Genotropin

What is Genotropin?

The human growth hormone is known as Genotropin. It's important for the growth of muscles and bones. Genotropin can be used to treat children and adults with growth problems who do not have a natural growth hormone. Genotropin is used to treat growth failure in children and adults who lack the natural growth hormone. Adults can also use Genotropin to treat short-bowel syndrome or prevent weight loss due to AIDS. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Genotropin.

Side effects of Genotropin

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue. Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome may experience serious breathing problems when using Genotropin. Prader-Willi Syndrome patients should call their doctor immediately if they develop lung or breathing issues such as coughing or new or worsening snoring.

Call your doctor immediately if:

• Walking with a limp or experiencing pain in the knees and hips
• Pain, swelling, heat, or drainage in the ear;
• Numbness in the wrist, hand, or finger
• Severe swelling of the hands or feet.
• Changes in behavior
• Unusual headaches and vision problems
• Changes in shape or size;
• Joint pain and swelling;
• Pancreatitis: severe pain spreading from your stomach to your back and nausea;
• High blood sugar: increased thirst, frequent urination and fruity breath odor are symptoms.
• Increased pressure in the skull: severe headaches, ringing ears, nausea, visual problems, eye pain;
• Signs of adrenal gland problems include extreme weakness, dizziness, and weight loss.

Side effects that may occur with Genotropin include:

• Pain, itchiness, or changes in the skin where the medication was injected.
• Rapid weight gain and swelling
• Muscle or joint pain
• Numbness and tingling are both examples of tingling.
• Stomach pain, gas;
• Back pain and headaches
• Cold or flu symptoms typically include stuffy noses, sneezing fits and sore throats.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice about potential adverse reactions, speak to your physician. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Genotropin should not be used if you suffer from cancer, diabetes, retinopathy, are under treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome, are obese, or experience severe breathing difficulties. This medicine should not be used if you are suffering from a severe illness caused by lung failure, recent injury or trauma, or complications of surgery.

Before you take this drug

Genotropin should not be used if:

• A serious disease caused by lung failure or a recent injury or surgery;
• Closed epiphyses
• Active cancer
• Diabetes can cause eye diseases (diabetic retinal disease);
• If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, are obese, or suffer from severe breathing issues (including sleep apnea), you may be a candidate for treatment.

If you've ever:

• Cancer (especially in childhood)
• Diabetes;
• Sleep apnea; breathing issues (stopping during sleep);
• A pituitary disorder
• Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine.
• Underactive Thyroid
• A brain tumor or a head injury;
• Childhood brain cancer radiation treatment

Genotropin is not recommended in some situations. Some brands of somatropin may contain an additive that could cause side effects, or even death, in premature or very young babies. Never give this medication to a baby without consulting a doctor. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or nursing.

How to take Genotropin?

The condition that you're treating will determine the dose, brand, and frequency of use. Read all the instructions and directions provided on the prescription label. Follow the directions on your prescription label. The Genotropin injection is given into the muscle tissue or beneath the skin. You can learn how to use this medication properly by yourself from a healthcare professional. Don't inject subcutaneously (under the surface of the skin) in the same area twice. Please read and follow all instructions included with your medication carefully, especially Genotropin. If the instructions don't make sense to you, do not take Genotropin; for any queries consult your pharmacist or physician directly. Do not prepare the injection before being completely ready. The medicine should not be shaken. If the medication is cloudy, looks like it has changed color, or if there are particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Use only the syringe or cartridge that came with your medication. It is possible that you will need to undergo frequent medical testing.

To help you control your condition, follow any diet prescribed by your physician or nutritionist. The way you store your medicine depends on which brand of Genotropin you use and what diluent you use. If you have questions regarding proper storage practices, consult your pharmacist. Once its expiration date has passed, dispose of any leftover genotropin products immediately. Needle or syringe should only be used once before placing it in the "sharps container", to reduce punctures. Be sure to follow local or state regulations regarding how you dispose of this waste container - making sure it stays out of reach from pets and children!

What happens if I miss the dose?

If it is almost time for your next dosage, skip any missed ones altogether; never take two doses at the same time. If you have missed more than three doses, call your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Contact 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poison exposure and for immediate medical advice. An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, and tremors. A long-term overdose may cause excessive growth.

What should be avoided?

If you are taking Zorbtive for short bowel syndrome, avoid drinking sodas or fruit juices as these will interfere with its effects. If you suffer from short-bowel syndrome, avoid drinking alcohol as this could aggravate symptoms and worsen conditions.  Alcohol could irritate the stomach, making your short-bowel syndrome worse.

Interaction with other drug

Inform your physician of all medications taken, such as:

• Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
• Insulin or diabetes oral medicine
• A steroid is a drug that increases the production of testosterone (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others).

The list below is not exhaustive. Genotropin may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug-drug interactions.