Are there any precautions or contraindications to growth hormone replacement?
Growth hormone replacement should not be used if there is any evidence of neoplastic activity. Data suggests that growth hormone may stimulate tumor development therefore it is imperative that there is no disease activity prior to initiating treatment. If any tumor re-growth is identified during the course of treatment, it is recommended that therapy be discontinued immediately. Periodic MRI’s are recommended throughout the course of therapy to prevent this potential effect of growth hormone replacement. Growth hormone replacement has not been recommended for use during pregnancy. To date, there have not been any well controlled or adequate studies in pregnant females. Animal reproductive studies in rats demonstrated lengthened estrus cycles, decreased sperm motility and a slight increase in fetal deaths using supraphysiological doses of replacement. There was however no evidence of teratogenicity or adverse effects associated with lactation. Insufficient data exists concerning the sec
