A growth-hormone-releasing analogue used in testing
Sermorelin
An injection used to test how well the body releases growth hormone.
What is Sermorelin?
Sermorelin is a specialist medicine used to test how well the body produces growth hormone, rather than as a treatment. It is an analogue of the natural signal that tells the pituitary gland to release growth hormone, and it is given by injection during a test. By measuring how the body responds, doctors can assess whether the pituitary gland is making enough growth hormone. It is generally well tolerated, with effects such as flushing or a reaction where the injection is given. It is used in specialist clinics by experienced teams.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Sermorelin — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Sermorelin is a man-made version of part of the natural hormone that signals the pituitary gland, deep in the brain, to release growth hormone. As a medicine it is used mainly as a diagnostic tool: given by injection, it stimulates the pituitary so doctors can measure the body's growth-hormone response in a controlled test. This helps assess whether the gland is working properly. Because its role is in testing, it is given as part of a supervised procedure in a specialist clinic rather than taken regularly.
How it works
Growth hormone is released by the pituitary gland in response to a natural signal. Sermorelin mimics that signal, prompting the pituitary to release growth hormone during the test. By taking blood samples and measuring how much growth hormone is released, doctors can judge whether the pituitary is responding normally or underperforming. The effect is short-lived and used only for the duration of the test, which is why sermorelin is used in a diagnostic procedure rather than as an ongoing treatment.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturer.
A specialist diagnostic medicine used in the UK to test how well the body releases growth hormone.
Practical use
How to take Sermorelin
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by injection by a specialist team as part of a supervised growth-hormone test.
- Expect blood samples to be taken over a period of time during the test to measure the response.
- Follow any preparation instructions, such as not eating beforehand, that you are given.
- Tell the team about all your medicines, as some can affect the test result.
- Mention any allergies or previous reactions to sermorelin before the test.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Sermorelin
Advantages
- Helps doctors test whether the pituitary gland is releasing enough growth hormone.
- Generally well tolerated, with only mild, short-lived effects.
- Carried out as a supervised test in a specialist clinic.
Disadvantages
- It is a diagnostic tool, not a treatment, so it does not improve a condition itself.
- It is given by injection and the test takes time, with several blood samples.
- It can cause flushing or a reaction where the injection is given.
Practical use
Good to know
The main point to understand is that sermorelin is used as a diagnostic test, not a treatment: it helps doctors find out whether the pituitary gland is releasing enough growth hormone, rather than treating any condition itself. It is given by injection in a specialist clinic, and blood samples are taken over a period of time to measure the response, so the test takes a while. The most common effects are mild and short-lived, such as flushing or a reaction where the injection is given, like redness or warmth. Tell the team about any medicines you take, as some can affect the test result, and mention any allergies or previous reactions. Follow any preparation instructions, such as fasting, you are given for the test.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to sermorelin should not be given it.
- It is used with care where other conditions or medicines could affect the test, guided by the specialist team.
- It should only be used as part of a supervised test in a specialist clinic.
Monitoring
- Taking blood samples over time during the test to measure the growth-hormone response.
- Watching how you feel during and shortly after the injection.
- Checking for any allergic-type reaction during the test.
Side effects
- Flushing or a feeling of warmth during or just after the injection.
- A reaction where the injection is given, such as redness, swelling or discomfort.
- Less commonly, headache, dizziness or nausea, and rarely an allergic-type reaction.
Key interactions
- Some medicines, including certain hormone treatments, can affect the test result, so tell the team what you take.
- It is used as a one-off test, so routine ongoing medicine interactions are not usually a concern.
- Always tell the team about all your medicines and allergies before the procedure.
Available as: A solution given by injection during a specialist test.
Answers
Sermorelin: frequently asked questions
What is sermorelin used for?
It is used to test how well the pituitary gland releases growth hormone, by stimulating the gland during a supervised test rather than as a treatment.
Is it a treatment?
No. Sermorelin is a diagnostic tool used to assess growth-hormone release; it is not used to treat or cure a condition.
How is the test done?
It is given by injection in a specialist clinic, and blood samples are taken over a period of time to measure how much growth hormone is released.
Will it cause side effects?
It is generally well tolerated; some people notice flushing or a reaction where the injection is given, such as redness or warmth.
Do I need to prepare?
You may be asked to follow instructions such as not eating beforehand, and to tell the team about your medicines, as some can affect the result.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.