Humatrope: Side Effects and Risks

Men and women undergoing human growth hormone replacement therapy need to understand the benefits as well as the Humatrope risks and side effects before starting their treatment. HGH therapy is as important for adults as it can be for children, just in many different ways. Just as the benefits are different, so are the potential adverse reactions. This review provides a comprehensive look at common and rare Humatrope side effects, as well as how to avoid unexpected risks.

Any type of medicine, whether prescribed by a doctor or sold over-the-counter, carries the potential for adverse reactions. There are things people can do to reduce the incidence of unwanted effects, as explained in answer to the following question:

How can I avoid the risk of side effects of Humatrope HGH?

HGH therapy side effects occur most often as a result of growth hormone (GH) levels becoming too high in the body. The reason most people turn to HGH treatment is to counteract the symptoms associated with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). However, increasing GH too high can also lead to unwanted side effects that could be even worse than what was experienced with low growth hormone levels. That is why doctor authorization and supervision are crucial to reducing those risks. Following the doctor’s instructions will lower the incidence of adverse effects.

Another way to reduce Humatrope risks and side effects is by ensuring that the medication purchased is safe to use. That means always buying all HGH drugs from a licensed US pharmacy. Purchasing HGH injections illegally presents a significant increase in the risk of unwanted side effects, which will be discussed in further detail in the next section.

Are there people who should not use human growth hormone injections?

Yes, some adults may have contraindications for HGH therapy, including those who fall into one of the following categories:

• Experiencing complications resulting from open heart or abdominal surgery, or serious injuries to multiple body systems
• Having life-threatening breathing problems
• Active cancer or tumors
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Allergies to any ingredients in Humatrope

Can I use Humatrope if I have other medical conditions?

Some health issues or medical treatments may require closer supervision, more frequent blood testing, or changes to medication dosages. Tell the hormone specialist about any conditions, medications, or supplements, especially the following:

• Thyroid disease or thyroid hormone therapy
• Diabetes, insulin, or other associative medications
• Hypoadrenalism or glucocorticoid replacement therapy
• Liver or kidney disease
• Cytochrome P450-metabolized drugs
• Oral estrogen for birth control or menopause
• Steroid use
• Scoliosis
• Pregnancy, trying to become pregnant, or nursing

Unexpected Risks of Usage of Humatrope

In the next two sections, we will discuss the most common and rare Humatrope side effects. First, we want to shed light on a serious topic – unexpected risks that occur as a result of bypassing legitimate means of purchasing HGH injections.

Humatrope human growth hormone by Eli Lilly is a complex therapy designed to increase the level of GH in the body. It must be done with extreme care so as not to raise the level too high, which could result in significant and potentially dangerous side effects of Humatrope. That requires careful testing and assessment to determine the appropriate medication dosage for each person.

Additional unexpected Humatrope risks and side effects occur when people skip contacting a doctor and locate companies online that willingly sell HGH injections without requiring a prescription. Because that action is illegal in the US, these companies are typically located elsewhere, most often in Asia or South America. There are no checks and controls in place to ensure that the medications they sell are safe to use. US citizens also have no legal recourse if something goes wrong when making an illegal purchase from a website address in another country.

What could go wrong when purchasing Humatrope HGH injections online without a prescription?

Here are some of the unexpected risks that could occur when buying Humatrope without a doctor’s prescription:

• Legal prosecution including jail time and monetary fines
• Confiscation of any medications shipped into the country from outside the US
• Receipt of fake “HGH” drugs – counterfeit products, false labels, plain water
• Being sent expired or diluted medications that do not perform as they should
• Receipt of items manufactured in filthy conditions, or those that contain bacterial residue or toxic ingredients (including rat poison)
• Serious illness and health risks associated with these issues
• Increasing growth hormone levels too high to a point where side effects could occur by using the wrong dosage

Common Side Effects of Humatrope

As we begin our review of the most common Humatrope risks and side effects, we want to point out that adults diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency will find that the benefits of HGH therapy often surpass the slight chance of short-lived adverse reactions. It is essential to discuss the pros and cons with your doctor or medical advisor before starting treatment.

The most common side effect of Humatrope is some form of reaction at the injection site. For some adults, treatment with Humatrope HGH therapy is the first time they have ever held a syringe or injector pen. Shaky hands, slow or fast movements, or insecurities can increase the risk of injection site pain or swelling. Any injection can cause some redness, irritation, inflammation, bruising, or other issues. These types of reactions typically disappear on their own without any necessary treatment. The incidence of injection site issues also declines as the individual becomes better adept at administering the shot.

Some people also go through an adjustment period as their bodies get used to the increase in GH levels. It may take up to a couple of weeks for the body to adjust, leading to the following common Humatrope side effects:

• Fluid retention (edema)
• Headaches
• Cold-like symptoms
• Joint pain
• Muscle aches
• Nerve pain
• High blood sugar
• Insulin resistance
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Abnormal fat distribution
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Male breast enlargement – gynecomastia

These reactions are not dangerous unless they last long-term, which could lead to further complications, including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome. Contact the prescribing doctor if these side effects persist for more than two weeks or increase in severity.

In some cases, the doctor may determine that lowering the current HGH dosage is necessary to reverse any adverse reactions. Once they clear up, a gradual increase in HGH dosing can occur. Do not attempt to make changes without doctor authorization as that can lead to other problems.

Rare Side Effects of Humatrope

The most likely cause of more serious or rare Humatrope side effects is illegal use, misuse, or abuse of this medication. Of course, a person who is not aware of an allergy to any of the ingredients may experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

• Swelling of the tongue, face, or throat
• Breathing difficulty
• Rash or hives

Immediate medication attention is necessary in case of an allergic reaction.

If any of the following Humatrope risks and side effects occur, please contact the doctor for further help:

• Changes in the appearance of a mole
• Pancreatic concerns
• Worsening of sleep apnea
• Increased hunger or thirst
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Mood changes
• Urinary tract infection
• Low energy
• Hair loss
• Fever
• Acromegaly – enlarged facial bones, hands, or feet
• Impaired internal organ functions
• Feeling cold
• Changes in heartbeat
• Swelling of the ankles
• Anxiety
• Skin changes in sensation, color, or dryness
• Seizures
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Blurred vision
• Cold sweats

To learn more about Humatrope side effects, treatment options, Eli Lilly assistance programs that may help with costs, or how to get tested for growth hormone deficiency, please contact our hormone clinic for a free, confidential consultation.