Using Only the Manufacturer-Provided Diluent
The most important rule when preparing Tesamorelin for injection is to use only the diluent provided with the product. Depending on the specific formulation you have been prescribed, this will be either Sterile Water for Injection or Bacteriostatic Water for Injection. The manufacturer includes this specific diluent for a reason: it is tested to be compatible with the lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, ensuring stability, potency, and safety. Substituting with any other liquid, including other types of sterile water or saline, can compromise the drug's effectiveness or introduce harmful contaminants.
EGRIFTA SV® (Daily Formulation)
For the daily 1.4 mg dose of EGRIFTA SV®, the manufacturer provides Sterile Water for Injection as the diluent. This single-dose diluent is mixed with the Tesamorelin powder immediately before administration. Any leftover reconstituted solution must be discarded, as this form is not preserved for multi-day use.
EGRIFTA WR® (Weekly Formulation)
For the weekly EGRIFTA WR® formulation, the diluent provided is Bacteriostatic Water for Injection. The bacteriostatic agent (typically benzyl alcohol) allows the reconstituted vial to be stored for up to 7 days, providing enough doses for the entire week. It is essential to use this specific diluent and not substitute with non-preserved sterile water, which would require the reconstituted solution to be used immediately and discarded.
The Reconstitution Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing Tesamorelin involves a precise, careful process to ensure the peptide's integrity. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions and the detailed guide provided in the medication box.
- Gather Supplies: Ensure you have the tesamorelin vial, the correct diluent vial, a syringe, and alcohol swabs.
- Sterilize Vials: Clean the rubber stoppers of both the diluent and tesamorelin vials with alcohol swabs.
- Draw Diluent: Using the syringe, draw the exact amount of diluent specified in your instructions. For EGRIFTA SV®, this is 0.5 mL. For EGRIFTA WR®, this is 1.3 mL.
- Inject Diluent: Slowly inject the diluent into the tesamorelin vial. Angle the needle to let the water run down the side of the vial to prevent foaming, which can damage the peptide.
- Gently Mix: Do not shake the vial. Shaking can degrade the sensitive peptide molecule. Instead, gently roll the vial between your hands for 30 seconds until the powder is completely dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear and colorless.
- Withdraw Dose: Draw the prescribed amount of the mixed solution into the syringe for injection.
- Store (if applicable): If using EGRIFTA WR®, the reconstituted vial can be stored for the week at room temperature as instructed. If using EGRIFTA SV®, discard any unused solution and the vial immediately.
Comparison of Tesamorelin Formulations and Diluents
Feature | EGRIFTA SV® (Daily) | EGRIFTA WR® (Weekly) |
---|---|---|
Diluent Used | Sterile Water for Injection | Bacteriostatic Water for Injection |
Purpose of Diluent | Single-use sterile dilution | Multi-use, preserved dilution |
Storage of Mixed Vial | Discard immediately after use | Can be stored for up to 7 days |
Mixing Volume | Reconstitute 2 mg vial with 0.5 mL diluent | Reconstitute 1 vial with 1.3 mL diluent |
Frequency of Reconstitution | Every day, before each dose | Once per week |
The Dangers of Improper Mixing
Using an incorrect diluent or improper mixing technique poses significant risks. First, it can lead to a less potent or inactive medication, meaning the patient will not receive the full therapeutic effect. Second, using non-sterile liquids can introduce bacteria, leading to a dangerous infection at the injection site or even systemically. Finally, shaking the solution vigorously can cause the peptide to denature and lose its therapeutic properties. Always adhere to the precise instructions to ensure the medication works as intended and is safe to use.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Tesamorelin Preparation
To summarize, knowing what to mix Tesamorelin with is non-negotiable for safe and effective treatment. Whether you are using the daily EGRIFTA SV® with Sterile Water for Injection or the weekly EGRIFTA WR® with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, the golden rule remains the same: follow the manufacturer's exact instructions and only use the provided diluent. Avoid all substitutions and ensure gentle mixing to preserve the delicate peptide structure. Following these steps helps safeguard your health and maximizes the benefits of your medication. For additional guidance, always consult the official manufacturer's instructions or your prescribing physician.
For more detailed information and patient guides, see the official EGRIFTA SV® website at hcp.egriftasv.com.