5 Egrifta SV Side Effects You Should Know About

Changes in body fat, also known as lipodystrophy, can be challenging for some people living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). And it’s often hard to tell whether these changes are caused by the virus or HIV medications. Fortunately, for those who have abnormal fat buildup in the belly, Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) may help. Egrifta SV is a prescription medication that’s injected under the skin once a day.

As of November 2019, Egrifta SV has replaced Egrifta (the original formulation). “SV” stands for single vial, since the new formula comes as single-use vials. They contain the same medication (tesamorelin), so their side effects are similar. Most of what we know about Egrifta SV side effects comes from studies done with Egrifta.

If you’re taking Egrifta SV, there are some side effects you should be aware of. In this article, we’ll discuss five Egrifta SV side effects and how you might manage them.

1. Injection-site reactions

Egrifta SV is injected under the skin, so it’s not surprising that the most common side effects are injection-site reactions. In studies, up to 25% of people who received Egrifta had these reactions, compared to 14% who used a placebo (injection with no medication in it).

These reactions happen in the area where the medication is injected. Symptoms can include: 

• Skin redness or rash

• Itchiness

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Bleeding

• Pain

To lessen the chance of a reaction, make sure you rotate where you inject Egrifta SV every day. You can inject the medication anywhere on your belly, but avoid scar tissue, bruises, and your belly button area. Changing the injection site lowers the risk of irritation and bruising. And be sure to disinfect the area before injecting; this helps lower the chance of infection.

Applying a cold compress either before or after the injection may also help reduce this side effect. And you can treat pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), as long as your healthcare provider has signed off on you taking them.

If injection-site reactions are bothering you, talk to your healthcare provider. They can make sure you’re injecting the medication correctly. Even though these reactions are pretty common, some may become serious. If pain and swelling don’t go away or get worse, seek medical care, as this could be the sign of an infection that needs treatment.

2. Muscle and joint pain

Egrifta SV can cause fluid to build up in the body (fluid retention). This is likely because the medication works to reduce belly fat by increasing levels of growth hormone in your body. And a common side effect of growth hormone treatment is fluid retention.

When too much fluid builds up, swelling happens. And that swelling can lead to muscle pain,  joint pain, or even carpal tunnel syndrome.

Luckily, this side effect typically doesn’t last long and often goes away either on its own or when you stop taking Egrifta SV. You can also try to manage it by staying hydrated and lowering your salt intake. These steps can help manage the amount of fluid your body holds on to. But if your symptoms don’t improve, talk to your healthcare provider about other possible approaches.

3. Increased risk of diabetes

Another side effect of Egrifta SV is that it can raise your blood glucose (sugar) levels and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C or A1C). An A1C test measures the average amount of glucose in the blood over the past 2 to 3 months. In studies, Egrifta increased A1C by 5% compared to a 1% increase with a placebo. This rise in A1C means that taking Egrifta SV can lead to higher blood glucose levels, which increases the risk of developing diabetes.

Your healthcare provider will likely measure your A1C before and during treatment with Egrifta SV. Some people might need to stop taking Egrifta SV if it raises their blood glucose, especially if the medication doesn’t seem to be very effective at treating belly fat.

Let your healthcare provider know if you experience any symptoms of diabetes while taking Egrifta SV. These include losing weight without trying to, urinating more often, and feeling thirsty.

4. Increased risk of cancer

People living with HIV have a higher risk of getting cancer. And Egrifta SV may further increase that risk. Because of this serious side effect, you shouldn’t take Egrifta SV if you currently have cancer. It could make the cancer worse.

For those with a history of cancer, Egrifta SV also increases the risk the cancer will come back. Your healthcare provider will weigh the pros and cons of having you take this medication if you’ve had cancer.

Symptoms of cancer vary. So be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any new or worsening symptoms that seem unusual or concerning. They may want you to stop or pause treatment with Egrifta SV.

5. Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions can happen with most medications. But they seem to be a more common side effect for people who take Egrifta SV. In studies, Egrifta SV caused allergic reactions in 4% of people.

Allergic reactions to Egrifta SV can happen anywhere on the body. Mild symptoms can include a skin rash, itchiness, and redness. More serious symptoms include trouble breathing and swelling of the face and throat.

Injection-site reactions and mild allergic reactions may look similar. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider. If you have a full-body rash or trouble breathing after taking Egrifta SV, stop injections and get medical attention.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about Egrifta SV side effects?

It’s a good idea to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider, especially if they’re persistent, seem unusual, or get worse at any point. They can help you manage your side effects by providing additional treatment options or changing your medication.

Common Egrifta SV side effects, like fluid buildup and injection-site reactions, can be managed. They also often go away on their own. But serious side effects, like increased blood glucose and allergic reactions, need more urgent care.

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Written by:

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD, is the drug information pharmacist manager at GoodRx. She is licensed in California and has more than 6 years of experience working as a pharmacist in drug information.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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