Somatropin vs TB-500
Overview
Somatropin is primarily a hormonal peptide, while TB-500 is used for healing & recovery.
This page compares Somatropin and TB-500 across their primary use, typical dosing, reported benefits and side effects, and U.S. regulatory status. For the full monograph on either compound — mechanism of action, clinical research, and references — follow the article links.
Side-by-side comparison
| Somatropin | TB-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Hormonal | Healing & Recovery |
| Regulatory status (US) | FDA approved | Compounding (Rx) — Apr 2026 |
| Typical dosage | 0.16-0.24 mg/kg/week (pediatric growth hormone deficiency); about 0.2 mg/day (adult growth hormone deficiency) | 2-5 mg |
| Frequency | daily subcutaneous injection | weekly |
| Reported benefits | In labeled use, somatropin increases linear growth in children with growth failure from growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, small size for gestational age and idiopathic short stature. In adults with diagnosed growth hormone deficiency, professional guidelines describe benefits in body composition, exercise capacity, skeletal integrity and quality-of-life measures, with the largest benefit in the most severely deficient patients. | Tissue repair, improved flexibility, reduced inflammation, enhanced recovery, hair growth stimulation |
| Reported side effects | Fluid retention, edema, arthralgia and carpal tunnel syndrome are common in adults. Labeled warnings include glucose intolerance and new-onset diabetes, intracranial hypertension, slipped capital femoral epiphysis and scoliosis progression in children, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, pancreatitis and hypersensitivity reactions. | Minimal side effects. Rare: headache, nausea, injection site reactions |
Key differences
Primary use. Somatropin is categorised under Hormonal, while TB-500 falls under Healing & Recovery. Their differing categories mean they are usually chosen for different goals rather than as direct substitutes.
Regulatory status. Somatropin: FDA-approved. TB-500: not FDA-approved; compounding permitted with a prescription as of April 2026.
Dosing. Somatropin is typically dosed at 0.16-0.24 mg/kg/week (pediatric growth hormone deficiency); about 0.2 mg/day (adult growth hormone deficiency) (daily subcutaneous injection). TB-500 is typically dosed at 2-5 mg (weekly).
Can you stack them?
Some protocols combine peptides, but stacking Somatropin and TB-500 has not been validated for safety or efficacy in controlled trials. Combining compounds can change their effects and risks. Nothing here is medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or combining any protocol.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Somatropin and TB-500?
- Somatropin is primarily a hormonal peptide, while TB-500 is used for healing & recovery. Somatropin is FDA-approved for one or more indications, whereas TB-500 is not FDA-approved; compounding permitted with a prescription (as of April 2026).
- What is Somatropin used for?
- Recombinant human growth hormone, FDA-approved for growth failure in children and growth hormone deficiency in adults.
- What is TB-500 used for?
- Tissue repair, flexibility, inflammation.
- Can you take Somatropin and TB-500 together?
- Some users combine peptides within a single protocol, but stacking Somatropin and TB-500 has not been established as safe or effective in controlled trials. Neither this comparison nor PeptideSciences101 is medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining any compounds.
- Is Somatropin or TB-500 FDA-approved?
- Somatropin is FDA-approved for one or more indications. TB-500 is not FDA-approved; compounding permitted with a prescription (as of April 2026).
Read the full articles
- Somatropin — full monograph: mechanism, research, dosing & references
- TB-500 — full monograph: mechanism, research, dosing & references