Is Tesamorelin legal?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD
Reviewed for clinical accuracy · Last reviewed July 22, 2026 · Review policy
Quick answer
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and is legal with a prescription. Other uses are off-label. It is prohibited in sport.
- FDA status
- FDA-approved (Egrifta) for HIV lipodystrophy; off-label otherwise
- Prohibited in sport (WADA)
- Yes
Tesamorelin is an FDA-approved prescription drug (Egrifta) for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, legal to prescribe and dispense. Using it for general body composition or anti-aging is off-label, and compounded versions are a separate category. As a growth-hormone secretagogue, it is prohibited in sport under the WADA framework.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tesamorelin legal in the US?+
Tesamorelin is FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy and is legal with a prescription. Other uses are off-label. It is prohibited in sport.
Do you need a prescription for Tesamorelin?+
Yes. Tesamorelin is a prescription medication, dispensed by a pharmacy with a valid prescription from a licensed clinician.