HGH Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
HGH, or human growth hormone, is a substance that can support tissue and organ health in adults with growth hormone deficiency. Symptoms of this deficiency include loss of muscle mass, depression, feelings of isolation, and fatigue. HGH therapy can also improve bone density in adults.[1] Children normally have a higher natural level of HGH, which declines with aging, and they may take HGH to foster growth stunted by pituitary deficiency or kidney failure.[2]
HGH is sold as an injectable prescription as well as an OTC oral solution. Prescription HGH usually treats medical conditions, while over-the-counter HGH is typically used to fight the signs of aging. The anti-aging effects have not been proven.
HGH side effects range from mild discomfort at the injection site to allergic reactions. Serious HGH side effects like hormonal imbalance can occur, so its use is closely monitored by the prescribing physician.
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| Brand names | Nutropin, Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Serono[3] |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Genentech, Pfizer, Lilly, NovoNordisk, Merck, and others |
| Generic available? | Yes |
| Uses | Increase growth in children, enhance muscles in adult athletes, fight aging |
| Common side effects | Muscle and joint pain; hormonal imbalance; swelling of limbs; insomnia (at high doses) |
| Who should not take HGH | People with high blood pressure or enlarged hearts. |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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About HGH
The body naturally makes HGH, or human growth hormone, in the pituitary. Recombinant human growth hormone, or somatropin, is manufactured to be as much like the body's own natural growth hormone as possible.[4]
Children with stunted height and weight from illness are prescribed HGH injections. Those who need this growth boost may have renal, or kidney, insufficiency; juvenile arthritis treated with steroids; or certain congenital syndromes. Children who are just naturally short might also benefit from HGH therapy. With continuing therapy, youngsters may increase their full height by up to four inches or more.[5]
Healthy adults, primarily athletes, take HGH to enhance muscle mass, potentially leading to greater strength and performance. Studies have shown that body fat decreases and cardiovascular performance increases with HGH therapy.[1]
Using HGH to enhance athletic performance is illegal in many sports, such as Major League Baseball and professional football.[6]
Some theorize that giving HGH to adults can slow the aging process, but this has not been proven clinically.[7]
HGH is used to treat HIV/AIDS patients with muscle-wasting disease.[8] HGH supports childhood growth and helps to maintain tissue throughout life. As the body's natural supply of HGH wanes, some adult patient receive synthetic HGH to treat their deficiency, which may be caused by either a pituitary adenoma, a type of tumor, or by surgical or radiation treatments for the adenoma.[7]
Common HGH Side Effects
- Common HGH side effects include muscle or joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling of the legs and arms, and enlargement of breasts in men.[7]
- Children with a normal level of growth hormone can experience ear infections, stomach distress, joint and muscle pain, and tiredness from taking synthetic HGH..[2]
- As with all medications, HGH side effects are a function of dosage. A high level of HGH in the blood stream can lead to overgrowth of tissue and bone, insomnia, diabetes, and cardiac irregularities.[7]
About Drug Side Effects
HGH Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to HGH supplements appear as swelling of the face and neck, skin rash, itchy skin, chest pain or hives. These signs indicate a need for medical attention, and serious allergies can be fatal.[9] It is possible to be allergic to the HGH itself, or to any of the inactive ingredients in HGH preparations.
HGH Precautions and Warnings
- HGH has been used in the US since the 1950s to help children with growth disorders reach greater height. One study revealed that long-term HGH patients were at higher risk for some cancers. Another study found that HGH can enhance the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, including breast and prostate malignancies.[10]
- Research in France showed that children who received HGH therapy were at a greater risk for death as adults from some bone tumors and cardiovascular events, especially hemorrhage. The risk of death was elevated when higher-than-recommended doses were given.[4]
- Too much natural HGH in the body, caused by a pituitary problem, can result in serious medical problems for children and adults.[11]
Also See: Patient Assistance Programs, Drug Coupons, Creatine Side Effects, Drug Side Effects, Restylane Side Effects, Botox Side Effects
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/e-f-944.htm
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://healthpsych.psy.vanderbilt.edu/HGH_kids.htm
- ↑ http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugSafetyPodcasts/ucm238349.htm
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm237773.htm
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/04/health/04brod.html
- ↑ http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/10/14/SPSH1LI1V4.DTL
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/growth-hormone/
- ↑ http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_204.html
- ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/allergic_reaction/page3_em.htm#Allergic%20Reaction%20Symptoms
- ↑ http://www.preventcancer.com/patients/med_avoid/hgh.htm
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/growthdisorders.html
