The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 21st that it will crack down on the exaggerated advertising of growth hormones, commonly known as 'height-increasing injections.' Recently, there has been an increasing number of cases where treatments for growth hormone deficiency are misused by parents to boost their children's height. The Ministry urged proper use, noting the potential for side effects.
Growth hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and helps with bone cell growth. Growth hormone treatments should be used for patients with growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, or chronic kidney failure in children. Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder that prevents height growth. Chronic kidney failure in children refers to a condition where kidney function is impaired, causing delayed growth.
Some parents have sought growth hormone treatments for their children to increase their height, causing controversy. The effects of administering growth hormones to normal children are unclear. Instead, pain, bleeding, and bruising at the injection site may occur, and issues with joints and the spine can arise. The Ministry stated, 'Long-term excessive administration of growth hormones to normal individuals can lead to gigantism,' adding, 'It is important to follow expert guidance within the approved limits.'
The Ministry plans to conduct on-site inspections of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in collaboration with local governments. It will distribute guidelines containing the correct administration methods and precautions for growth hormone treatments. The Ministry noted, 'We aim to create an environment for the safe use of medicines.'