- Overall, growth hormone (GH) is contraindicated in patients with active malignant disease*, benign intracranial hypertension, and proliferative or preproliferative diabetic retinopathy. Potential for childbearing is not a contraindication, but GH therapy should be discontinued when pregnancy is confirmed.
*Note: GH therapy can be initiated in an adult in whom malignant disease has been absent for at least 5 years.
- At this time, GH is not recommended for treatment of patients with acute catabolism, including preoperative and postoperative patients, critically ill patients, and burn patients. This recommendation does not apply to US Federal Drug Administration-approved conditions.