text: are there any side effects from taking hgh?   there are actually quite a few, so the easiest thing to do is to cut and paste from medlineplus (the nih's website).  hgh should never be taken without the supervision of a physician.  side effects of this medicine  leukemia has been reported in a few patients after treatment with growth hormone. however, it is not definitely known whether the leukemia was caused by the growth hormone. leukemia has also been reported in patients whose bodies do not make enough growth hormone and who have not yet been treated with man-made growth hormone. however, discuss this possible effect with your doctor.  if growth hormone is given to children or adults with normal growth, who do not need growth hormone, serious unwanted effects may occur because levels in the body become too high. these effects include the development of diabetes; abnormal growth of bones and internal organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver; atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries); and hypertension (high blood pressure).  along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:  o more common: abnormal or decreased touch sensation;  blurred vision;  burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings;  dizziness;  ear infection or other ear problems (in patients with turner's syndrome);  nervousness;  pounding in the ears;  severe headache ;  slow or fast heartbeat   o less common: chest pain   o rare: abdominal pain or bloating;  changes in vision;  depression of skin at place of injection ;  headache;  limp;  nausea and vomiting;  pain and swelling at place of injection;  pain in hip or knee;  skin rash or itching   other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. these side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. however, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:  o more common: back pain;  chills;  cough or cough producing mucus;  constipation ;  depressed mood;  diarrhea ;  difficulty in breathing;  difficulty in moving;  dizziness;  dry skin and hair;  ear congestion;  feeling cold;  fever;  general feeling of discomfort or illness;  hair loss;  hoarseness or husky voice;  loss of appetite ;  loss of voice;  runny nose ;  shivering;  shortness of breath;  sore throat;  slowed heartbeat;  sneezing;  stuffy nose;  sweating;  swollen joints;  tightness in chest;  trouble sleeping;  weight gain;  wheezing   o less common or rare: carpal tunnel syndrome;  discouragement ;  enlargement of breasts;  feeling sad or empty;  increased growth of birthmarks ;  irritability;  joint pain ;  loss of interest or pleasure;  muscle pain, cramps, or stiffness;  skeletal pain ;  sleepiness;  swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs;  trouble concentrating ;  unable to sleep;  unusual tiredness or weakness