Uses

Somatropin is a synthetic hormone used to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and other conditions related to low growth hormone levels. It is also prescribed for conditions such as Turner syndrome and chronic kidney disease in children.

Dosage

The dosage of Somatropin is determined by a healthcare provider based on the patient's condition and response. It is typically administered subcutaneously, usually once or twice daily. Common dosages range from 0.03 to 0.06 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, adjusted according to individual needs.

Side Effects

Common side effects include edema (swelling), arthralgia (joint pain), and headache. More serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which require immediate medical attention. Patients should monitor for signs of infection or tumor growth.

Warnings

Somatropin is contraindicated in patients with active malignancy, poorly controlled diabetes, or a history of hypersensitivity to the drug. It should be used with caution in pregnant women and those with a family history of certain genetic conditions.

Somatropin

Somatropin is a synthetic version of human growth hormone (HGH), which is used to treat conditions related to growth hormone deficiency in adults. It works by mimicking the natural production of HGH, helping to promote growth and improve quality of life for those who lack adequate growth hormone levels.

What is Somatropin?

Somatropin is a recombinant DNA-derived growth hormone that is identical to the naturally occurring HGH produced by the pituitary gland. It is not a cure for all types of short stature but can be an effective treatment option for adults with severe growth hormone deficiency (GHD) or growth hormone deficiency with multiple hormone deficiencies (GMD).

Who can use somatropin?

Somatropin is prescribed to adults who have been diagnosed by a healthcare provider as having severe growth hormone deficiency. It is not used for children, normal individuals, or those with mild growth issues.

Somatropin side effects

Like any medication, somatropin may cause side effects. These can range from minor discomforts to more serious health risks:

Common side effects of somatropin

• 
  
• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, or pain)
  
• Nausea and bloating
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Fatigue
  
• Mood changes
  
• Headaches
  

Serious somatropin side effects

• 
  
• Persistent bone and joint pain
  
• Abnormal growth of bones or tissues (giant cell tumor)
  
• High blood pressure
  
• Organ complications, such as kidney or liver issues
  

Related/similar drugs

Somatropin is part of a class of medications known as somatropins. Below are some related or similar drugs:

• 
  
• Norditropin
  
• Omnitrope
  
• Genotropin
  
• Megace
  
• Marinol
  
• Periactin
  
• Endari
  
• Glutamine
  
• Oxandrolone
  
• Dronabinol
  

Warnings

Before taking somatropin, it is important to consider the following:

Before taking this medicine

• 
  
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of certain types of tumors (e.g., pituitary, breast, or prostate cancer)
  
• Inform your healthcare provider if you have a rare genetic disorder that affects growth
  
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as somatropin is not recommended during these times
  

How should I use somatropin?

• 
  
• Somatropin is typically administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
  
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage and frequency
  
• Inject the medication into areas like the abdomen, arms, or thighs where it will be absorbed slowly into the bloodstream
  

What happens if I miss a dose?

• 
  
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but only if it is within 1 day of your scheduled dose
  
• If it's close to your next dose, contact your doctor for guidance
  

What happens if I overdose?

• 
  
• Somatropin is not considered toxic in normal use, but an overdose could cause side effects such as:
  
• Excessive growth or bone issues
  
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
  

Who should not use somatropin?

Somatropin may not be safe for individuals with:

• 
  
• Active cancer, especially pituitary, breast, or prostate cancer
  
• Rare genetic disorders that affect growth
  
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  
• Severe obesity (not related to GHD)
  

What other drugs will affect somatropin?

Some medications can interact with somatropin and affect its effectiveness or safety. These include:

• 
  
• Insulin or oral diabetes medications
  
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
  
• Other growth hormones or hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen)
  
• Ketoconazole (an antifungal medication)
  

Does somatropin interact with my other drugs?

Somatropin may not be safe to use alongside certain medications. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking before starting somatropin.

Somatropin Biosimilars

Somatropin is also available as biosimilars, which are genetically engineered copies of the original drug. These are often cheaper alternatives and may have the same effectiveness as the brand-name version.

Reference products

The reference product for somatropin is Humulin (insulin human). Other biosimilar versions may include:

• 
  
• Somatropin LA
  
• Egron
  
• Refacto
  

References

For more information about somatropin, including clinical trials and patient resources, visit the following websites:

• 
  
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
  
• American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
  

More about somatropin

For additional resources, including patient information and professional guidelines, visit:

• 
  
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
  
• American Endocrine Society
  

Patient resources

Learn more about living with growth hormone deficiency by visiting:

• 
  
• Growth Hormone Deficiency Support Groups
  
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Patient Resources
  

Other brands

Somatropin is available under various brand names, including:

• 
  
• Humulin (insulin human)
  
• Methorphanol
  
• Tyrosine hydroxylase
  

Professional resources

For professional guidelines and clinical evidence, visit:

• 
  
• American Endocrine Society Guidelines
  
• European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)
  

Other brands

Somatropin is also available as biosimilars, such as:

• 
  
• Norditropin
  
• Omnitrope
  
• Genotropin
  

Related treatment guides

For more information on treating growth hormone deficiency, refer to:

• 
  
• Growth Hormone Deficiency: Diagnosis and Treatment (NICE Guidelines)
  
• American Endocrine Society Consensus Statement
  

Further information

For comprehensive resources on somatropin and growth hormone deficiency, visit:

• 
  
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website
  
• American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) website