Somatropin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Somatropin?

What is somatropin for?

Somatropin is a multi-branded drug used for the treatment of any of the following medical conditions: growth failure, growth hormone deficiency, intestinal disorders (short bowel syndrome) or weight loss or weight loss associated with HIV.

Somatotropin is also used to increase height in children with certain genetic disorders (Noonan syndrome).

How is somatropin used?

Read this patient information leaflet for your medication, provided by your pharmacist before you start taking somatropin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Some brands of this medication are given by injection into a muscle or under the skin. Some brands can only be injected under the skin. The way you inject this medicine will depend on the brand you are using. Check with your pharmacist to make sure that the way you are injecting your medicine is correct. It is very important to change the location of the injection site to avoid problematic areas under the skin. For best results, this medication should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to understand therapy and follow the doctor's instructions closely.

Dosage is based on your age, body weight, medical condition and response to treatment.

If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, study all preparations and instructions for use from your health care professional. Do not shake when mixing the solution. Shaking can prevent the drug from working properly. Before using this medication, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If any of these are in your medicine, don't do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and dispose of medical supplies safely.

If this medication is being used for short bowel syndrome, consult your doctor if a special diet (high carbohydrate / low fat) or use of nutritional supplements might help.

If this medication is used for weight / muscle reduction, it may take up to 2 weeks to see an effect of the medication. Do not use more of this medicine than recommended or use it more often as the risk of side effects will increase.

How is somatropin stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Somatropin dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the somatropin dosage for adults?

Usual Adult Dose for Adult Human Growth Hormone Deficiency:

Weight by Regimen:

Initial dose: Not more than 0.004 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily (or a total of 0.04 mg / kg per week in divided doses).

Maximum dose: 0.016 mg / kg once a day (0.08 mg / kg per week in divided doses)

Non-Weight By Regimen:

Approximately 0.2 mg subcutaneously once a day (range: 0.15-0.3 mg once daily)

Usual Adult Dose for Cachexia:

0.1 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily at bedtime

Under 35 kg / 75 lbs: 0.1 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily at bedtime

35 to 45 kg / 75-99 lbs: 4 mg subcutaneously once daily at bedtime

45 to 55 kg / 99-121 lbs: 5 mg subcutaneously once daily at bedtime

Over 55 kg / 121 lbs: 6 mg subcutaneously once daily at bedtime

Maximum dose: 6 mg once daily

Usual adult dose for short bowel syndrome:

Approximately 0.1 mg / kg subcutaneously once a day

Maximum dose: 8 mg once daily

Duration of therapy: 4 weeks

What is the dose of somatropin for children?

Usual Children's Dose for Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency:

0.024-0.034 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily, 6 to 7 times a week

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS):

Up to 0.24 mg / kg per week; divided over 6 or 7 days from subcutaneous injection

Usual Children's Dose for Turner Syndrome:

Up to 0.067 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily

Usual Children's Dose for Idiopathic Short Stature:

Up to 0.053 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily

Usual Children's Dose for Growth Retardation - Chronic Renal Failure:

Up to 0.35 mg / kg body weight per week, divided into daily subcutaneous injections

Duration of therapy: Therapy can be continued until the time of kidney transplant.

Usual Children's Dose for Noonan Syndrome:

Up to 0.066 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily

Usual Children's Dose for Short Stature for Age:

Small to Gestational Age (SGA):

Up to 0.067 mg / kg subcutaneously daily

Short stature contains the gene homeobox (SHOX):

0.05 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily (0.35 mg / kg per week in divided doses)

Children's Dose for Cachexia:

0.04-0.07 mg / kg subcutaneously once daily

In what dosage is somatropin available?

Solution, subcutaneous: 5 mg / 1.5 mL (1.5 mL); 10 mg / 1.5 mL (1.5 mL); 15 mg / 1.5 mL (1.5 mL); 30 mg / 3 mL; 5 mg / 2 mL

Solution, injection: 5 mg (1 ea); 6 mg (1 ea); 12 mg (1 ea); 24 mg (1 ea); 8.8 mg (1 ea)

Somatropin side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to somatropin?

If any of the following side effects occur while taking somatropin, check with your doctor right away:

Common side effects:

• abnormal or decreased tactile sensation
• bleeding after bowel movements
• bleeding, blister, burning sensation, cold, skin discoloration, pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, hives, lump, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scar tissue, pain, stinging, swelling, pain, tingling, sores, or warmth at the injection site
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• there is blood in the urine
• burning, itching, numbness, prickling feeling, "tingling"
• discoloration of the skin
• flu and fever symptoms
• cold hands and feet
• confusion
• constipation
• cough or hoarseness
• dark urine
• decreased urination
• diarrhea
• difficulty urinating
• dizzy
• dry mouth
• fainting or loss of consciousness
• fast heart rate
• fast or irregular breathing
• feeling unbelievably cold
• fever or chills
• the stomach feels full or bloated
• discomfort or pain
• headache
• increased heart rate
• itchy
• joint pain
• light colored stools
• the head feels light
• loss of appetite
• lower back or side pain
• muscle aches or cramps
• muscle pain or stiffness
• nausea
• pain
• pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
• pain in the abdomen, side, or stomach, possibly radiating to the back
• pressure in the stomach
• rapid weight gain
• anal bleeding
• cold
• chills
• skin rash
• sneezing
• sore in the mouth or tongue
• sore throat
• flatulence, heartburn, cramps, or pain
• a sudden drop in the amount of urine
• sweating
• swelling of the stomach or stomach area
• swelling of the eyes or eyelids
• swollen face
• swollen joints
• thirsty
• tightness in the chest
• tingling in the hands or feet
• problems with breathing
• problems with sleep
• swelling around the anus
• unpleasant breath odor
• unusual fatigue or weakness
• unusual weight or weight loss
• gag
• vomiting blood
• white patches in the mouth, tongue, or throat
• wrinkle skin
• yellow eyes or yellow skin

Less common

• bone or bone pain
• burning, numbness, pain, or tingling in all fingers except the little finger
• chest pain
• depressed mood
• dry skin and hair
• feeling cold
• hair loss
• hoarse voice or hoarse voice
• slow down heart rate
• ankle swelling

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Somatropin Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using somatropin?

Before using a particular medication, weigh the risks and benefits first, which is a decision you and your doctor should make. For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

Children

The appropriate studies conducted to date have not demonstrated a specific problem in children that will limit the usefulness of somatropin injection in children with growth hormone deficiency.

Appropriate research has not been carried out on the relationship of age to the effects of somatropin injection in children with short bowel syndrome. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly

Appropriate studies conducted to date have not demonstrated problems in the elderly, particularly those that would limit the usefulness of somatropin injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of somatropin, which may require adjusting the dose in patients receiving injection somatropin.

Is somatropin safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated,
• N = Unknown

Somatropin Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with somatropin?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases some drugs can also be used together even though interactions may occur. In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

Can food or alcohol interact with somatropin?

Certain drugs should not be used while eating or eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with somatropin?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• brain tumor
• cancer, active
• closed epiphyses (stopped normal bone growth) in children
• diabetic retinopathy (an eye condition)
• Prader-Willi syndrome (genetic disorder), if you are overweight or have severe breathing problems or

severe illness after surgery (for example, open-heart surgery, abdominal surgery, accidental trauma, or respiratory failure) - should not be used in patients with this condition.

• cancer, history of cancer
• fluid retention, or history
• hypopituitarism (the pituitary gland produces low hormone levels) or
• hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• otitis media (ear infection) in children, or a history of it
• pancreatitis (inflammation or swelling of the pancreas)
• scoliosis (curved spine) - use with caution. It might make things worse.
• diabetes, or family history - use with caution.

Can prevent insulin from working properly.

• kidney disease - use with caution. The effect can be increased due to slower elimination of the drug from the body.
• Turner Syndrome - can increase the risk of thyroid problems and hearing problems.

Somatropin overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of overdose

• worry
• blurred vision
• vision changes
• in a cold sweat
• coma
• cold pale skin
• decreased amount of urine
• depression
• excessive sweating
• extreme weakness
• dry red skin
• frequent urination
• the breath smells like fruit
• an increase in the size of the hands and feet
• hunger increases
• increased thirst
• the frequency of urination increases
• urine volume increases
• nightmare
• noisy and crackling breath
• pain in the arms and legs
• seizures
• wobbly
• hard to breathe
• lisp
• menstruation has stopped
• swollen fingers or hands
• disturbed breath

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.