yes i take peptides · shopping companion

HGH (Somatotropin)

Humatrope / Genotropin / Norditropin

Category · For EnergyStatus · FDACitations · 60WADA

The verdict

Yes — for FDA-labeled indications (pediatric GH deficiency, adult-onset GHD documented by stim testing, AIDS wasting, short-bowel TPN-dependence, Prader-Willi, SHOX deficiency, Turner) under endocrinology. No — for anti-aging, athletic enhancement, or "feel-better" use. Off-label HGH distribution for those purposes is a federal crime under 21 USC §333(e), and the WADA list is unambiguous.

By source — cost, legality, risk

FDA-approved brand (Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Saizen, Omnitrope, Zomacton)
$1,000–$3,000/mo cash
Rx required (federally restricted to approved indications)
Lowest in approved indication (AGHD, pediatric GHD, Turner). Off-label distribution carries federal risk.
Compounded 503A (rare)
$800–$1,500/mo
Rx required; DEA-restricted, rarely true 503A
Most 'compounded HGH' is brand product repackaged; true 503A is rare.
RUO research-chemical site (somatropin)
$200–$400/mo
Sold for research only
Highest in pharmacy lanes. Counterfeits common; identity/purity unverified.
Gray-market overseas raw (Chinese pen cartridges)
$30–$35/mo at 2iu/d
Illegal to import for human use
Highest. Largest off-label channel by volume; Chinese-source counterfeit risk.

Sources · top 5 of 60

01Deal CL, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Weekly Somatrogon vs Daily Somatropin in Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency: A Phase 3 Study. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 2022;107(7):e2717-e2728. PMID: 35405011.
02Thornton PS, et al. Weekly Lonapegsomatropin in Treatment-Naïve Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency: The Phase 3 heiGHt Trial. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 2021;106(11):3184-3195. PMID: 34272849.
03Webster R, et al. PEGylation of somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone): impact on its clearance in humans. Xenobiotica; the fate of foreign compounds in biological systems. 2008;38(10):1340-51. PMID: 18802875.
04Mehta A, et al. The use of somatropin (recombinant growth hormone) in children of short stature. Paediatric drugs. 2002;4(1):37-47. PMID: 11817985.
05Calzada-León R. [Use of recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rHGH)]. Revista medica del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. 2017;55(2):196-213. PMID: 28296370.