Definition: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) means the pituitary gland does not make enough growth hormone. MedlinePlus says it may be present at birth, may follow a medical condition or a severe brain injury, and most of the time in children has no known cause. In children it shows up as slow growth. Adults can have it too, starting in childhood or adulthood.
| Label | How often | GHD use |
|---|---|---|
| Genotropin (somatropin) | Daily | Children with growth failure from GHD; adults with GHD that began in childhood or adulthood |
| Skytrofa (lonapegsomatropin) | Weekly | Children 1 and older who weigh at least 11.5 kg; adults with GHD |
| Sogroya (somapacitan) | Weekly | Children 2.5 and older; adults with GHD |
Some labels cover other conditions too, such as Turner syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome. Tesamorelin (Egrifta SV), which makes the body release its own growth hormone, is approved for belly fat in HIV lipodystrophy, not for GHD.
Fluid retention is the most common theme in adults. In Genotropin's adult trials, swelling of the arms or legs was 17.5% vs 5.1% on placebo and joint pain 17.3% vs 4.2% in the first 6 months. The label says these came early, tended to pass and often eased with a lower dose. The label also notes that IGF-1 levels may rise on treatment.
Daily or weekly injections, IGF-1 results and growth or symptom notes are what a prescriber reviews. Keeping them together makes each visit shorter.
Read more on Dose Track: HGH guide · Genotropin side effects · Skytrofa side effects · Growth hormone and cancer risk