What is Humatrope?
Humatrope, a form of human growth hormone, is important for the growth and development of muscles and bones.Humatrope can be used to treat growth problems in children and adults who lack natural growth hormone. People with Turner syndrome and short stature born at birth without catch-up growth are also included.Humatrope can also be used to treat short-bowel syndrome or to prevent severe weight loss due to HIV.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Humatrope.
Side effects of Humatrope
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.Humatrope can cause serious breathing problems in Prader-Willi patients. If Prader-Willi syndrome is present, you should contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of breathing or lung problems, such as coughing or new or increased noises.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Walking with a limp or experiencing pain in the knees and hips
- Pain, swelling, warmth, or drainage in the ear
- Numbness in the wrist, fingers, or hands
- Severe swelling or puffiness of the hands and feet
- Changes in behavior
- Unusual headaches and vision problems
- Changes to a mole's size or shape.
- Joint pain or swelling;
- Pancreatitis: severe pain spreading from your upper stomach to your back. Nausea, and vomiting.
- Dry mouth and fruity breath smell;
- Increased pressure in the skull can cause severe headaches, dizziness, and nausea, as well as vision problems or pain behind the eyes.
- Signs of adrenal gland problems include extreme weakness, dizziness, weight gain, skin changes, and feeling tired or weak.
Some of the common side effects associated with Humatrope include:
- Pain, itching, or skin changes where the medication was injected.
- Rapid weight gain and swelling
- Joint or muscle pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Stomach pain, gas;
- Headache, back pain, or
- Cold or flu symptoms include stuffy noses, sneezing, a sore throat, and ear pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Genotropin, oxandrolone, somatropin, Omnitrope, Norditropin FlexPro, Norditropin, and Ngenla
Warnings
Humatrope should not be used if you suffer from cancer, diabetic retinal disease, or are suffering from Prader-Willi syndrome and are obese. This medicine should not be used if you are suffering from a serious lung condition or complications resulting from a recent operation or injury.
Before you take this drug
Humatrope should not be used if:
- A serious illness caused by lung failure or complications of recent surgery, injury, or medical trauma
- Closed epiphyses
- Active cancer
- Eye problems due to diabetes or diabetic retinopathy
- If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, are overweight, or suffer from severe breathing problems, including sleep disorders,
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Cancer (especially in childhood)
- Diabetes;
- Sleep apnea; breathing problems (breathing stops while sleeping);
- A pituitary disorder;
- The abnormal curvature (scoliosis) of the spine
- Underactive thyroid
- A head injury or brain tumor; or
- Childhood brain tumor, and radiotherapy treatment.
Humatrope is not recommended for children in certain cases. Some brands of somatropin may contain an ingredient that can cause side effects and even death in very young babies or premature infants. Never administer this medicine without first consulting a physician.Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Humatrope?
The condition 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 the label.Humatrope can be injected under or into the skin. You can learn how to use the medicine properly yourself from a healthcare provider.Don't inject the subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the same area twice in a single row.Please read and carefully follow all of the instructions included with your medication, especially Humatrope. If there are any confusions, seek clarification from either your pharmacist or physician. If any concerns arise regarding how best to take it, contact your local pharmacy or doctor immediately.Do not prepare your injection until you are fully prepared.
The medicine should not be shaken. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed color, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.Use only the syringe or cartridge that came with your medicine.You may require frequent medical tests.To help you control your condition, follow any diet plan that your doctor or nutritionist has created.The way you store your medicine depends on the brand of Humatrope and the diluent that you use. If you have questions regarding proper storage, ask your pharmacist.After the expiration dates have passed, throw away any Humatrope that is left.Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in an "as sharps" container that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.If you miss three or more doses, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Reach out for help immediately if you suspect poisoning, by dialing 1-800-222-1222. For immediate medical treatment.Overdose symptoms include tremors, shaking, cold sweats, and an increased appetite. Other symptoms may include headaches, sleepiness, weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or drowsiness. A long-term overdose may cause excessive growth.
What should be avoided?
Avoid drinking soda or fruit juices if you are using Zorbtive for short bowel syndrome.If you suffer from short-bowel syndrome, avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause stomach irritation and make your condition worse.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Hormonal replacement therapy or birth control pills
- Insulin, or oral diabetes medication;
- A steroid is a drug that contains a hormone (prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others).
This list is incomplete. Humatrope may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.