Growth hormone: Growth hormone is naturally present in the human body. It supports growth and development of many tissues, especially cartilage and bone. It’s produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

A synthetic form of growth hormone is available as an injection called somatropin, sold under brand names such as Serostim, Saizen, Zorbtive, Genotropin, Humatrope, and Norditropin. Somatropin is most often given as a subcutaneous injection, and in some cases it’s given intramuscularly.

Somatropin is used for:

• Growth hormone deficiency
• HIV (to help prevent muscle wasting)
• Certain conditions where increasing height is a goal, such as chronic kidney disease and Turner syndrome

Adverse effects include:

• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, thickening)
• Insulin resistance and blood glucose imbalance
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint pain
• Edema
• Increased cancer risk

Illicit use of growth hormone has been observed in athletes and bodybuilders.

Octreotide: Octreotide is a synthetic analog of somatostatin, a hormone that helps regulate secretions from the pancreas and gastrointestinal system, as well as other hormones (including growth hormone).

Octreotide is used for:

• Acromegaly (a condition caused by excess growth hormone)
• Control of gastrointestinal bleeding
• Treatment of carcinoid tumors

Adverse effects include:

• Abdominal pain
• Fainting
• Headache
• Gallstones
• Hypothyroidism
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Arrhythmias

Vitamin B12 deficiency may occur. There may also be a transient elevation of liver enzymes.

Octreotide is available as a subcutaneous, intravenous, and intramuscular injection. It’s sold as Bynfezia, Mycapssa, SandoSTATIN, and SandoSTATIN LAR Depot.

Octreotide has many drug interactions, including with:

• Insulin (affecting blood glucose levels)
• Antidiabetics
• Quinidine
• Cyclosporine
• Bromocriptine
• Antihypertensives
• Antiarrhythmics

Oxytocin: Oxytocin is sold under brand names Pitocin and Syntocinon. It’s given by the intravenous or intramuscular route to stimulate uterine contractions during labor, for induction of labor, and to control uterine bleeding.

Oxytocin is naturally produced in the body by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Adverse effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Irregular heart rate
• Vaginal bleeding
• Uterine hyperstimulation
• Jaundice
• Seizures

Antidiuretic hormone or ADH: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also called vasopressin, is produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It helps regulate body water and salt balance.

Synthetic ADH is used to treat diabetes insipidus, a condition caused by ADH deficiency and characterized by excessive water loss through the kidneys.

Synthetic versions include:

• Desmopressin (DDAVP)
• Vasopressin (Pitressin, Vasostrict)

Desmopressin is more active at the V2 receptor in the kidneys. Vasopressin is more effective at the V1 receptor on blood vessels, so vasopressin is used to increase blood pressure in circulatory shock.

Desmopressin is also indicated for bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis).

Adverse effects include:

• Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
• Intense vasoconstriction (cold, numb hands and feet)
• Hyponatremia (low serum sodium)
• Stomach pain
• Bleeding
• Irregular heartbeats

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are steroid hormones mainly produced in the adrenal glands. They include:

• Glucocorticosteroids (such as cortisol)
• Mineralocorticosteroids (such as aldosterone)

Many synthetic versions are available and are commonly used as tablets, injections, and creams.

Glucocorticosteroids play key roles in metabolism, the stress response, and immune responses. They also have potent anti-inflammatory effects.

They’re used in many conditions, including:

• Skin disorders
• Autoimmune disorders
• Circulatory shock
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Inflammatory disorders (such as Crohn’s disease)
• Allergies

Commonly available drugs include prednisone (Rayos), prednisolone (Millipred, PediaPred), methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Solu-Medrol), triamcinolone (Clinacort, Kenalog-10 and 40), dexamethasone (ZoDex), budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris), fluticasone (Flovent), hydrocortisone (Cortef, Cortifoam), and betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan).

Fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone, and beclomethasone are commonly used as inhaled corticosteroids.

Adverse effects include:

• Agitation
• Blurred vision
• Cataract
• Delayed wound healing
• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention
• Headache
• Gastric ulcers
• Weight gain
• Cushing’s syndrome

With inhaled corticosteroids, cough and throat irritation may occur.

Glucocorticosteroids can raise blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Long-term use can suppress the adrenal glands and lead to adrenal insufficiency. Long-term use may also decrease bone mineral density and cause osteoporosis.

After chronic use, corticosteroids are tapered off slowly to allow time for adrenal cortisol production to recover.

Mineralocorticosteroids are vital for maintaining normal blood pressure and sodium and potassium balance. Deficiency is seen in Addison’s disease and adrenal failure.

A commonly available mineralocorticoid is fludrocortisone, sold as Florinef.

Adverse effects include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Upset stomach