Sermorelin acetate is a prescription medication indicated for use in certain qualifying patients with growth hormone deficiency. On this page, we will discuss detailed instructions on the use of sermorelin acetate, including:
- Dosage and Administration
- Storage
- Indications and warnings
- Side effects and benefits
What is Sermorelin Acetate?
Sermorelin acetate is the generic name of the prescription drug Geref; it is sometimes also called Geref Diagnostic. Pharmacologically it is known as a “Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog.”
Sermorelin is sold as a sterile, non-pyrogenic, lyophilized powder intended for subcutaneous injection after reconstitution with sodium chloride. On our website, sermorelin is available as:
- Sermorelin Acetate 9mg/10ml vial
- Sermorelin Acetate 15mg/10ml vial
Is Sermorelin the Same as HGH Therapy?
Like growth hormone injections, sermorelin acetate subcutaneous injections are indicated for use in children who are not reaching normal growth milestones due to growth hormone deficiency (GHD). It is also indicated for use in adults suffering from “adult-onset” or “age-related GHD.” However, unlike human growth hormone (HGH) injections which immediately raise the level of growth hormone in your blood, sermorelin acetate stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more HGH.
- Both HGH and sermorelin are prescription medications.
- Both are a type of “growth hormone therapy” used to treat GHD.
- Sermorelin injections increase your body’s ability to produce more HGH on its own.
- HGH injections directly raise the level of HGH in your blood.
In qualifying patients, sermorelin injections are an FDA-approved, safe and effective treatment for GHD that may be a lower-cost alternative to HGH injections.
What Are the Benefits of Sermorelin Acetate?
Sermorelin is beneficial for evaluating the proper pituitary output of growth hormone and for increasing growth hormone production in adults and children. Sermorelin has been shown to be similar to the growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) normally produced by the body. Its ability to stimulate HGH production and release has been well-researched and well-documented.
In children failing to reach growth milestones, sermorelin has been shown to increase growth in children and help them to reach normal adult stature. In adults suffering from age-related growth hormone decline, sermorelin injections can provide the following benefits:
- Increased ability to build lean muscle
- Weight loss
- Improved sexual function
- Increased energy
- Improved sleep
- Increased exercise capacity
Sermorelin Instructions for Use
Indications for using Sermorelin Acetate
Sermorelin is indicated for diagnosing potential pituitary issues in adults and children. It is also prescribed to help children increase in stature who fail to reach growth milestones, as well as for the treatment of adult-onset or age-related growth hormone deficiency.
Dosage and Administration
Sermorelin is available in vials. According to the prescribing information for sermorelin acetate, the dose will be different for different patients. In most cases, the recommended dosage of sermorelin is 0.2 – 0.3 mcg once daily at bedtime by subcutaneous injection. It is also recommended that you rotate your injection sites.
Overdose
Overdose of sermorelin is rare. However, overdose can lead to hypoglycemia and, subsequently, to hyperglycemia. Long-term over-dosage could result in signs and symptoms of gigantism and/or acromegaly consistent with the known effects of excess growth hormone.
As with any medication, in case of accidental overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Keep Sermorelin and all prescription medications out of the reach of children.
Storage
Sermorelin should be stored in the refrigerator but should not be frozen. Be cognizant of your vial’s expiration dates, and don’t keep outdated vials of sermorelin or vials you no longer need nor intend to use.
Drug Interactions
According to information provided by the Mayo Clinic, sermorelin may or may not interact with other drugs. It can be taken with some and should be avoided with others. Please tell your doctor of any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, including supplements.
Warnings and Precautions
Sermorelin acetate should not be used by patients who are allergic to it or to any of its ingredients. It should not be used in patients who are pregnant, or are planning on becoming pregnant, or in patients who are breastfeeding, have a history of diabetes, underactive thyroid, or have a history of blood sugar problems.
Before accepting a prescription for Sermorelin, tell your doctor if you:
- Are using insulin
- Are taking pain or arthritis medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or indomethacin
- Are using clonidine (Catapres®), levodopa (Sinemet®), or a steroid such as a dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®
- Are using propylthiouracil (PTU), or a growth hormone such as Norditropin® or Humatrope®
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to sermorelin
Side Effects
According to the manufacturer, the most common side effects of Sermorelin are:
- Pain
- Redness or swelling at the place of injection
Some of the potentially severe, though less common, side effects of Sermorelin include:
- Itching
- Trouble in swallowing
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Trouble sitting still
See your medication’s insert or the the full Sermorelin side effects list for a complete list of potential side effects and contraindications for the use of sermorelin acetate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sermorelin Injections
Sermorelin is given via self-injection under the skin (subcutaneously). When injecting, the best place is the fatty tissue just below the skin; the most common injection sites are the stomach or thigh. Only inject sermorelin as you have been instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not reuse needles, and be sure to properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Like all growth hormone therapies, sermorelin takes time to work. Sermorelin therapy is given over the course of five to six months. You will likely begin to see some of the benefits of sermorelin within the first four to six weeks of beginning sermorelin therapy.
Once you have completed your first six months of sermorelin treatment, the results you have achieved are long-lasting. You will be given guidance and lifestyle counseling to optimize your results and maintain the benefits you gained, particularly any weight loss and increased muscle mass.
If you suddenly stop taking sermorelin while it is prescribed for you, you could experience “withdrawal-like” symptoms such as increased fatigue and weight gain. If you do not finish your entire course of therapy, you can expect to eventually revert back to the condition that caused you to have it prescribed in the first place. If you stop taking sermorelin as instructed by your doctor when you have completed your therapy, you should experience few, if any, adverse effects.
Get in touch
Please get in touch and our expert support team will answer all your questions about Sermorelin therapy.
