Sermorelin is a synthetic form of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), used to raise levels of human growth hormone (hGH). It’s currently not available in the U. S. as an FDA-approved medication, but can be obtained via pharmacies that make individualized medications.

Your body needs human growth hormone (hGH) to grow and develop properly. This peptide hormone is produced in the pituitary gland of your brain.

Although hGH plays its most crucial role during childhood and adolescence, it continues to maintain healthy tissues and organs throughout your life. Because of that, hGH levels that are lower or higher than typical can lead to health problems both in children and adults.

As often is the case with such complicated machines as our bodies, hGH does not act alone. The hypothalamus secretes a molecule called growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which controls hGH by releasing it from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream.

Sermorelin is a synthetic form of GHRH, used as a medication for low hGH levels. It’s no longer manufactured in the United States after its maker stopped production, but this medication can be obtained from certain pharmacies that make compounded medications.

Compounded medications are specially formulated to meet an individual’s unique needs. Pharmacies create them by combining or altering the ingredients of an existing medication.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not oversee compounded drugs, so sermorelin is currently listed as a “discontinued drug product” by the FDA. However, another manufacturer can reapply for FDA approval.

Keep reading to learn more about sermorelin, its benefits and risks, and when to consider using or avoiding sermorelin injections.

Sermorelin is used to diagnose and treat atypical growth in children. It’s also sometimes used off-label to treat hGH deficiency in adults. Some research has suggested that it can be beneficial for people with certain recurrent brain tumors.

According to older research, children were shown to benefit the most from sermorelin. One 1996 study reported that a daily injection of sermorelin increased growth rate in 74% of children after just 6 months. Another 1999 study showed it successfully stimulated growth in children.

However, the manufacturer of sermorelin determined that it required higher doses to be effective in children and that it was not as effective as alternative treatments.

In 2006, the manufacturer removed it from the market. The medication was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. Compounded drugs are not FDA approved, which means that the FDA does not verify their safety, effectiveness, or quality.

But compounding pharmacies can still create sermorelin. And if a pharmaceutical company chooses to produce it again, it could apply for FDA approval through an abbreviated drug application since it was previously approved.

Studies investigating the benefits of sermorelin in adults are scarce, but researchers have observed that sermorelin injection increases hGH levels in the bloodstream.

These findings have led to widespread claims that sermorelin is a pro-aging support therapy that can restore your body’s natural hGH production. Indeed, some research suggests that sermorelin may increase:

However, definitive research to support the anti-aging effect of sermorelin is lacking. The use of sermorelin in healthy adults to reverse the effects of aging and in bodybuilding remains controversial.

Although long-term risks of sermorelin use are not known, it’s usually well-tolerated. However, as with any synthetic drug, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction. Let your doctor know about any allergies before taking this medication.

Medical emergency

If you notice any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, call emergency medical services (911 in the United States) or go to the nearest emergency room:

  • hives or other rashes
  • swelling of the mouth, tongue, lips, or face
  • shortness of breath
  • tightness in the chest

Side effects

The most common side effect of sermorelin is caused by its injection under your skin. You may experience any of the following at the site of injection:

  • irritation
  • itching
  • sensitivity
  • swelling
  • pain
  • redness or other color changes

These reactions are typically short-lived and disappear without any action. As you get better at self-administering the shots, these symptoms may stop for good.

Other, much less common side effects of sermorelin may include:

  • difficulty swallowing
  • dizziness
  • flushing (redness in the face or neck)
  • headache
  • nausea
  • rash
  • sleepiness
  • taste changes
  • trouble sitting still

Drug interactions

Sermorelin may interact with other medications, including:

Before starting sermorelin treatment, make sure to let your doctor know about any medications and supplements you take (including vitamins).

Children and youths with below-average growth are the primary candidates for sermorelin injections. In this group, sermorelin can help with both diagnosis and treatment of hGH deficiency.

Adults with diagnosed hGH deficiency can also benefit from sermorelin, according to research. Healthy adults sometimes use this therapy for aging support and for bodybuilding; however, this use remains controversial due to the scarcity of scientific evidence.

People with certain medical conditions may require additional screening before taking sermorelin and sometimes should avoid this therapy. These include people who:

  • are allergic to sermorelin
  • have untreated hypothyroidism
  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or chestfeeding

After getting a prescription and instructions from a doctor, you don’t need to visit a doctor’s office for sermorelin injections. Instead, you can self-administer injections at home. Sermorelin is injected subcutaneously, which means under the skin.

To prevent contamination, wipe the rubber vial stopper with an antiseptic before puncturing it with the needle. When injecting, target the fatty tissue just below the skin. Many people inject their stomach or thigh.

To avoid bruising and soreness, it’s best to change the location of the injection site. Ask your doctor for the best injection technique.

Sermorelin is administered once a day, ideally at night. Your doctor will determine your dosage and length of treatment based on your individual factors.

You may be wondering: If the purpose of sermorelin therapy is to increase the levels of hGH hormone, why can’t you just inject hGH?

The answer is that many people do. In fact, research suggests that genetically engineered hGH is an effective treatment for both below-average growth in children and hGH deficiency in adults. Unfortunately, hGH therapy is associated with numerous risks and side effects. Therefore, it may not be appropriate for some people.

Sermorelin helps your body produce more hGH. Children with growth delays and adults with hGH deficiency may benefit from this therapy.

The manufacturer stopped making this drug in 2006, and it is no longer FDA-approved for this purpose. However, it can still be obtained from compounding pharmacies, and if another pharmaceutical company wishes to make sermorelin, it can obtain FDA approval through an abbreviated process. This is because it was not removed due to safety or effectiveness concerns.

Although this medication is usually well-tolerated, tell your doctor about any allergies, medical conditions, medications, and supplements you take. Also, check in regularly with your doctor while you’re taking it.