Growth Hormone Treatment Costs and Safety

Question

Is the cost of growth hormone treatment for children with growth hormone deficiency high?

Answer

Treatment with growth hormone, whether in powder or liquid form, incurs a certain economic burden. Especially for children who require more than 7 international units (IU) of injection per day, the liquid form is considered more effective and safe due to its higher bioactivity and faster onset time. The antibacterial agent in the liquid form ensures safety during extraction and operation, although it necessitates daily injections. In contrast, the powder form does not contain an antibacterial agent, but each injection requires anesthesia, adding to the risk. Therefore, choosing a growth hormone treatment plan that offers better efficacy and higher safety is crucial.