Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with the strongest human evidence for reducing visceral fat — 15-18% reductions in HIV-associated lipodystrophy trials (Falutz et al., NEJM 2007). Ipamorelin is a selective ghrelin receptor agonist that amplifies GH release without the cortisol, prolactin, or hunger spikes of older GHRPs. Combining the two activates GHRH and ghrelin receptors simultaneously — a 2-3x greater GH pulse than either alone (Bowers et al., JCEM 1991). The blend is typically sold as 10mg tesamorelin + 3mg ipamorelin in a single vial for convenience. This is not medical advice.
Research-context information only. Tesamorelin is the active ingredient in FDA-approved products for HIV-associated lipodystrophy; research-peptide and compounded forms are not FDA-approved and are sold for research purposes only. Protocols, doses, and reactions reported below come from clinical trials and community sources. This article reports what has been documented, not what should be done. Consult a licensed physician for personal medical decisions.
Tesamorelin / Ipamorelin Blend Dosing Table
Match your vial size below — reconstitution and dose math update automatically.
Vials are labeled "10/3" — 10 mg tesamorelin + 3 mg ipamorelin (13 mg total). Doses below are split at that same 10:3 ratio.
| Dose | Syringe units | mL volume | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mg + 150 mcg | 10 units | 0.1 mL | Daily PM SubQLower |
| 1 mg + 300 mcg | 20 units | 0.2 mL | Daily PM SubQ (5-on/2-off)Standard |
Math assumes U-100 insulin syringes (1 mL = 100 units). Verify your syringe matches before injecting. Round half-units to the nearest visible mark.
Quick Reference: Standard Protocol
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Total dose per injection | 1 mg tesamorelin + 300 mcg ipamorelin |
| Frequency | Once daily, evening before bed |
| Schedule | 5 days on / 2 days off |
| Cycle length | 8 weeks on / 8 weeks off |
| Route | Subcutaneous (abdomen rotation) |
| Vial | 10mg / 3mg blend, reconstituted in 2 mL BAC water |
| Units per dose | 20 units on a U-100 insulin syringe |
For reconstitution step-by-step, see the Tesamorelin Reconstitution Guide. For ipamorelin's safety profile as a standalone, see Ipamorelin Benefits.
Cycling Details
The 5-on/2-off weekly pattern and 8-on/8-off cycle structure both respect the pulsatile biology of the GH axis. Continuous dosing downregulates both receptor systems — the off periods maintain sensitivity. Expect gradual body composition shifts starting week 3-4, with visceral fat changes most visible by week 8.
Typical goal timing:
- Fat loss focus — PM pre-bed dosing, 8-week cycle, optional second AM injection in weeks 4-8 for aggressive protocols (split the total — 0.5 mg tesa + 150 mcg ipa per dose)
- Recovery/anti-aging — PM only, 8-week cycles, standard 1mg/300mcg
- Body recomposition with resistance training — PM + post-workout on training days (split dose)
Routes of Administration
Subcutaneous is the standard. Abdomen sites (avoiding the 2" navel radius) absorb most consistently. Trial protocols describe rotating injection sites daily to prevent lipoatrophy at any one location. Intramuscular is possible but unnecessary — SC delivers equivalent GH pulses with less injection pain.
Reconstitution Quick Reference
| Vial Size | BAC Water | Concentration | 1mg/300mcg Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg / 3mg blend | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL + 1.5 mg/mL | 20 units |
Community reconstitution protocols document the following dilution math: 10mg / 2mL = 5mg/mL = 5,000mcg/mL. For 1mg tesamorelin: 1,000 / 5,000 = 0.2 mL = 20 units. The ipamorelin at 3mg/2mL = 1.5mg/mL rides along at 300mcg per 20-unit dose — the same draw delivers both. Ratio is fixed by the vial — users seeking higher ipamorelin dosing buy standalone ipamorelin separately.
Community protocols describe swirling gently (not shaking), followed by refrigeration at 2–8°C; vials are typically used within 28 days. For step-by-step reconstitution with photos, see the Tesamorelin Reconstitution Guide.
