Who takes Genotropin?
Genotropin may be prescribed by a physician if you or your child has been diagnosed with a Human Growth Hormone (HGH) deficiency. In the United States, the FDA has approved artificial Human Growth Hormone as a treatment for severe obesity, and also as a treatment for the muscle wasting that can accompany certain diseases, like AIDS.
How is Genotropin administered?
Genotropin must be injected. Human Growth Hormone is destroyed by the digestive process, and cannot be taken in the form of a pill or orally administered medication. Additionally, the molecules of Human Growth Hormone are too large to be absorbed by the lining of the mouth or through the skin, so sprays and patches do not work. Since Genotropin must be injected, some of its possible side effects are related to this fact; swelling and pain at the injection site, for example.
Common side effects of Genotropin
These side effects are usually minor, if experienced at all. If any of these side effects of Genotropin become irritating or bothersome it is important to consult with the physician who prescribed the Genotropin.
If you are taking Genotropin you may experience tiredness, headaches, congested sinuses (stuffy nose), muscle or joint pain, swelling of the hands and/or feet, swelling or pain at injection sites, a prickly sensation on the skin, or mild pain or stiffness in your arms or legs.
Less common, and more severe, side effects of Genotropin
If any of these side effects are experienced, use of Genotropin should be discontinued and medical attention should be sought right away:
A new growth on the skin, or any changes in the appearance of a mole (color, size, border, thickness): human growth hormone can accelerate the growth of some cancers, and any signs of cancer should prompt you to discontinue treatment right away and see a doctor.
Sudden, severe headache, vision changes (blurry vision, bright or dark spots), dizziness, slurred speech, numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or burning that is localized to one side of the body, hearing problems: these symptoms can signal the onset of a stroke, and require immediate medical attention. If experiencing dizziness, weakness, or vision problems, do not drive. Summon an ambulance if necessary.
Rapid heartbeat, pain or pressure in the chest, difficulty breathing, nausea: this can signal heart problems. Discontinue use and see a doctor.
Unusually high level of thirst, frequent urination combined with irritability, and/or brain fog: these can indicate problems with blood sugar levels and should be checked by a physician.
Severe itching, rash, hives, swelling at injection sites or elsewhere, swelling in the mouth including the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing: this can indicate a severe allergic reaction to Genotropin. Discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.
Flu-like symptoms such as chills or a fever, exhaustion, loss of appetite: this can indicate a serious infection, which may result if proper care is not taken to disinfect needles and injection sites.
If you notice any other changes, such as mental or mood changes, or persistent pain that you did not have before that begins when you start taking Genotropin, consult a physician. For a complete list of possible HGH side effects read more here!
