Recombinant human growth hormone
ATC code: H01AC01 (Somatropin)
Brand names
Genotonorm, Norditropin, Saizen, Humatrope, Omnitrope, NutropinAq, Genotonorm KabiPen
Somatropin is identical to endogenous pituitary growth hormone. Binds receptors in liver and peripheral tissues, triggers IGF-1 synthesis – the main mediator of anabolic effects: stimulates cartilage and bone growth at the epiphyses, increases protein synthesis and lipolysis. In adults maintains lean mass and bone density. Half-life 2-3 hours after subcutaneous injection; IGF-1 effect persists 24 hours.
First line
Confirmed growth hormone deficiency in children and adults, Turner syndrome, chronic kidney disease in children with growth failure, Prader-Willi syndrome, SHOX deficiency, and idiopathic short stature per criteria. Per SEEN 2022 and ES 2019, the indication requires two stimulation tests by an endocrinologist. Dose: children 0.025-0.05 mg/kg/day, adults 0.15-0.3 mg/day with gradual titration by IGF-1. Subcutaneous injections in the evening.
The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.
Not recommended
Somatropin is heavily marketed in anti-aging clinics and the fitness industry as a rejuvenation, muscle-building, and fat-burning drug. In the US, EU, and Russia, prescribing it outside pediatrics and confirmed adult deficiency is prohibited. The Endocrine Society 2019, AACE 2019, and SEEN 2022 explicitly state: in people with normal GH secretion the drug does not work as a rejuvenator – the Rudman 1990 study cited by sellers showed transient lean-mass gain alongside edema, insulin resistance, and tumor risk. In athletes somatropin is on the WADA prohibited list. If prescribed for rejuvenation or quality of life without confirmed deficiency by two stimulation tests, consider getting a second opinion from an independent endocrinologist.
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Use in pregnancy is limited. In adult women, therapy is usually discontinued upon confirmed pregnancy. In hypopituitarism with hydrocortisone and L-thyroxine replacement, somatropin is managed individually with the endocrinologist.
Data limited. Hale L3. Somatropin is a large protein with negligible milk transfer and is destroyed in the infant's GI tract. If therapy is necessary, breastfeeding is usually compatible under endocrinologist supervision.
Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.
Somatropin is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Growth hormone deficiency (evidence tier A), Anti-aging and longevity (evidence tier D). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
Common side effects of Somatropin (≥ 1 in 100): Injection-site reactions, Arthralgia and myalgia, Peripheral edema, Headache, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Insulin resistance with elevated glucose. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
FDA category C. Use in pregnancy is limited. In adult women, therapy is usually discontinued upon confirmed pregnancy. In hypopituitarism with hydrocortisone and L-thyroxine replacement, somatropin is managed individually with the endocrinologist.
Data limited. Hale L3. Somatropin is a large protein with negligible milk transfer and is destroyed in the infant's GI tract. If therapy is necessary, breastfeeding is usually compatible under endocrinologist supervision.
Somatropin is contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity to somatropin or excipients; Active malignancy; Closed epiphyses (for growth indication in children); Acute critical illness (post-cardiac surgery, severe trauma, respiratory failure); Proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Full list in the Safety section.