What it is
A recombinant DNA-derived 191-amino-acid polypeptide identical in sequence to endogenous human growth hormone. Multiple brand-name products are available.
How it works
Binds the growth hormone receptor on hepatic and peripheral tissues, activating the JAK2/STAT5 pathway and stimulating IGF-1 production, protein synthesis, lipolysis, and longitudinal bone growth in pediatric patients.
Where it's used
Used in pediatric and adult growth hormone deficiency, several pediatric growth disorders (Turner syndrome, SHOX deficiency, Noonan syndrome, idiopathic short stature, Prader-Willi syndrome, small for gestational age), and AIDS-related wasting and HIV lipodystrophy.
FDA-approved use
Pediatric and adult growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome, SHOX deficiency, idiopathic short stature, small for gestational age, AIDS-related wasting, and short bowel syndrome (varies by brand).
Reconstitution
Many formulations are supplied as lyophilized powder reconstituted with the supplied diluent; some products are pre-mixed liquid cartridges. Always reconstituted with the manufacturer-supplied diluent.
Tracking it
Somatropin is injectable, so two things matter in a log: when you dosed and where. Rotating sites and writing both down prevents the classic “did I already pin the left side?” problem. with a half-life of about 3.5 hours, a dose log also lets a tracker model the relative amount still in your system between doses.
Source
OpenFDA
Last reviewed 2026-06-11