Somatropin is a form of human growth hormone important for the growth of bones and muscles. It is used to treat growth failure in children and adults who lack natural growth hormone. This includes people with short stature due to Noonan syndrome, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, short stature at birth with no catch-up growth, and other causes. Somatropin is also used in adults to treat short bowel syndrome, or to prevent severe weight loss related to AIDS.

Somatropin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important Information

You should not use somatropin if you have cancer, diabetic retinopathy, or if you are being treated for Prader-Willi syndrome and you are overweight or have severe breathing problems. You should not use somatropin if you have a serious illness due to lung failure or complications from recent surgery, injury, or medical trauma.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use somatropin if you are allergic to somatropin or benzyl alcohol, or if you have:

• a serious illness due to lung failure, or complications from recent surgery, injury, or medical trauma;
• active cancer;
• eye problems caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy); or
• you are being treated for Prader-Willi syndrome and you are overweight or have severe breathing problems (including sleep apnea).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• cancer (especially during childhood);
• diabetes;
• breathing problems, sleep apnea;
• a pituitary gland disorder;
• abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
• underactive thyroid;
• a head injury or brain tumor; or
• childhood brain cancer and radiation treatment.

In some cases, somatropin should not be used in a child. Certain brands of somatropin contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young infants or premature babies. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Somatropin may contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or premature babies. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use somatropin?

Your dose and brand of somatropin, and how often you use it will depend on the condition you are treating. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Somatropin is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use somatropin if you don’t understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not shake the medicine. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

If your medicine comes with a syringe, cartridge, or injection pen, use only that device to give your medicine.

You may need frequent medical tests.

Follow any diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor to help control your condition.

How you store this medicine will depend on the somatropin brand and the diluent you are using. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about proper storage of your medication.

Throw away any somatropin left over after the expiration date on the label has passed.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof “sharps” container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

• What happens if I miss a dose?

  Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

  Call your doctor if you miss more than 3 doses in a row.

  Somatropin side effects

  Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

  Serious breathing problems may occur in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who use somatropin. If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, call your doctor promptly if you develop signs of lung or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, or new or increased snoring.

  Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • pain in your knees or hips, walking with a limp;
  • ear pain, swelling, warmth, or drainage;
  • numbness or tingling in your wrist, hand, or fingers;
  • severe swelling or puffiness in your hands and feet;
  • changes in behavior;
  • vision problems, unusual headaches;
  • changes in the shape or size of a mole;
  • pain or swelling in your joints;
  • pancreatitis–severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting;
  • high blood sugar–increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
  • increased pressure inside the skull–severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or
  • signs of an adrenal gland problem–extreme weakness, severe dizziness, weight loss, changes in skin color, feeling very weak or tired.