What is Somatropin?
Somatropin, a form of human growth hormone, is important for the growth and development of muscles and bones. Somatropin can be used to treat growth problems in adults and children who do not have natural growth hormones. People with short stature, such as those with Noonan syndrome, Turner syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome; people born with short stature with no catch-up development; and others
Adults can also use somatropin to treat short bowel syndrome or to prevent weight loss due to AIDS. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of somatropin.
Side effects of Somatropin
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of face, lips or throat or difficulty swallowing. Please seek medical assistance immediately!
Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome may experience serious breathing problems when they use somatropin. 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 snoring.
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 or feet
- Changes in behavior
- Unusual headaches and vision problems
- Changes in the size or shape of a mole.
- Joint pain or swelling;
- Pancreatitis: severe pain spreading from your upper stomach to your back and nausea;
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and a 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.
Somatropin side effects may include:
- Pain, itching, or changes in the skin where the medicine has been injected;
- Rapid weight gain and swelling
- Muscle or joint pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Stomach pain, gas;
- Back pain, headaches, or both?
- Cold or flu symptoms include stuffy noses, sneezing, and sore throats.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Megestrol, dronabinol, genometropin, megace, marinal, oxandrolone, and glutamine
Warnings
If you have cancer or diabetic retinal disease, are being treated for Prader-Willi syndrome, are overweight, or have severe respiratory problems, you should not take somatropin. If you are suffering from a serious condition such as lung failure, complications of recent surgery or injury, or if your breathing is severely affected, then somatropin should be avoided.
Before you take this drug
If you are allergic or have any of the following:
- A serious illness caused by lung failure or complications of recent surgery, injury, or medical trauma
- Closed epiphyses
- Active cancer
- Diabetes can cause eye problems (diabetic retinal disease);
- If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, are overweight, or suffer from severe breathing problems, including sleep apnea, you may be a candidate for treatment.
Provide any of the following details to your doctor:
- Cancer (especially in childhood);
- Diabetes;
- Sleep apnea; breathing problems (breathing stops while sleeping);
- A pituitary disorder;
- Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine.
- Underactive thyroid
- A head injury or brain tumor;
- Childhood brain tumor, and radiotherapy treatment.
Somatropin is not recommended in some situations. Some brands of somatropin may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or even death in very young or premature infants. Do not give this medicine without consulting a doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Somatropin?
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. Somatropin 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 follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you do not understand the instructions, don't use them. If you have any queries, be sure to reach out directly to either your pharmacist or doctor. Avoid administering injections until you're sure that you are ready.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 somatropin and the diluent that you use. If you have questions regarding proper storage, ask your pharmacist. After the expiration dates of the labels have passed, throw away any remaining somatropin.
Simply use needles and syringes once, then store them safely in an "as sharps" puncture-proof container. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep any containers out of reach from pets and children.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is close to time for your next dose, forego taking an overdose. 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?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, and tremors. 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 increases the production of testosterone (prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others).
This list is incomplete. Somatropin may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
