# Sermorelin > Sermorelin is a prescription peptide that signals your pituitary gland to release more of your body's own growth hormone, in its natural pulses. You take it as an injection under the skin at bedtime, five nights a week, on a schedule your provider sets and adjusts at each check-in. - Category: Peptides - Generic name: sermorelin - Prescription required: Yes, after review by a licensed clinician - Last updated: 2026-10-08 - Canonical URL: https://increase.health/treatments/sermorelin - Start an assessment: https://start.increase.health/peptide-therapy/questionnaire ## Key facts - **Type:** Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog - **How it's taken:** Subcutaneous injection - **Price:** $489 one-time for a 3-month supply - **Prescription:** Required, after clinician review - **FDA status:** Compounded; not FDA-approved Sermorelin is a copy of the first 29 amino acids of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), the signal your brain already uses. Instead of supplying growth hormone, it prompts your pituitary to make its own, so it is released in your body's natural rhythm. It fits into the end of your day: one injection at bedtime, at least two hours after your last meal, five nights on and two off. Your provider sets the starting dose, reviews how you are doing at each check-in and adjusts the plan, and you can message your care team between check-ins. Each order is compounded to your prescription and shipped to your door. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is sermorelin FDA-approved? Not in the form we prescribe. An FDA-approved sermorelin product (Geref) was used to test for and treat growth hormone deficiency in children. Its maker stopped selling it in 2008, and FDA later determined it was not withdrawn for reasons of safety or effectiveness. Sermorelin prescribed today is compounded, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved. ### What is sermorelin used for? Sermorelin is used for growth hormone support. It's a lab-made version of the part of a natural hormone (growth hormone-releasing hormone) that signals your pituitary gland to release your own growth hormone. Your care team and its licensed providers will decide whether it's appropriate for you after reviewing your health history. ### How long before I notice anything? There's no fixed timeline, and no result is promised. Studies of sermorelin in adults are small, and responses vary. Your care team and its licensed providers will review how you're doing at each check-in; message them any time with questions. ### Who shouldn't take sermorelin? Your care team and its licensed providers will ask about your health history before prescribing, including any history of cancer, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and other medicines you take. Tell them about any condition you're being treated for, even if it seems unrelated. ### Can I take sermorelin with a GLP-1 medicine? Only if your care team says so. Tell them about every medicine and supplement you take, including any GLP-1, so they can check the combination is right for you. ### Important safety information Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies and may be prescribed when a licensed provider determines the formulation is clinically appropriate for you. Only use medication prescribed to you, at the dose and schedule your provider sets, and tell your provider about every medicine, supplement and medical condition before you start, including if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Stop treatment and seek medical care right away for signs of a serious allergic reaction such as rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing. Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. For emergencies call 911. ## Important safety information Injection-site redness, flushing or vivid dreams are the most reported effects. Contact your provider if you notice persistent headaches or joint discomfort. ## References 1. [Compounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/compounding-and-fda-questions-and-answers), U.S. Food and Drug Administration 2. [Determination that Geref (sermorelin acetate) was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/03/04/2013-04827/determination-that-geref-sermorelin-acetate-injection-05-milligrams-basevial-and-10-milligrams), Federal Register, 78 FR 14095, 4 March 2013 (FDA) 3. [Sermorelin: a review of its use in the diagnosis and treatment of children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18031173/), BioDrugs, 1999 --- Increase Health connects patients with independent, US-licensed clinicians. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. This content is informational and not a substitute for medical advice.