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Serostim Side Effects: What to Know Before Using
Serostim is a prescription medication prescribed to treat the symptoms of wasting or cachexia associated with HIV/AIDS. It must be used concurrently with antiretroviral therapy. In this review, we discuss the possible Serostim side effects to help you determine if treatment with Serostim HGH is right for you.
In healthy adults with a growth hormone deficiency, HGH therapy is considered safe. Men and women with HIV/AIDS often have multiple issues affecting their well-being. However, numerous studies have demonstrated the safety of Serostim HGH in this population.
That does not mean that HGH Serostim side effects will not occur. The good news is that if any adverse reactions do occur, they will likely disappear on their own, or be manageable by having the doctor reduce the HGH dosage while the body adjusts to the changes in hormone levels.
The primary cause of Serostim side effects is growth hormone levels getting too high. When appropriately prescribed, this occurrence is a rarity.
Serostim side effects rarely occur, and when they do, they often rectify themselves as the body adjusts to the HGH therapy.
Possible Side Effects of Serostim
In all adults who use any type of HGH therapy, the risk of adverse reactions is small. The most common reason for the side effects of HGH is overuse (abuse). If growth hormone levels get too high in the body, that can lead to a whole other set of symptoms. That is why you must work with a doctor highly experienced in hormonal balancing when receiving Serostim HGH injections.
Possible side effects of Serostim include:
- Fluid retention resulting in swelling around the hands or feet
- Joint, muscle, or bone pain or stiffness
- Nerve pain or tingling and numbness in the thumb, fingers, or wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
- Nausea
- Insulin resistance
- Extreme fatigue
The following Serostim side effects are rare, but could occur when using HGH therapy:
- Changes in vision
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain and tenderness
- Increased blood sugar levels
Who Should Not Use Serostim?
Not everyone who has HIV/AIDS will qualify for the use of Serostim HGH injections. To minimize the risk of adverse reactions, the following contraindications exist.
Do not take Serostim if you have any of the following:
- Diabetic retinopathy (eye problems)
- Active cancer (malignancy, or undergoing treatment)
- Critical illness resulting from abdominal or open-heart surgery or multiple accidental trauma
- Severe breathing difficulties
- Allergies to ingredients in Serostim or its diluents (including benzyl alcohol, sucrose, sodium hydroxide, or phosphoric acid)
To help avoid Serono Serostim side effects, tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Over-the-counter medications and supplements, including vitamins
- If you have had cancer or have a family history of cancer
- If you or a close relative have diabetes
- Are pregnant, looking to become pregnant, or nursing
The following medications may interact with Serostim, so let your doctor know if you take any of these:
- Anti-convulsants
- Oral estrogens
- Corticosteroids
- Glucocorticoids
- Diabetes medications
- Cyclosporine
- Cytochrome P450-metabolizing drugs
Honesty with your physician is the best way to minimize any potential risk of Serostim side effects.
What to Ask Your Doctor About Serostim
Before starting Serostim, here are some questions to discuss with your doctor:
Are there any long-term side effects of taking Serostim HGH?
Increasing growth hormone levels too high could result in acromegaly – the enlargement of bones in the face and jaws. Internal organs can increase in size to a point larger than normal, including the heart. Type 2 diabetes and carpal tunnel syndrome are also possible. These issues result from taking too much HGH, not typically what you see in people who receive this medication for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency.
How do I know if Serostim is going to be safe and effective for me?
Your doctor will base that determination on your current state of health, symptoms of cachexia and wasting, and blood test results.
How long will I need to take Serostim?
The use of HGH therapy is personalized. We cannot answer that question until you have been receiving the treatment for a few months.
Is there a difference between Serostim 6 mg side effects, compared to the 4 and 5 mg vials?
No, the only real difference is that the 5 and 6 mg vials are for one-time use. Once reconstituted with the sterile water, they must be used as they do not contain a preservative. Serostim HGH in 4 mg vials utilizes bacteriostatic water containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative.
Greenberg Health is happy to answer any questions you have about Serostim side effects. Please contact us by phone or completing the short form on this page for a free, confidential phone consultation.