Somatropin (rhGH)

Is Somatropin (rhGH) legal in the US?

Yes, FDA approved for growth hormone shortage in children and adults and some growth disorders.

Somatropin, recombinant human growth hormone, has been FDA-approved since Humatrope in 1987 and is sold under several brands including Norditropin, Genotropin, Omnitrope and Zomacton, for growth hormone deficiency in children and adults and for a set of specific growth disorders. Two long-standing brands have left the market: Genentech discontinued Nutropin in 2024 and Lilly is ending Humatrope distribution at the end of 2026. Use for anti-aging or athletic performance is not an approved indication. ¹²³

Growth hormone deficiency in children and adults. Also growth failure from several causes: Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and chronic kidney disease. Also being born small for gestational age without catch-up growth, and idiopathic short stature. Some brands add HIV wasting and short bowel syndrome. Exact approved uses vary by brand. Each label lists them. ³

No. Every approved use is a diagnosed deficiency or a specific growth disorder. The label says to keep IGF-1 within the normal range for age. Excess growth hormone causes fluid retention, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and raised blood sugar. These same effects limit off-label use. ³

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Reference information only, not medical advice. Drawn from the Somatropin (rhGH) article, fact-checked against the cited sources. No dosing anywhere on this site.