The short answer
The U.S. agency for medicine reviews has the full name Food and Drug Administration; these briefings use its initials, FDA.
In March 2013, the FDA found that sermorelin (Geref) did not leave the market because of safety or a failure to work.
As of September 2026, that finding does not give today's pharmacy-made medicine FDA approval or show it is safe for adult treatment.
What was reported, and what is still unknown
What the older studies reported
Brief facial redness and pain where the injection went in were the effects most often reported in older studies.
Those reports came largely from children and do not tell us how often unwanted effects happen in adults today.
What is still unknown for adults
As of September 2026, there are no current FDA-reviewed instructions and warnings for prescribing sermorelin.
There is no current FDA-reviewed information on how often unwanted effects happen in adults or what to expect during pregnancy.
The body uses growth hormone as one of its chemical messages.
The FDA's reviews of related drugs discuss possible concerns from raised growth hormone, including high blood sugar, fluid build-up, and tumours.
That is a concern about related drugs, not proof that sermorelin causes these harms.
Ask how the pharmacy checks the medicine it makes
Compounding means making a medicine to order.
The mix may be dirty or have the wrong strength when compounding is poor.
Ask who makes it and what checks are done before it reaches you.
When help cannot wait
Signs of a severe allergic reaction may include the face or tongue swelling, difficulty with breathing or swallowing, or passing out.
MedlinePlus directs people with these severe symptoms to call 911 or get to whichever emergency room is nearest.
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Brief source notes
- FDA finding on Geref's withdrawal
This finding concerns why the old product left the market.
- Review of the older sermorelin studies
This review reports brief face redness and pain at the spot where the shot was given.
- FDA review of other drugs that prompt growth hormone release
This review concerns a related drug; it does not give FDA-reviewed instructions for using sermorelin.
- MedlinePlus on severe allergic reactions
The emergency-room direction comes from this government health resource.
- World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list
Athletes can check the sport rule in the list itself.