Headon Injection (HGH)

Headon Injection (HGH), containing Somatropin 4 IU (recombinant human growth hormone, HGH), is a prescription medication by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Available as a powder for injection (4 IU/vial), it treats growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and related conditions in children and adults. Requires a prescription due to risks of serious side effects, including diabetes and cancer risk.

Uses

• Treats growth failure in children due to GHD, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic kidney disease, or idiopathic short stature

• Manages short stature in adults with GHD (childhood- or adult-onset)

• Treats muscle wasting in HIV/AIDS or short bowel syndrome

• Off-label: May be used for anti-aging or performance enhancement (not FDA-approved, illegal without prescription)

Side Effects

• Common: Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), headache, rash, joint/muscle pain

• Rare: Hypothyroidism, fluid retention, scoliosis progression, ear infections (Turner syndrome)

• Serious: Intracranial hypertension (severe headache, vision changes), diabetic ketoacidosis, pancreatitis, increased cancer risk, allergic reactions (e.g., hives, swelling)

Seek emergency help for severe headache, vision loss, or allergic reactions. Consult a doctor for persistent side effects.

How to Use

• Dosage: Children: 25–50 μg/kg/day; adults: 0.1–0.3 mg/day, adjusted by doctor based on IGF-1 levels, weight, and condition. Administered 6–7 days/week.

• Administration: Reconstitute powder with provided diluent. Inject subcutaneously (under skin) into fatty tissue (e.g., thigh, abdomen) at bedtime. Rotate injection sites. Administered by a healthcare professional or self-administered after training.

• Missed Dose: Skip if >12 hours until next dose; do not double dose. Contact doctor if multiple doses missed.

• Overdose: Seek urgent help for symptoms like hypoglycemia (sweating, shakiness) or hyperglycemia. Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222).

How Injection Works

Somatropin, a recombinant HGH, mimics natural growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) production in the liver, promoting bone, muscle, and tissue growth. It enhances cell reproduction, metabolism, and protein synthesis, addressing GHD symptoms. Effects on height may take 3–6 months; muscle benefits vary by condition.

Safety Advice

• Allergies: Avoid if allergic to Somatropin or excipients (e.g., benzyl alcohol in diluent).

• Health Conditions: Contraindicated in active cancer, acute critical illness, severe obesity with Prader-Willi syndrome, or closed epiphyses in children. Caution in diabetes, hypothyroidism, or scoliosis.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not recommended in pregnancy (fetal risk); safe in breastfeeding with limited risk. Consult doctor.

• Driving: Safe unless dizziness or vision changes occur.

• Alcohol: Unsafe; may worsen side effects or alter blood sugar control.

• Storage: Store unopened vials at 2–8°C (refrigerator); do not freeze. Use reconstituted solution within 14 days if refrigerated.