Egrifta: indications, drug interactions, contraindications and side effects

Indications

Egrifta is the only FDA-approved prescription medication for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected and lipodystrophic patients, and is usually administered by injection. It is also a growth hormone releasing factor (GHRF) analogue that stimulates the body to secrete its own GH in a pulsatile manner, resulting in anabolic and lipolytic effects.

Drug Interactions

Egrifta had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetic profile of simvastatin in healthy subjects. Patients should be monitored for possible interactions when it is combined with other drugs known to be metabolised by CYP450 liver enzymes. Dosage adjustments may be required when starting EGRIFTA SV® in patients using glucocorticoids.

Contraindications

The use of Egrifta is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions:

(1) Have a tumour of the pituitary gland, have had surgery on the pituitary gland, have other problems related to the pituitary gland, have had radiation therapy to the head or have had a head injury. 

(2) Have active cancer. 

(3) Are allergic to any of the ingredients in tesamorelin or EGRIFTA SV®.

(4) People who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions to Egrifta include injection site reactions, arthralgia, limb pain, myalgia and peripheral oedema. Serious may result in an increased risk of developing a new cancer, or your cancer coming back; elevated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, swelling or fluid retention, elevated blood sugar (glucose) or diabetes, and severe allergic reactions. In addition, there is an increased risk of death in people with serious illnesses due to surgery or breathing problems.