Endocrine
Medicines for Acromegaly
A rare condition where too much growth hormone, usually from a pituitary tumour, causes gradual enlargement of the hands, feet and facial features — treated to control hormone levels.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Acromegaly?
Acromegaly is caused by the body producing too much growth hormone in adulthood, almost always because of a benign tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Because the changes develop slowly over years, they are often noticed late.
- How it is treated: Treatment aims to bring growth hormone levels back to normal, relieve symptoms, and deal with the pituitary tumour.
- Self-care: Attending long-term follow-up, and managing associated conditions such as blood pressure, blood sugar, joint symptoms and sleep apnoea, support health and wellbeing.
- When to seek help: See a GP if rings, shoes or gloves have become tight, facial features have changed gradually, or with persistent headaches, joint pains or sweating — especially together.
What it is
Acromegaly is caused by the body producing too much growth hormone in adulthood, almost always because of a benign tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Because the changes develop slowly over years, they are often noticed late. Features include enlargement of the hands and feet (rings and shoes becoming tight), coarsening of the facial features, a larger jaw and tongue, sweating, joint pains, headaches and sometimes vision problems if the tumour presses on nearby nerves. It can also raise the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart problems, so recognising and treating it matters.
How it is treated
Treatment aims to bring growth hormone levels back to normal, relieve symptoms, and deal with the pituitary tumour. The main treatment is usually surgery to remove the tumour, often through the nose. When surgery does not fully control it, medicines that lower growth hormone or block its effects, and sometimes radiotherapy, are used. The associated conditions — such as high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnoea — are managed alongside. Care is led by an endocrinologist and pituitary specialist team, with long-term follow-up.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Acromegaly
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Attending long-term follow-up, and managing associated conditions such as blood pressure, blood sugar, joint symptoms and sleep apnoea, support health and wellbeing.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if rings, shoes or gloves have become tight, facial features have changed gradually, or with persistent headaches, joint pains or sweating — especially together. Vision changes warrant prompt assessment.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Acromegaly: frequently asked questions
What causes acromegaly?
Almost always a benign tumour of the pituitary gland producing too much growth hormone. The excess hormone gradually enlarges the hands, feet and facial features.
How is acromegaly treated?
Usually surgery to remove the pituitary tumour, sometimes with medicines that lower or block growth hormone, or radiotherapy, plus managing associated conditions. Care is led by a specialist team.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Acromegaly
- Society for Endocrinology guidance
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