracked independently with separate injection sites and timing. PinnyPeptide supports multi-peptide stacks with automatic injection site rotation.

Which is dosed more frequently, Hexarelin or Tesamorelin?

Hexarelin is typically dosed: Two to three times daily (SubQ) for Short-course GH stimulation; Two to three times daily for Combined with CJC-1295 (Mod GRF); Per protocol (research-only) for Cardioprotective research. Tesamorelin is typically dosed: Once daily (SubQ) for HIV lipodystrophy (FDA approved); Once daily for Body composition / anti-aging (off-label).

Are Hexarelin and Tesamorelin FDA approved?

Hexarelin: Not FDA approved for any indication. Tesamorelin: FDA approved. Egrifta (tesamorelin) approved November 2010 for reduction of excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Egrifta SV (reformulated single-vial) approved 2019.

Tracking either of these?

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