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Introduction

Expert Advice

Indication:

This medication is used in patients with growth failure due to deficiency of endogenous (internal) growth hormone, turner syndrome (condition in female when one of the x chromosomes are missing),  growth retardation in children with chronic renal insufficiency (poor kidney function), prader-willi syndrome (loss of function of a specific gene that leads to constant hunger thus leading to obesity and  type 2 diabetes) in children. Replacement therapy in adults with demonstrated growth hormone deficiency

Contraindication:

This medication is contraindicated in patients with epiphyseal (part of long bone) fusion, tumor, illness after open heart surgery or abdominal surgery, multiple accidental trauma or acute respiratory failure (fluid buildup in lungs causing oxygen deficiency)

Side effects:

Patients administered with this medication may experience hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone in blood), transient edema (loss of bone density), headache, glucosuria (abnormal amount of sugar in urine), hyperglycemia (increase in blood glucose level), muscle pain, weakness and pain at injection site

Precaution:

Patients taking this medication should take precautions in cases of intracranial lesion, diabetes, ACTH deficiency, pregnancy and lactation. Patients should get their thyroid function monitored.

Pregnancy:

The effects of this medication are undetermined in pregnant female therefore be cautious and consult your healthcare provider for further information

Lactation:

The effects of this medication are undetermined in nursing females. Consult your healthcare provider for further information

Primary Uses

Indications

This medication is used in patients with growth failure due to deficiency of endogenous (internal) growth hormone, turner syndrome (condition in female when one of the x chromosomes are missing),  growth retardation in children with chronic renal insufficiency (poor kidney function), prader-willi syndrome (loss of function of a specific gene that leads to constant hunger thus leading to obesity and  type 2 diabetes) in children. Replacement therapy in adults with demonstrated growth hormone deficiency

Side Effects

Patients administered with this medication may experience hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormone in blood), transient edema (loss of bone density), headache, glucosuria (abnormal amount of sugar in urine), hyperglycemia (increase in blood glucose level), muscle pain, weakness and pain at injection site

Contraindications

This medication is contraindicated in patients with epiphyseal (part of long bone) fusion, tumor, illness after open heart surgery or abdominal surgery, multiple accidental trauma or acute respiratory failure (fluid buildup in lungs causing oxygen deficiency)

FAQS

Can I take Somatropin with / without steroids?

Somatropin can be taken both ways; however, if you are taking with another steroid (e.g. testosterone) then your treating doctor may adjust the dose.

Can I take Somatropin with high blood pressure?

Yes. It is safe to take Somatropin with high blood pressure, however, make sure you discuss this with your treating doctor.

How do I store Somatropin and does it have an expiry date?

Somatropin needs to be stored at 2-8 °C and does have an expiry date mentioned on the container of the drug.

How do I inject Somatropin?

Somatropin in injected into a muscle or under the skin. Follow your doctor’s order as your doctor will guide you with the right direction. After injecting, properly dispose of the syringe and needle.

How long does the treatment with Somatropin go on?

You can take Somatropin until you have reached your final height and stopped growing or as per instructions of your treating doctor