Stallone says he used HGH to bulk up for new movie

NEW YORK -- Sylvester Stallone said he used human growth hormone, or HGH, to get buff for his newly released "Rambo" movie, and defended its use in a recent interview.

"HGH is nothing," the 61-year-old actor tells Time magazine in its upcoming Feb. 4 issue. "Anyone who calls it a steroid is grossly misinformed."

Because it is nearly undetectable, HGH has become a substance of great concern in major league baseball and other sports battling allegations of rampant doping.

"Testosterone to me is so important for a sense of well-being when you get older," he said. "Everyone over 40 years old would be wise to investigate it because it increases the quality of your life. Mark my words. In 10 years it will be over the counter."

Stallone directed and co-wrote the new "Rambo" movie, which arrived in theaters Friday.