Question

The doctor mentioned that there are three types of growth hormone. How should parents choose the most appropriate formulation for their child?

Answer

Growth hormone is available in three formulations: powder injection, liquid, and long-acting. All are administered via subcutaneous injection. The powder injection and liquid formulations require daily injections, while the long-acting formulation can be administered once a week. For children who are sensitive to injection pain, choosing the long-acting formulation can significantly improve their compliance with treatment. Studies have shown that children using short-acting powder or liquid formulations may miss 2 to 3 injections per week on average, which could affect the effectiveness of treatment.