Drug Facts

Somatropin & Somatropin:

Type of Drug:

Growth hormone.

How the Somatropin Drug Works:

Mimics actions of naturally occuring growth hormone; stimulates growth of bone, tissues, blood cells and internal organs.

Uses of The Somatropin:

Growth failure associated with chronic kidney insufficiency until time of transplantation (Nutropin, Nutropin AO).

Growth failure (except Serostim).

Turner syndrome (Nutropin only).

AIDS wasting or cachexia (Serostim only). Somatotropin deficiency syndrome (Humatrope only).

Unlnbeled Uses: OCCAsionally doctors may prescribe growth hormones for short children due to growth retardation

Pregnancy:

Seriatim, Genotropin - Studies in pregnant women or in animals have been judged not to show a risk to the fetus. However, no drug should be used during pregnancy unless clearly needed.

Nutropin, Nutropin AQ, Humatrope, Norditropin - Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women; animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits out­weigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if somatropin appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children:

Serostim - Safety and effectiveness in children with AIDS have not been established.

Benzyl alcohol - Benzyl alcohol as a preservative in bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP has been associated with toxicity in newborns. When administering somatropin to newborns, reconstitute with sterile Water for Injection.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: High blood pressure; headache; high sugar in blood; antibody development; muscle pain; weakness; glucose in urine; swelling; swelling in arms and legs; breast growth; joint pain; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting; injection site reactions; leukemia.

Nutropin - Eye pain; visual changes; injection site pain; carpal tunnel syndrome; wrist pain.

Genotropin - Loss of skin fat; blood in urine.

Humatrope - Abnormal skin sensation; pain; runny nose; back pain; acne; joint disorder; flu syndrome; increased cough; decreased sensitivity to touch; respiratory disorder; sore throat.

Serostim - Musculoskeletal discomfort; fever; swelling of hands or feet; diarrhea; nerve disease; increased sweating; appetite loss; fast heartbeat; tiredness; abnormal blood counts; protein in urine; lymph node swelling; sleeplessness; carpal tunnel syndrome.

Guidelines for Use:

• Take as directed by your doctor. The daily dose varies depending on individual needs. Do not adjust the dose without consulting you pharmacist of doctor
• Follow injection procedure taught to you by your healthcare provider. Follow instructions on patient information insert. Rotate injection sites.
• Report these symptoms to the doctor: Limping; hip or knee pain; headache; weakness; muscle pain; swelling; injection site reactions.
• If local or systemic allergic reactions occur, contact your doctor.
• Lab tests and examinations will include: Blood sugar; eye exams; thyroid function tests; antibody testing; nutritional tests (Serostim only). Keep appointments.
• Storage: Serostim: Store unopened vials at room temperature (59° to 86°F) and reconstituted solution under refrigeration for no longer than 24 hours. Genotropin, Humatrope, Nutropin: Store unopened vials/cartridges under refrigeration (36 0 to 46°F); store reconstituted solutions under refrigeration (36° to 46°F) for up to 14 days except 1.5 mg cartridge of Genotropin which must be used within 24 hours. Nutropin AQ: Store under refrigeration (36° to 46 Q F). Must be used within once opened.
• Do not use if cloudy.

Tagged under:Growth Hormones, side effects, somatropin, somatropin and somatropin treatment