Humatrope vs. Norditropin: Choose the Best HGH for You
Adults who are prescribed HGH therapy by their doctors to combat growth hormone deficiency have many choices for treatment. Choosing the best HGH product for your needs is going to be a personal decision that will be made during a discussion with your hormone replacement specialist.
A comparison between Humatrope vs. Norditropin turns up a few significant differences:
- The price of Humatrope is a little higher than Norditropin
- Norditropin comes to you already mixed in prefilled cartridges
- Humatrope needs reconstituting before use
Humatrope vs Norditropin: Side-by-Side Comparison
Use the table below for a quick visual comparison of Humatrope and Norditropin, including storage, dosing, and convenience features:
| Feature | Humatrope | Norditropin |
|---|---|---|
| Available Forms | Cartridges + HumatroPen injection device; powder form requiring reconstitution. Also available in vials. | Pre-filled FlexPro injection pens with liquid solution (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg) and NordiFlex (30 mg). Powder vials are rarely used. |
| Reconstitution Before Use | Yes – requires mixing with included diluent before first use. | No – already in liquid form, ready for immediate use. |
| Storage Requirements | Refrigeration at all times (2–8°C / 36–46°F), including after mixing and between uses. | Pens (5 mg and 10 mg) may be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days after first use. NordiFlex 30 mg requires constant refrigeration. |
| Dosing Options Available | HumatroPen devices available in 6 mg (orange), 12 mg (blue), 24 mg (purple) cartridge sizes. | FlexPro pens available in 5 mg (orange), 10 mg (blue), 15 mg (green), NordiFlex available in 30 mg (purple). |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly (USA) – well-established pharmaceutical company. | Novo Nordisk (Denmark) – global leader in endocrinology. |
| FDA-Approved Indications | Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency, pediatric idiopathic short stature, Turner syndrome, and others. | Same indications as Humatrope, plus additional pediatric syndromes (Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome). |
| Key Considerations | Requires manual mixing skills; reusable pen device; constant refrigeration needed, less convenient for traveling. | Ready-to-use product; easier for children and elderly; disposable pen device; room-temperature storage for limited periods, more convenient for traveling. |
One benefit for many people is that both Humatrope and Norditropin are manufactured right here in the USA. There is no risk of contamination from bacteria as in many of the lesser-known HGH products that are made in less than desirable conditions overseas in places such as China.
Both brands are of the highest quality and are made to exacting standards for the treatment of GH deficiency.
Some factors may influence a person towards one product or the other when deciding between Humatrope and Norditropin.
If keeping a medication refrigerated is going to be a problem, then Norditropin may be the better option. Working with a knowledgeable specialist will help make this decision easier in the long run.
Making the right choice for your personal needs will bring the best possible results. Here is a breakdown of what the two brands of HGH have to offer:
Humatrope HGH Options
Humatrope HGH is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly. Aside from being offered in the standard vial and syringe format that most people are used to seeing injectable medications provided as Humatrope is also available in an easier-to-use injector pen.
One of the differences comparing Humatrope vs. Norditropin is in how the cartridges for the injector pens are provided. Humatrope has cartridges that must first be reconstituted before use.
The procedure here is extremely simple as a diluent syringe that is prefilled with the exact amount of solution is provided for use.
Humatrope is available in current dosages:
- HumatroPen 6 mg
- HumatroPen 12 mg
- HumatroPen 24 mg
The diluent syringe attaches to the Humatrope cartridge for quick and easy mixing. The reconstituted cartridge is then connected to the corresponding HumatroPen device for use. The reusable pen system is both long-lasting and economical. Humatrope must be kept refrigerated at all times.
Norditropin HGH Options
Norditropin HGH is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Norditropin is available in a number of different ways besides the standard freeze-dried vial, including:
- Norditropin FlexPro Pen 5 mg
- Norditropin FlexPro Pen 10 mg
- Norditropin FlexPro Pen 15 mg
- NordiFlex Pen 30 mg
Does Norditropin need to be refrigerated?
The main benefit of Norditropin FlexPro is that it can be stored at room temperature for up to three weeks. This makes them an excellent choice for people who travel frequently and want the convenience of not having to keep their medication refrigerated all of the time.
Another benefit of the Norditropin Pen systems is that they all come premixed and prefilled. There is no reconstituting of the powdered medication, and there are no cartridges to replace. Each pen system is preloaded and ready for use.
How to choose the best HGH for your needs
Choosing the best HGH brand and injector style for your needs is going to be based on a number of different factors.
We have already discussed the refrigeration aspect of this process, as people who travel a great deal are often best served by a brand of HGH that does not require constant refrigeration.
Due to the delicate nature of HGH, if you do not expect to be traveling, then it is recommended to stick to a brand of HGH that does require refrigeration.
The next thing to discuss with the HRT specialist is the simplicity of handling the pen unit. Some HGH brands come with preset dosing amounts, which could inhibit the adjustment of the dosage by the doctor. Others have simple to turn knobs.
There are also different ways of using the pen systems to discuss, and you may find one system will be easier for you to use than another, especially if you are experiencing any arthritis or stiffness in your hands or fingers.
Price is also a factor for many people, and although we offer affordable options for the treatment of adult growth hormone deficiency, some brands are definitely more expensive than others.
Please feel free to ask our specialist any questions about both Humatrope and Norditropin, as well as any other brand of HGH injections. We will offer advice and suggestions for the best choice for your needs.
National HRT provides free and confidential consultations to adults throughout the US about hormone replacement therapy. We offer local diagnostic testing and superior service and care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is better, Humatrope or Norditropin?
Neither brand is superior in effectiveness—they both contain the same active ingredient, somatropin, and provide similar therapeutic results when dosed properly. The main differences involve convenience: Norditropin comes ready-to-use in pre-filled pens, while Humatrope requires preparation and mixing before use. Your choice depends on your lifestyle, storage capabilities, and personal preference.
Do I need to adjust the dose when switching from Humatrope to Norditropin?
Typically, no dosage adjustments are needed because both products contain identical active ingredients (somatropin). However, the delivery devices and dosing increments might vary slightly, so always consult your endocrinologist before making any changes or switching brands.
Are side effects different between Humatrope and Norditropin?
Side effects are virtually identical. Both Humatrope and Norditropin may cause common growth hormone-related side effects, including joint pain, headaches, swelling, and injection site reactions. No significant side effect differences exist between these two brands. Proper dosing and medical supervision can minimize risks.
Can I store Norditropin without refrigeration?
Partially, yes. Before opening, Norditropin pens must be refrigerated. After first use, some Norditropin FlexPro pens (5 mg and 10 mg) may be stored at room temperature for up to 21 days. Humatrope, however, must always be refrigerated—even after preparation.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
- Drugs.com
- RxList
- User assessment of Norditropin NordiFlex®, a new prefilled growth hormone pen: a Phase IV multicenter prospective study
- A new pen device for injection of recombinant human growth hormone: a convenience, functionality and usability evaluation study Marietta Sauer and Carole Abbotts 2018; 12: 27–34.
- GoodRx