What Are The Side Effects Of Somatropin
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Serious breathing problems may occur in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who use somatropin. If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, call your doctor promptly if you develop signs of lung or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, or new or increased snoring.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
- pain in your knees or hips, walking with a limp
- ear pain, swelling, warmth, or drainage
- numbness or tingling in your wrist, hand, or fingers
- severe swelling or puffiness in your hands and feet
- changes in behavior
- changes in the shape or size of a mole
- pain or swelling in your joints
- pancreatitis–severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting
- high blood sugar–increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor
- increased pressure inside the skull–severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes or
- signs of an adrenal gland problem–extreme weakness, severe dizziness, weight loss, changes in skin color, feeling very weak or tired.
Common side effects may include:
- pain, itching, or skin changes where the medicine was injected
- swelling, rapid weight gain
- headache, back pain or
- cold or flu symptoms, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, ear pain.
Endocrinologists Issue New Clinical Guidelines For Managing And Treating Children With Growth Failure
When is it appropriate to treat short children with growth hormone? The answer is not always clear-cut, as many parents and physicians have discovered over the past three decades.
Social, medical and ethical concerns complicate the issue. Short stature itself is not a disease, although it may result from underlying disease. But diagnosis can be challenging and treatment decisions may be controversial. Some short but healthy children receive expensive nightly injections of recombinant growth hormone. As with any medicine, there may be side effects and possibly unknown long-term risks.
A group of medical experts has weighed existing evidence and issued a new set of clinical guidelines for managing children and adolescents with growth failure. Written on behalf of the Pediatric Endocrine Society, the guidelines are the societys first update since 2003. For children with certain clearly diagnosed medical conditions, the experts recommend hormonal treatments. When the cause of growth failure is unknown, they advise against routine growth hormone use and recommend a more measured decision-making approach.
Grimberg and colleagues issued their guidelines through two committees of the Pediatric Endocrine Society the Drug and Therapeutics Committee and the Ethics Committee. The guidelines appeared online Nov. 25 in Hormone Research in Paediatrics, and in the January 2017 print issue.
Contact: Joey McCool Ryan, The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, 258-6735 or
Theoretical Side Effects Of Hgh
In addition to all of the issues already covered on this page, there are some theoretical HGH side effects and risk factors to discuss before a person decides to proceed with doctor prescribed human growth hormone therapy.
- Cancer or Leukemia since HGH helps the body regenerate cells at a higher rate of efficiency, there is a chance that this could have an effect on cancer cells, as well. That is why treatment is never prescribed for anyone with an active diagnosis of cancer until they have been cleared by their oncologist. Detailed blood testing will help to ensure that there are no concerns before HGH injections are prescribed.
- Acromegaly high dosages of human growth hormones for prolonged periods could cause abnormal enlargement of bones, organs, and fingers. That is why specialists are extremely cautious when calculating the dosage of medication that they prescribe.
The minimized risks associated with these concerns are seen when HRT specialists have prescribed this therapy. An experienced professional can reduce chances of adverse reactions by following all proper procedures for GH deficiency diagnosis and treatment.
Do not let the rare risk of side effects of HGH use stand in the way of contacting National HRT to learn if treatment for adult growth hormone deficiency can be beneficial for you. Our specialists can help you receive all of the desired benefits with a safe, customized treatment plan. You owe it to yourself to improve your future the best way possible.
Read Also: How Long Do Hormone Replacement Pellets Last
What Causes Growth Hormone Deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency may be congenital , or it may be acquired later in life. Congenital growth hormone deficiency may be caused by an abnormal pituitary gland, or it may be associated with other congenital syndromes. Acquired growth hormone deficiency may result from trauma, infections, pituitary and related tumors, radiation to the brain, brain cancer, or other diseases.
Other Chemicals Used To Increase Muscle Size
Some athletes or bodybuilders who abuse growth hormone in an attempt to gain muscle size and strength also use other medications or illicit drugs to speed up their physical transformation. The dangers of mixing these different chemicals are not fully known.Some of the substances people may use include:
- steroids synthetic versions of the male sex hormone testosterone. These build muscle tissue and aid rapid recovery
- amphetamines to aid in fat loss
- beta-blockers to counteract trembling, a common side effect of steroids
- diuretics to counteract fluid retention .
Recommended Reading: How Long Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Take
Why Does Hormone Therapy Cause Side Effects
Hormonal therapy is often used to either block hormones that are overdeveloping or stimulate hormones that are lacking.
The two most common forms of HRT are either surgery or medicine. Both carry side effects.
- Surgery Hormones are created naturally in the body by our organs. Surgery may be recommended to actually remove the organ completely to prevent hormones that overproduce and pose a risk of cancer. For example, in men, the testes make testosterone. The testes can be removed to slow the growth of some prostate cancers.
- Medicine Medicines are used to either block or stimulate hormone production. For example, the medicine tamoxifen helps prevent estrogen from stimulating breast cancer growth.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Growth Hormone Therapy
Watch any ad on TV for a drug or medical treatment, and what do you see? Scenes of happy smiling people running through fields of daisies, while in the background, the narrator reads a laundry list of potential side effects that make you wonder, why would anyone take this stuff? By FDA rules, if a drug is advertised on TV, Radio, or in a magazine, a disclaimer stating all the possible side effects must be part of the ad. Emphasis needs to be made on the word possible. All drugs, even something as common as aspirin, can have possible side effects. After running a very strict series of phased clinical trials, the FDA will approve a drug that it is generally recognized as safe. However, any side effects that were documented during those trials, must be listed in the drugs literature, and as you have no doubt heard, during its TV commercials.
Like any approved medication, growth hormone is generally considered safe, and like any other drug, it has a list of possible side effects. Some of them are minor, some more severe, but most are fairly uncommon. Some of the more general side effects of HGH that have been recorded are:
- Inflammation at the injection site
Like any approved medication, growth hormone is generally considered safe, and like any other drug, it has a list of possible side effects. Some of them are minor, some more severe, but most are fairly uncommon.
Also Check: What Increases Testosterone In Males
When Is It Started
Growth hormone therapy can be initiated at any age in individuals with PWS, but there is accumulating evidence that starting growth hormone therapy early provides the most benefit. According to expert Consensus Guidelines, there is strong evidence supporting the use of growth hormone for PWS beginning in infancy. Studies have shown the benefits of growth hormone treatment when started between 4 and 6 months and as early as 3 months of age. A study also has concluded that growth hormone therapy in people with PWS less than 2 years of age is safe and improved body composition, and that infants who received growth hormone before the age of 15 months started to walk earlier. There is currently not complete consensus on exactly when growth hormone should be started a pediatric endocrinologist familiar with PWS should be consulted.
Proper nutritional management remains a mainstay during growth hormone therapy. Regular contact with a dietitian is important throughout the lifespan of the person with PWS.
How To Take Somatropin
Use Somatropin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your dose and brand of somatropin, and how often you use it will depend on the condition you are treating. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Somatropin is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Do not inject the subcutaneous injection into the same place two times in a row.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use somatropin if you don’t understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not shake the medicine. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
If your medicine comes with a syringe, cartridge, or injection pen, use only that device to give your medicine.
You may need frequent medical tests.
Follow any diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor to help control your condition.
How you store this medicine will depend on the somatropin brand and the diluent you are using. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about proper storage of your medication.
Don’t Miss: What Happens To Hormones During Period
Signs Of Growth Hormone Deficiency
If youre concerned that you might have a growth hormone deficiency, you should consult a medical professional. They should be able to help you run the proper tests and diagnose you more accurately.
There are some signs you can look out for:
More body fat, particularly around the waist
Reduced bone mass
Less stamina during physical activity
Struggling to build muscle mass
Feeling anxious or depressed
Exhaustion or fatigue
Feeling sensitive to temperatures.
You should also be mindful that this list is not exhaustive, and if you have one or several of the symptoms listed, it doesnt mean you definitely have a growth hormone deficiency.
If you are unsure, its best to book a consultation with a doctor.
Weighing The Use Of Growth Hormones For Children
New research has linked growth hormone treatment to serious adverse health effects years later.
-
Send any friend a story
As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share.
Give this articleGive this articleGive this article
An 8-year-old boy I know is small for his age, shorter and slighter than his friends, even smaller than his 5-year-old sister. Concerned about the increasing use and possible risks of growth hormone, I asked his mother if shed considered treating him with it. She replied, Not really. Hes built like his father, who was short and slight as a boy and didnt shoot up until college.
Their son, she said, has no sign of a hormone deficiency. Hes in the third percentile for height and has maintained the same growth trajectory for years, so theres no reason to do something about it, she said. Hes very athletic, physically capable and can keep up with his friends in other ways.
His father, at 41, is now 6 feet tall, though still very slender. He recalls being a reasonably athletic child but without the physical power of his friends, making up for what he lacked in mass with speed and agility. I enjoyed competitive sports and worked on skills others didnt have, he told me, and said he encourages his son to recognize and capitalize on the skills he has.
You May Like: How To Naturally Boost Testosterone Ftm
Symptoms Of Deficiency Of Growth Hormone
Any three of the below mentioned problems in the body are a reason for possible deficiency of growth hormone and one should get it checked by a good doctor:
What Are Human Growth Hormones
Human growth hormone is the naturally occurring hormone that helps humans grow. It is primarily produced in the growth stage of life, peaking at puberty and then slowly declining later in life.
HGH help build, repair and maintain brain and organ tissue, build bones, and promote cell growth and regeneration.
Its a vital hormone produced by the pituitary gland. If a child is deficient in natural growth hormone and suffers from poor growth, a doctor may prescribe synthetic human growth hormone so they can build strong, healthy bones and organs. Growth hormone deficiency is a rare condition but must be addressed.
Read Also: Can Dermatologist Treat Hormonal Acne
Talking To Your Doctor About Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy can be a great option for managing the hormones your body relies on.
Use the following questions to navigate a conversation with your doctor about HRT and whether it may or may not be an effective treatment option for you:
When Will I See Results
Your results will depend on the approach you take and how consistent you are with use.
Traction devices, for example must be used daily often for months at a time in order to achieve any noticeable effects.
Its also unclear how much time will pass before you see results from manual stretching exercises.
You May Like: What Is Considered Low Estrogen Birth Control
How Does Human Growth Hormone Treatment Work
Human growth hormone replacement therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for those who suffer from short-term or long-term pituitary disorders. The benefits of this natural remedy include increased muscle mass, better sleep patterns and reduced fatigue while promoting faster healing rates after exercise sessions.
HGH replacement therapy is available in two forms: self-administered or as injections from a doctor. The best results will come with treatments administered for months and sometimes years to optimise your bodys natural production of HGH levels.
Your treatment will start with a blood test to check your growth hormone profile, along with a consultation with a growth hormone expert.
If its decided that growth hormone treatment is a good fit for you, then you will be prescribed a course of HGH injections and be taught how to administer them, or the doctor will administer them for you.
The doctor will likely want to follow up with you after your course to evaluate how youre feeling and run more blood tests.
How Is Growth Hormone Deficiency Treated
Since the mid-1980s, synthetic growth hormones have been used with great success to treat children and adults. Before synthetic growth hormones, natural growth hormones from cadavers were used for treatment.
Growth hormone is given by injection, typically into the bodys fatty tissues, such as the back of the arms, thighs, or buttocks. Its most effective as a daily treatment.
Side effects are generally minor, but may include:
- redness at the injection site
- curving of the spine
In rare cases, long-term growth hormone injections may contribute to the development of diabetes, especially in people with a family history of that disease.
Recommended Reading: Dealing With Hormonal Mood Swings
What Are Human Growth Hormones Usually Used For
Men, in particular, use the hormone for athletic or aesthetic reasons since it can help improve muscle mass and reduce body fat.
Some sources say synthetic HGH improves athletic performance, but the scientific evidence to prove this is lacking. HGH is also banned by many professional sports leagues and athletic associations, resulting in fewer studies on growth hormones.
However, a group of researchers reviewed 44 studies on growth hormones in athletes. They found that:
After receiving daily injections for an average of 20 days, the subjects who received GH increased their lean body mass , by an average of 4.6 pounds.
While this is a substantial gain, the researchers couldnt find any connection to improved performance or increased strength.
Many people are using a combination of steroids and HGH to get maximum results in the gym. You may experience increased metabolism, a gain in muscle mass and a decrease in body fat, and improved mood and cognitive function.
However, your mileage will vary and you may discover the side effects arent worth the benefits. If you want to use performance-enhancing drugs, we are here to help without judgement. Its much safer if you use the help of a professional to mitigate the side effects these drugs can cause.
Other Treatments For Growth Hormone Deficiency
In addition to growth hormone therapy, you may need other treatments for growth hormone deficiency.
For example, being very short can affect a childs self-esteem: Classmates can tease a child to the point of tears. Thats why mental and emotional therapy is often an important part of treatment. A mental health counselor or psychologist can talk you through your feelings and teach you how to cope with growth hormone deficiency.
Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and regularly exercising are also important parts of an overall growth hormone deficiency treatment plan. Your doctor can teach you how to incorporate growth hormone injections into a healthy lifestyle.
Adult growth hormone deficiency. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Web site. . Accessed May 16, 2011.
Growth hormone deficiency. Health Guide. New York Times Web site. . Published September 13, 2009. Accessed May 16, 2011.
Growth hormone deficiency – children. MedlinePlus Web site. . Update July 26, 2010. Accessed May 16, 2011.
Related
You May Like: Can You Get Testosterone Pills