Can You Inject Human Growth Hormones in the Arm?

Human growth hormone (HGH) is a chemical secreted by the pituitary gland that has a powerful effect on a child's growth. When a youngster doesn't produce enough HGH, his doctors may recommend injections of synthetic HGH (somatropin).

Identification

• HGH is given subcutaneously (sub-Q) into the area below the child's skin and above the muscle. This is not the same area as for an intramuscular (IM) injection, which is used to deliver antibiotics and other drugs.

Expert Insight

• Genentech, the company that manufactures the Nutropin brand of somatropin, says the largest part of the back part of a child's upper arms is a good site for HGH injections.

Considerations

• In order to ensure the drug goes into the sub-Q space and not into the youngster's muscles, make sure you can pinch 1 to 2 inches of skin between your thumb and index finger.

Procedure

• Stand beside and a little behind your child. Ask him to put his hand on his hip. This posture makes it easier to inject into the sub-Q space. Pinch the skin on the back of his upper arm and insert the needle under his skin at a 45 to 90 degree angle.

Warning

• It's very important to rotate HGH injection sites to avoid skin breakdown, infection and permanent damage to the skin and underlying tissue on the child's arms.