Short answer: Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR are two forms of tesamorelin, both approved to reduce excess belly fat in adults with HIV and lipodystrophy.12 Egrifta SV is 1.4 mg a day from a 2 mg vial mixed fresh each time. Egrifta WR is 1.28 mg a day from an 11.6 mg vial that lasts 7 days once mixed. The labels say the two are not substitutable.
| Egrifta SV | Egrifta WR | |
|---|---|---|
| Daily dose | 1.4 mg under the belly skin once a day1 | 1.28 mg under the belly skin once a day2 |
| Vial | 2 mg single-dose vial1 | 11.6 mg single-patient-use vial with a multiple-dose diluent2 |
| After mixing | Inject right away; throw away the rest; never store the mixed solution1 | One mixed vial gives daily doses for 7 days in a row; throw away what is left after 7 days2 |
| Mixed with | Sterile Water for Injection1 | The multiple-dose diluent supplied2 |
| Unopened vials | Room temperature, 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F), out of light1 | Room temperature, 20 to 25 C (68 to 77 F), not frozen2 |
| Step-up schedule | None1 | None2 |
| Injection site reactions | 17% vs 6% on placebo (original Egrifta trials)1 | 17% vs 6% on placebo (original Egrifta trials)2 |
| Boxed warning | None1 | None2 |
Both labels say the tesamorelin formulations differ in dosage, number of vials per dose, preparation and storage, and that each label's dosing applies only to its own formulation.12 The Egrifta WR label states directly that Egrifta WR and Egrifta SV are not substitutable.2 Switching is done on a new prescription, not by converting milligrams yourself.
The labels share the same safety data, from trials of the original Egrifta (2 mg dose): injection site reactions 17% vs 6% on placebo, joint pain 13% vs 11%, muscle pain 6% vs 2% and leg swelling 6% vs 2% over 26 weeks. Each label says side effects at its own dose are expected to be similar.12
Both warn about higher IGF-1 levels, fluid retention, raised blood sugar (HbA1c of 6.5% or more in 5% vs 1% on placebo), allergic reactions and use in critical illness, and both say long-term heart safety has not been established.12
Which form you get is up to your prescriber and pharmacy. More detail: Egrifta SV side effects, Egrifta WR side effects, the Egrifta SV and Egrifta WR dosing schedules, and the Tesamorelin guide.