Tesamorelin and Allergic Reactions

[RicFlair]

Recently ive seen videos of people who have had bad reactions to Tesa and other GH Secretagogues. Should this be a major concern for me being that I am on tesa? Currently have been running it for a few weeks and noticed that the only reactions I get is when I pin in my belly, which I have stopped doing. I would get small itchy red spots on my stomach that seem to be lasting for days now and when I would pin it would burn. However when I pin in my glutes, I get 0 reaction from it. No itchyness, no red spots or nothing. However some people reported after taking tesamorelin with no issues after months they have even gone into anaphylactic shock. Would like some insights on this on how to monitor myself the best way while im on it. Already am planning on getting a prescription for an epi pen to have on hand at all times after learning this.

 

[Smiter]

Recently ive seen videos of people who have had bad reactions to Tesa and other GH Secretagogues. Should this be a major concern for me being that I am on tesa? Currently have been running it for a few weeks and noticed that the only reactions I get is when I pin in my belly, which I have stopped doing. I would get small itchy red spots on my stomach that seem to be lasting for days now and when I would pin it would burn. However when I pin in my glutes, I get 0 reaction from it. No itchyness, no red spots or nothing. However some people reported after taking tesamorelin with no issues after months they have even gone into anaphylactic shock. Would like some insights on this on how to monitor myself the best way while im on it. Already am planning on getting a prescription for an epi pen to have on hand at all times after learning this.

So my experience has been strange to say the least. I decide to take one new product and some info comes up shattering my plans. I dont know what to do with my Tesa. Will have to suck it up I guess...visceral fat must die.

 

[r9rmgddn]

Recently ive seen videos of people who have had bad reactions to Tesa and other GH Secretagogues. Should this be a major concern for me being that I am on tesa? Currently have been running it for a few weeks and noticed that the only reactions I get is when I pin in my belly, which I have stopped doing. I would get small itchy red spots on my stomach that seem to be lasting for days now and when I would pin it would burn. However when I pin in my glutes, I get 0 reaction from it. No itchyness, no red spots or nothing. However some people reported after taking tesamorelin with no issues after months they have even gone into anaphylactic shock. Would like some insights on this on how to monitor myself the best way while im on it. Already am planning on getting a prescription for an epi pen to have on hand at all times after learning this.

As someone with a Tesa kit on order, I'd be curious to hear where you found those negative anecdotes from. Everything I've heard about Tesa is that it has a great safety profile as long as you're not concerned about tumors. Anaphylaxis makes me wonder about EPS shock... not a Tesa problem but a quality problem

 

[lessthanhalf]

Just about any drug, over the counter or prescribed or supplement can cause allergic reactions, including peptides. Most common with peptides are localised injection site reactions, but generalised rash type reactions are not rare, a few percent with GLP's and there are rare severe immune reactions with severe skin and systemic immune responses, and anaphylaxis is possible from any of them, but does not seem to be common. Obviously any generalised reaction requires that you stop the drug or peptide.

You cannot see the reaction if injecting it deeper s/c or in the muscle, it might make it smaller as there are more immune cells in the skin, but it is probably still happening.

Localised injection site reactions are very common with GLP drugs , at least 5%, and very very high for mots-c , not sure about tesamorelin. Developing anaphylaxis is probably more common after getting a localised reaction, than without the local reaction, but is still rare. There is no recommendation from the drug companies to stop using semaglutide or tirzepatide if you are getting injection site reactions, so they cannot be too worried about anaphylaxis. Having an epi pen around if taking a bunch of peptides is not a bad idea, but if you use it you still need to go to hospital, as it does not stop the allergic response so it can recur once the drug wears off.

 

[Grogu]

The issue with Tesamorelin and some of the other GH Secretagogues is an immune response that builds up over time. So, it's not so much the immediate reaction that you have to worry about, it's the built up immune response.

In the primary clincial trial, I think that about 50% of participants had developed antibodies against the medication, but only 4% experienced hypersensitivity, and there was only 1 case of anaphylaxis. So, I think that the risk of anaphylaxis is very low, but it's not a terrible idea to have an epi-pen on hand.

In addition to the pen, you might consider:

using an anti-histamine prior to pinning

rotate injection site often

monitor your IGF-1 and glucose levels

monitor for any systemic responses (flushness, hives/rashes, etc.)

The safety profile for tesamorelin appears pretty good, and a severe adverse allergic reaction would be pretty rare. What you've reported so far seems limited to ISRs and not a larger immune response, but probably a good idea to stay viligant. But as @lessthanhalf mentions, this type of hyper-immune response could happen with other peptides, medications, or even vaccines. But I think that there is a higher rate of ISRs with tesa than common glp-1s so this is where peoples concerns stem.

 

[yeddie]

I get ISR from GHK and GLOWm NAD+, and MOTS-C. I saw a post here about blending lidocaine/epi solution with their BAC when reconstituting. Anela also recommended that as part of her GLOW "protocol" for people who are super sensitive.

I have some lidocaine I bought a while back but never used. Maybe I should search out some of the lido with epi blend.

 

[RicFlair]

As someone with a Tesa kit on order, I'd be curious to hear where you found those negative anecdotes from. Everything I've heard about Tesa is that it has a great safety profile as long as you're not concerned about tumors. Anaphylaxis makes me wonder about EPS shock... not a Tesa problem but a quality problem

Yea i wondered if maybe it was just a quality issue with people having bad batches? I heard all these negative reviews and experiences on reddit threads though lol, specifically this one: https://www.reddit.com/r/Peptides/s/a5uPem1R6M

 

[RicFlair]

Th

Just about any drug, over the counter or prescribed or supplement can cause allergic reactions, including peptides. Most common with peptides are localised injection site reactions, but generalised rash type reactions are not rare, a few percent with GLP's and there are rare severe immune reactions with severe skin and systemic immune responses, and anaphylaxis is possible from any of them, but does not seem to be common. Obviously any generalised reaction requires that you stop the drug or peptide.

You cannot see the reaction if injecting it deeper s/c or in the muscle, it might make it smaller as there are more immune cells in the skin, but it is probably still happening.

Localised injection site reactions are very common with GLP drugs , at least 5%, and very very high for mots-c , not sure about tesamorelin. Developing anaphylaxis is probably more common after getting a localised reaction, than without the local reaction, but is still rare. There is no recommendation from the drug companies to stop using semaglutide or tirzepatide if you are getting injection site reactions, so they cannot be too worried about anaphylaxis. Having an epi pen around if taking a bunch of peptides is not a bad idea, but if you use it you still need to go to hospital, as it does not stop the allergic response so it can recur once the drug wears off.

This was very helpful information thank you!

 

[lessthanhalf]

The issue with Tesamorelin and some of the other GH Secretagogues is an immune response that builds up over time. So, it's not so much the immediate reaction that you have to worry about, it's the built up immune response.

In the primary clincial trial, I think that about 50% of participants had developed antibodies against the medication, but only 4% experienced hypersensitivity, and there was only 1 case of anaphylaxis. So, I think that the risk of anaphylaxis is very low, but it's not a terrible idea to have an epi-pen on hand.

In addition to the pen, you might consider:

using an anti-histamine prior to pinning

rotate injection site often

monitor your IGF-1 and glucose levels

monitor for any systemic responses (flushness, hives/rashes, etc.)

The safety profile for tesamorelin appears pretty good, and a severe adverse allergic reaction would be pretty rare. What you've reported so far seems limited to ISRs and not a larger immune response, but probably a good idea to stay viligant. But as @lessthanhalf mentions, this type of hyper-immune response could happen with other peptides, medications, or even vaccines. But I think that there is a higher rate of ISRs with tesa than common glp-1s so this is where peoples concerns stem.

Thanks for looking up an actual study on it. I do not know how many people were in the study, but say 1 or 200. More seems unlikely. A 1% or even 0.5% incidence of anaphylaxis is actually very high, and any drug that had that sort of risk, would just not be used if possible, or would be used very carefully, ideally under medical supervision. A 0.5-1% chance of a potentially lethal unexpected reaction really is very dangerous. I will have to chase the study up and read it. That level of risk would suggest anyone using Tesamorelin needs an epi pen, and to teach themselves how to use it , including what you are watching for so you know when to use it and what to do afterwards. I am really struggling to think of other drugs with possible anaphylaxis risks that are that high.

Fairly harmless, but very uncomfortable generalised allergic reactions causing extensive skin rashes are really common with some drugs, up to 5 or even 10%, especially with some antibiotics, but I do not remember ever seeing anaphylaxis risks that high.

Could not find the study so if you have a link to it that would be useful.

 

[Lovedog100]

I've had red spots and bruises from Tesa. It also messes with my sleep. I respond to glute injections better. One thing that I found to help was was letting my filled syringe warm to room temperature before injection. I tend to get in a hurry and rush things. I have to make an effort not to inject something cold.

 

[Grogu]

Thanks for looking up an actual study on it. I do not know how many people were in the study, but say 1 or 200. More seems unlikely. A 1% or even 0.5% incidence of anaphylaxis is actually very high, and any drug that had that sort of risk, would just not be used if possible, or would be used very carefully, ideally under medical supervision. A 0.5-1% chance of a potentially lethal unexpected reaction really is very dangerous. I will have to chase the study up and read it. That level of risk would suggest anyone using Tesamorelin needs an epi pen, and to teach themselves how to use it , including what you are watching for so you know when to use it and what to do afterwards. I am really struggling to think of other drugs with possible anaphylaxis risks that are that high.

Fairly harmless, but very uncomfortable generalised allergic reactions causing extensive skin rashes are really common with some drugs, up to 5 or even 10%, especially with some antibiotics, but I do not remember ever seeing anaphylaxis risks that high.

Could not find the study so if you have a link to it that would be useful.

I'm looking at the the Falutz et al 2007 NEJM paper now and don't see the reported case in there. I must have picked it up from somewhere else. I'll keep looking.

 

[Quads]

Recently ive seen videos of people who have had bad reactions to Tesa and other GH Secretagogues. Should this be a major concern for me being that I am on tesa? Currently have been running it for a few weeks and noticed that the only reactions I get is when I pin in my belly, which I have stopped doing. I would get small itchy red spots on my stomach that seem to be lasting for days now and when I would pin it would burn. However when I pin in my glutes, I get 0 reaction from it. No itchyness, no red spots or nothing. However some people reported after taking tesamorelin with no issues after months they have even gone into anaphylactic shock. Would like some insights on this on how to monitor myself the best way while im on it. Already am planning on getting a prescription for an epi pen to have on hand at all times after learning this.

From my understanding around 50% of tesa users develop antibodies to it (i believe this is mentioned in the studies).

I Have a kit of tesa on the way, im just gonna use it and at the first sign of any allergic reaction i call it quits. Anaphylaxis is rare, i think many people ignore warning signs like itching and hives and eventually get a worse reaction. I just hope that if i get a reaction to it, it will be a mild one.

 

[desinr-gal]

So my experience has been strange to say the least. I decide to take one new product and some info comes up shattering my plans. I dont know what to do with my Tesa. Will have to suck it up I guess...visceral fat must die.

Early on I saw horror stories on reddit about tesa. guys paralyzed on their bathroom floor all night...etc I won't go near it.

 

[desinr-gal]

Also Some people use the term visceral fat incorrectly; just fyi; it's not that jiggly belly fat you pin into.

Visceral fat grows around your organs, deep inside your gut. It is dangerous as it contributes to

CVD.

Mine has dropped just using Retta and Tirz. All healthy zones now.

 

[Smiter]

Early on I saw horror stories on reddit about tesa. guys paralyzed on their bathroom floor all night...etc I won't go near it.

It's not Oct 31st, you know.

Also Some people use the term visceral fat incorrectly; just fyi; it's not that jiggly belly fat you pin into.

Visceral fat grows around your organs, deep inside your gut. It is dangerous as it contributes to

CVD

Yes, few peole know what visceral fat is. I do know. I had NAFLD before.

Mine has dropped just using Retta and Tirz. All healthy zones now.

Well done. Now brown the remaining white lard.

 

[desinr-gal]

I do regularly consume turmeric, chili powders, and seaweeds.. I am not likely to soak in ice baths though, given my Reta Chill

 

[lessthanhalf]

Thanks for looking up an actual study on it. I do not know how many people were in the study, but say 1 or 200. More seems unlikely. A 1% or even 0.5% incidence of anaphylaxis is actually very high, and any drug that had that sort of risk, would just not be used if possible, or would be used very carefully, ideally under medical supervision. A 0.5-1% chance of a potentially lethal unexpected reaction really is very dangerous. I will have to chase the study up and read it. That level of risk would suggest anyone using Tesamorelin needs an epi pen, and to teach themselves how to use it , including what you are watching for so you know when to use it and what to do afterwards. I am really struggling to think of other drugs with possible anaphylaxis risks that are that high.

Fairly harmless, but very uncomfortable generalised allergic reactions causing extensive skin rashes are really common with some drugs, up to 5 or even 10%, especially with some antibiotics, but I do not remember ever seeing anaphylaxis risks that high.

Could not find the study so if you have a link to it that would be useful.

Still have not found the study, but a lot of the trials used much larger numbers than I guessed at 1 to 200. Most were 200 to 800, so the odds of anaphylaxis are not as bad, ( possibly 1/200 to 1/800 ) but still way higher than most drugs. The only drugs used I could find with significant risks of anaphylaxis tend to be biological therapies or chemotherapy agents, and patients are very definitely carefully monitored when they are administered . Even less than a 1/1000 risk of anaphylaxis would justify an epipen.

 

[Dos-Dox]

It would be worth reading through this thread. There is some good info here and some anecdotes about other cases of anaphylaxis.

Epi Pen resources?

[archived internal link]