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Egrifta (Tesamorelin) is used to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy. Some HIV medicines can cause this side effect (increase in fat in the upper back and stomach, decrease in fat in the arms and legs). Tesamorelin works by causing the body to make more growth hormone. This medicine should not be used for weight loss.1. How to use Egrifta
Consult the instructions for use on the product packaging or your doctor's instructions before you start taking Egrifta and each time you take a supplement. Find all preparation and use instructions on the product package or from a healthcare professional. If any information is not clear, consult your doctor.
Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medicine. Before use, please inspect this product visually for any changes in the product. If yes, do not take this medicine.
Egrifta is used by injection under the arm or abdomen as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. To make it easier to remember your dosing schedule, take it at the same time each day.
Select an injection site below the navel to the left or right. Avoid any areas with scar tissue, bruising, redness, or irritation. Before injection, it is necessary to clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site after each injection to reduce subcutaneous damage.
Learn how to safely store and dispose of needles and medical supplies.
2. Side effects
Redness, itching, pain, irritation or bruising may occur at the injection site. Muscle aches may also occur. If any of these effects persist or get worse, you should contact your doctor immediately.
If any unwanted side effects occur such as: Muscle/joint pain or stiffness, numbness/tingling/swelling in your arms or legs.
This medicine may rarely cause blood sugar to rise, which may cause or worsen diabetes. If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination, tell your doctor right away. If you have diabetes, regularly check your blood sugar as directed and share the results with your doctor. Based on that, your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise regimen, or diet.
This medicine may rarely increase the risk of new cancer or previous melanoma coming back.
Very serious allergic reactions to this medicine are very rare. However, call 911 right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness severe face, difficulty breathing.
If you notice any unusual symptoms after taking egrifta, tell your doctor right away.
3. Precautionary measures
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or any other allergic reaction. Egrifta may contain inactive ingredients, leading to the risk of allergic reactions or other problems.
Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have problems such as: Cancer, diabetes, tumors, problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland (such as head trauma, tumor/pituitary surgery).
Before surgery, all products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products) should be sent to your doctor.
This medicine must not be used during pregnancy because it can harm the unborn baby. If you have a test or think you may be pregnant, let your doctor know.
Breast milk can transmit HIV so it's best not to breastfeed.
4. Interaction
Egrifta's interaction with certain medications may change how the drug works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Share with your doctor a list of all the products you use (including prescription/over-the-counter drugs and herbal products). Only change the dose, start or stop taking it as directed by your doctor.
If you overdose on Egrifta and experience severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local medical facility immediately.
Do not share Egrifta with other people.
Medical tests (such as blood sugar, IGF-1 levels) should be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Each brand has different ways of storing medicines, so you need to read the information on the product packaging carefully for more detailed information.
Do not dispose of drugs indiscriminately when they are no longer in use or expired.
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Reference source: webmd.com