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Overview: Egrifta WR is an injection that is used to decrease fat buildup around the organs in the stomach area in certain people with HIV. It works by signaling your body to release growth hormone, which helps break down fat. Common side effects include reactions where the needle went in, joint pain, and sore arms, legs, or muscles. While less common, more serious side effects may include fluid retention, high blood sugar, and a higher risk of cancer. 

Uses

What is Egrifta WR used for?

Egrifta WR (tesamorelin) is commonly used to lessen deep belly fat around the organs (visceral fat), in people who have lipodystrophy and HIV. Lipodystrophy is a condition where your body stores and uses fat in an abnormal way. 

Egrifta WR may also be used for other conditions as determined by your  provider.

How does Egrifta WR work (mechanism of action)?

Egrifta WR acts like a natural hormone in your body called growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF). It signals your body to release growth hormone, which helps break down fat. 

How is Egrifta WR supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Egrifta WR

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 11.6 mg/vial (7 doses per vial)

How should I store Egrifta WR?

You will be given a Medication Box and an Injection Box when you get your Egrifta WR prescription from the pharmacy. Protect from light and do not freeze. Store the Egrifta WR vials in the Medication Box at at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store the Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, syringes, needles and alcohol swabs that come in the Injection Box at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). 

Once mixed, the vial will contain enough medicine for 7 doses. Keep the Egrifta WR vial in your Medication Box, at room temperature between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Throw away any unused Egrifta WR vial 7 days after mixing. Throw away any Bacteriostatic Water for Injection left in the bottle 28 days after first use.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Egrifta WR?

The most common side effects of Egrifta WR are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Joint pain
  • Reactions where the needle went in (see below)
  • Sore arms, legs, or muscles
  • Fluid retention (see below)

There may be other side effects of Egrifta WR that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Egrifta WR?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Egrifta WR are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Egrifta WR may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Egrifta WR and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reactions at the Injection Site. Egrifta WR may cause skin reactions or discomfort where you get the shot. These reactions are common but may rarely be serious. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms at or near the injection site.

  • Pain or swelling
  • Irritation, itching, or rash
  • Bruising, redness, or discoloration 

Cancer. Egrifta WR may cause a new cancer to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to recur. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get.

Fluid Retention (Edema). Egrifta WR can make you retain fluid, a condition called edema. The extra fluid commonly causes swelling in your arms, legs, feet, or ankles. Fluid retention can also cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Skin that feels tight or stretched
  • Wrist pain or swelling
  • Worsening of joint pain 
  • Muscle pain, cramps, or twitching
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Constipation
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Restlessness or crankiness
  • Confusion or decreased alertness

High Blood Sugar. Egrifta WR may affect the way your body uses sugar. This can increase your blood sugar levels and may lead to or worsen diabetes. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments to check your bloodwork. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • More thirsty or hungry than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Egrifta WR?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Egrifta WR.

  • Tesamorelin
  • Egrifta WR
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Egrifta WR.

Pregnancy. Do not use Egrifta WR if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Cancer. If you currently have cancer, you should not use Egrifta WR. Tell your health care provider about any current or previous cancers you have had.

Pituitary Problems. You should not use Egrifta WR if you have problems affecting your pituitary gland, which is a small gland in the brain that regulates hormones. This includes people who have had their pituitary gland removed, have low levels of pituitary hormones, have had pituitary tumors or surgery, or have had head radiation or head injuries.

What should I know about Egrifta WR before using it?

Do not use Egrifta WR unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Egrifta WR is not a medicine for weight loss.

Do not share Egrifta WR with other people, even if they have the same condition as you and even if you change the needle. It may harm them. Do not share needles or syringes, as this can spread infections.

Keep Egrifta WR out of the reach of children.

This medicine is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare, use, and throw away Egrifta WR. Read and follow the instructions for the product before using it. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Rotate the site for each shot and avoid injecting into bruises or scars. This can help limit the risk of reactions where the needle goes in. Consider writing down or taking a picture of the exact spot where you injected your last dose to help you remember.

Keep all appointments for bloodwork and other tests. Your health care provider needs these results to help you use this medicine safely.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Egrifta WR?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Egrifta WR is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Cancer or a tumor
  • High blood sugar, diabetes, or eye problems related to diabetes
  • Severe illness or injury
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Heart problems
  • Lung or breathing problems

Surgery. Using Egrifta WR may raise the risk of serious problems during or after certain surgeries, such as open heart surgery or stomach surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have recently had surgery or are planning to have surgery. They may recommend that you wait until after the surgery is over to start Egrifta WR treatment.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Egrifta WR may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Egrifta WR, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Egrifta WR may harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using Egrifta WR right away and contact your health care provider. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Egrifta WR passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. There may be risks with breastfeeding while using Egrifta WR and having HIV. 

How can I get more information about Egrifta WR?

For more information about Egrifta WR, you can call the drugmaker at 833-238-4372.

Interactions

Does Egrifta WR interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Egrifta WR and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Egrifta WR.

Does Egrifta WR interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a corticosteroid, such as cortisone or prednisone, which is a medicine for adrenal gland problems or certain inflammatory conditions.

Egrifta WR may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently used.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Egrifta WR. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Egrifta WR?

If you or someone else has used too much Egrifta WR, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Egrifta WR?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.