How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Somatropin belongs to a class of medications known as growth stimulants. Somatropin is a synthetic growth hormone. Growth hormone is made naturally in our bodies by the pituitary gland and is necessary for stimulating growth in children.
Somatropin is used to treat:
- growth hormone deficiency in children (to replace growth hormone that they are unable to produce enough of naturally)
- short stature associated with Turner syndrome for children whose epiphysis (growth plates) have not sealed
- growth failure for children who were smaller than expected when they were born and who have not caught up by the age of 2 to 4 years
- growth failure for children with confirmed Prader-Willi syndrome
- short stature of unknown cause when the epiphyses (growth plates) have not sealed
- adults who have growth hormone deficiency (this can result from pituitary disease, surgery, radiation therapy, hypothalamic disease, or trauma)
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
GoQuick pre-filled injection pen
Each two-chamber glass cartridge contains sterile white lyophyilized powder containing somatropin in one chamber and 1.14 mL of liquid in the second chamber, separated by a rubber plunger (bromobutyl).
5 mg
When reconstituted, each 1 mL of solution for injection contains 5.3 mg of somatropin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium phosphate anhydrous, metacresol, and water for injection.
5.3 mg
When reconstituted, each 1 mL of solution for injection contains 5.3 mg of somatropin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium phosphate anhydrous, metacresol, and water for injection.
12 mg
When reconstituted, each 1 mL of solution for injection contains 12 mg of somatropin. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium phosphate anhydrous, metacresol, and water for injection.
MiniQuick pre-filled syringe
Each two-chamber glass cartridge contains sterile white lyophilized powder containing somatropin in one chamber and 0.275 mL of liquid in the second chamber, separated by a rubber plunger (bromobutyl), as a single dose syringe.
0.2 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 0.4 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
0.4 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 0.2 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
0.6 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 0.6 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
0.8 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 0.8 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
1 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 1 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
1.2 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 1.2 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
1.4 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 1.4 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
1.6 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 1.6 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
1.8 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 1.8 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
2 mg
When reconstituted, each syringe contains 2 mg of somatropin in 0.25 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycine, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate anhydrous, disodium anhydrous, and water for injection.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended dose depends on the circumstances and body weight of the person being treated. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of somatropin to be injected.
Somatropin is administered by injection only. It is usually injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the thigh, buttocks, or abdomen. It is important to rotate the site of injection in order to minimize the risk of fat wasting at the site of injection.
If you are using this medication at home, your doctor will ensure that you understand exactly how to use it. Make sure you ask any and all questions necessary to ensure that you use it exactly as prescribed. Please refer to the appropriate package insert for details on how to mix the medicine and for proper injection procedures. It is important to visit your doctor regularly during therapy to ensure that the medication is working safely and effectively.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Before reconstituting, store this medication in the refrigerator. Do not allow it to freeze. To protect the medication from light, keep it in its original carton until you are ready to use it. Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
Once it has been reconstituted, this mediation should be clear and contain no particles. The GoQuick pen may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 28 days. After 28 days, discard any remaining solution safely. The MiniQuick syringe must be used within 24 hours of being reconstituted.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use somatropin if you:
- are allergic to somatropin or any ingredients of this medication
- have active cancer
- have an active brain tumour
- have an acute illness due to complications of surgery, have respiratory (breathing) failure, or have just had a serious accident
- have Prader-Willi syndrome and are severely obese, have severe breathing problems, have uncontrolled diabetes, active psychosis, or active cancer
- have vision problems due to long-term effects of diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
Do not give this medication to children with closed epiphyses (growth plates).
What side effects are possible with this medication?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- headache
- itchy skin
- joint pain
- muscle pain
- redness, pain, or swelling at site of injection
- stiffness in the arms and legs
- swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- limp
- numbness and tingling
- severe abdominal pain, particularly for children
- skin rash
- symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- severe or frequent headaches with nausea and vomiting or vision problems
- signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Cancer: There may be an increased risk of tumour growth, both cancerous and non-cancerous when growth hormone is used by survivors of childhood cancer. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
Diabetes: Somatropin may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using this medication.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hypothyroidism (low level of thyroid hormone): If you have uncontrolled hypothyroidism, treatment with somatropin may not work as well as it could. Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Treatment with somatropin may trigger hypothyroidism. If you experience unexplained weight gain, muscle aches or stiffness, constipation, dry skin, or fatigue, this may be a result of too little thyroid hormone and you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Prader-Willi syndrome: Children who have been diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome may experience breathing difficulties while using somatropin. Rarely, these breathing difficulties may be life-threatening. This is more likely if the child is obese, already has breathing problems, or has an infection. If your child develops sleep apnea (not breathing while sleeping) or new or increased snoring, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Scoliosis: People with scoliosis are at risk of a worsening of their condition while taking somatropin. If you have scoliosis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if somatropin passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for adults over 65 years of age.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.
If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Genotropin
