Humatrope: Full Information for Adults

Since 1987, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Humatrope, has been bringing its superior brand of HGH to adults suffering from growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Growth hormone (GH) is often described as the body’s “master hormone” due to the extensive list of functions it regulates or supports. At every age, the body requires GH for reasons such as:

• Stimulating the reproduction of new cells that maintain collagen and elastin levels that keep the skin supple and firm, enabling thick, shiny hair growth, protecting the internal organs from shrinkage, and keeping the bones and muscles strong
• Regulating the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, helping the body convert food into usable energy and not fat
• Enhancing feelings of sexual desire and supporting healthy sexual functions
• Promoting healthy immune system functions
• Enabling cognitive processes that support learning, focus, memory storage, and recall
• Supporting emotional well-being to reduce feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety
• Regulating temperature control
• Keeping other hormones, blood pressure, insulin, glucose, and cholesterol levels in balance

When the provider of growth hormone, the anterior pituitary gland, no longer supplies enough of this vital chemical, Humatrope takes over.

Description of Humatrope HGH

Humatrope is a bioidentical hormone, which means it has the same molecular structure as the hormone it replaces. Both growth hormone (somatotropin) and Humatrope human growth hormone (somatropin) contain 191 amino acids in a single chain, polypeptide protein. Upon injection into the body, Humatrope enters the bloodstream and seeks out the growth hormone receptor cells. Humatrope binds with the receptors as if it was natural somatotropin.

Bioidentical hormones are considered safer than synthetic ones, which vary slightly from the hormones they replace. The body must convert the synthetic hormones before they are usable, often increasing the risk of side effects.

Adult growth hormone deficiency is different from what children experience, as poor growth is the primary concern for juvenile and adolescent treatment. In the next section, we discuss the indications for adult use of Humatrope.

In adults, GHD occurs for many reasons, including:

• Pituitary or hypothalamic disease or tumors
• Traumatic brain injury affecting the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
• Blocked blood supply to the brain
• Surgery or radiation to the brain for any of the above reasons
• Childhood-onset GHD continuing into adulthood
• Certain types of medical conditions and treatments
• Genetic abnormalities
• Undiagnosed causes – may include age-related decline, substance abuse, lack of sleep or exercise, obesity, other hormonal imbalances

Due to its molecular structure, growth hormone cannot pass through the skin, making a topical version of it unavailable at this time. Humatrope, as with all other brands of HGH, is only available as an injectable. Any other products advertised as HGH do not contain real human growth hormones and do not provide the same type of results.

Instructions

(for Using Humatrope HGH for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency)

In this section, we focus on the many questions adults have about using Humatrope HGH injections. In addition to reading and learning about human growth hormone therapy, we recommend speaking with one of our medical advisors during a free phone consultation to understand the implications and usage of Humatrope injections.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Humatrope:

Indications

When is Humatrope indicated for use by adults?

The primary purpose of Humatrope is to treat adult growth hormone deficiency. The symptoms of GHD are very different in adults, who may exhibit any of the following signs:

• Continual fatigue, lack of endurance, lethargy, weakness
• Insomnia or other sleep issues
• Sluggish metabolism or insulin resistance – resulting in weight gain
• Loss of lean muscle mass and strength
• Decreasing bone density – may show up as height shrinkage, joint pains, stiffness
• Trouble concentrating, impaired learning, forgetfulness, slow cognitive processing
• Depression, mood swings, anxiety, stress, irritability
• Sensitivity to changes in temperature
• Decreased cell regeneration resulting in organ shrinkage and impaired functions
• Reduced collagen and elastin resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles
• Thinning or loss of hair
• Brittle nails
• Poor outlook and quality of life
• Social isolation
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Erectile dysfunction
• PMS or menopause symptoms for women
• Diagnosis or risk of high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, dementia

Humatrope use benefits each of the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency listed above.

Dosage & Administration

When and how much Humatrope should I administer?

Most people administer one injection of Humatrope each day, typically in the evening. Some people may benefit more from morning shots – the doctor will determine the time of day as well as the dosage of HGH medication to use. Dosages are based on variables that include age, weight, gender, health, and level of deficiency.

Storage and Use

How do I store my Humatrope injections?

Humatrope requires constant refrigeration, both before and after reconstitution. Once the HGH powder is mixed with the diluent, the Humatrope solution in 6, 12, and 24 mg cartridges is stable for 28 days. Humatrope in vials is mixed with bacteriostatic water and lasts for 14 days.

How Supplied

How is Humatrope supplied?

Eli Lilly provides Humatrope in the following ways:

• Vials – Humatrope is available in 5 mg vials that contain the HGH powder. It is then reconstituted using bacteriostatic water, which contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. A supply of standard insulin syringes and needles are provided for use with Humatrope vials.
• HumatroPens – The HumatroPens are Eli Lilly’s offerings for people who want injector-style pen delivery systems. Each pen works only with its corresponding replaceable cartridges.

Drug Interactions

Can I take Humatrope along with my other medications?

Most medications are fine to use with Humatrope. Let your doctor know everything that you take, including over-the-counter vitamins and supplements. The following drugs may interact with Humatrope HGH:

• Corticosteroids
• Insulin or other diabetes medications
• Glucocorticoids – may require increased dosing
• Oral estrogen
• Cytochrome P450-metabolized drugs

Warnings & Precautions

Are there any warnings or contraindications that I need to know before using Humatrope?

Do not use Humatrope if you have any of the following medical conditions:

• Acute critical illness – resulting from multiple injury trauma or stomach or heart surgery
• Active malignancy or tumor
• Allergy to ingredients in Humatrope or its diluent
• Diabetic retinopathy

Please let the doctor know if any of these apply:

• Diabetes
• Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
• Nursing
• Prior cancer or tumor history
• Scoliosis
• Thyroid problems
• Liver or kidney disease or issues

Effects

What are the side effects of Humatrope HGH?

The most common side effects reported by adults using Humatrope are injection site reactions. These may take the form of redness, swelling, itching, irritation, or pain. Most people who do experience any injection site reactions report that they disappear on their own.

Other possible side effects that could occur often do so only if growth hormone levels get too high in the body or increase too quickly. Those most likely to experience adverse reactions are people who misuse or abuse this medication without doctor authorization. Side effects of too much HGH include:

• Flu or cold-like symptoms
• Edema
• Nerve, joint, or muscle pain
• Changes in thyroid hormone levels
• Insulin resistance
• Glucose intolerance
• Headache
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Upper respiratory infection

Overdose

Is it possible to overdose on Humatrope HGH?

If Humatrope is used illegally or in too high a dosage, overdosing is possible, although unlikely. Be aware of any adverse reactions, including swelling of the face or tongue, allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, persistent abnormal pain, hypo or hyperglycemia, breathing difficulties, and rapid heartbeat.

For more information about Humatrope, or for a free consultation to learn more about hormone replacement therapy, please contact our clinic today.