Somatropin
Description
Somatropin is a synthetic human growth hormone. It is used in the treatment of growth hormone deficiency in both children and adults. It is also used to treat other genetic conditions such as Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome (conditions that cause developmental abnormalities), etc. This medicine works by regulating the growth and development of cells in your body.
Somatropin may result in certain side effects such as headache, joint pain, muscle pain, sleeplessness, etc. However, these side effects may subside by themselves as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if these symptoms persist or if they become severe.
Somatropin is given by your doctor in a clinic or a hospital setting. The dose and duration of the treatment will depend on your condition. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.
Somatropin should be avoided if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing thyroid problems, ear infections, diabetes, or a history of cancer before starting treatment with this medicine. Close evaluation with respect to your current medicines is necessary to avoid any undesired side effects. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Somatropin
- Pain at the injection site
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Decreased thyroid hormone levels
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Insomnia (Sleeplessness)
- Muscle pain
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
Uses of Somatropin
What is it prescribed for?
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Turner syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
- Small for gestational age (SGA)
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time taken by Somatropin to show its effect is not clinically known.
- Duration of effectThe duration for which Somatropin remains active in your body is not clinically known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies have been reported with Somatropin.
- Usage in pregnancy?Somatropin is not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Somatropin is not recommended during breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Acute critical illness
Somatropin is not recommended for use if you require intensive medical care for serious heart or abdominal surgeries, for multiple injuries from an accident, or require mechanical breathing due to lung failure. Receiving Somatropin during these conditions may increase your risk of mortality (death).
Prader–Willi syndrome
Prader–Willi syndrome is a genetic condition that causes obesity, shortness of height, behavioural problems, delayed puberty and constant hunger (leading to obesity). Somatropin is not recommended for use if you have Prader–Willi syndrome due to the increased risk of mortality (death).
Active malignancy
Somatropin is not recommended for use if you have cancer due to the increased risk of worsening your condition. Any pre-existing malignancy (cancer) should be inactive and its treatment course should be completed before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes (high blood sugar levels) that affects your eyes. Symptoms may include blurred vision, which may progress to blindness in severe cases. Somatropin is not recommended if you have diabetic retinopathy due to the increased risk of worsening your condition.
Closed epiphyses
Somatropin is not recommended for growth promotion if you have closed epiphysis (closed growth plates at the end of your long bones) as it may result in severe side effects.
Allergy
Avoid Somatropin if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of your face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Somatropin is not recommended during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor.
Breast-feeding
Somatropin is not recommended during breastfeeding unless absolutely necessary. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
General warnings
Other medicines
Somatropin may interact with other medicines and may cause severe side effects. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with this medicine.
Fluid retention
Fluid retention, also known as water retention is an accumulation of fluid in your body tissues and cavities. Somatropin may increase your risk of fluid retention. You may require dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.
Hypoadrenalism
Hypoadrenalism is a condition with abnormal functioning of the adrenal gland (the gland located on top of your kidneys) resulting in reduced levels of steroid hormones, cortisol, and aldosterone. Somatropin may increase your risk of hypoadrenalism and hence should be given with caution if you have this condition due to the increased risk of severe side effects. You may require dose adjustments based on your clinical condition.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the swelling of your pancreas. Somatropin may increase your risk of pancreatitis. Inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms of severe back and/or abdominal pain.
Cancer recurrence
If you have a history of cancer, Somatropin may increase your risk of cancer recurrence. You will be monitored for progression or recurrence of your pre-existing tumours.
Missed Dose
Somatropin is given by a qualified healthcare professional, so the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Since Somatropin is given in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Dexamethasone
Insulin
Bexarotene
Dapagliflozin
Budesonide
Carbamazepine
Acarbose
Diltiazem
Hydrocortisone
Warfarin
Montelukast
Triamcinolone
Disease interactions
Diabetes
Somatropin may interfere with your anti-diabetic medicines and may affect your blood sugar control. Your blood sugar levels will be closely monitored and dose adjustments may be required based on your clinical condition.
Hypothyroidism
Somatropin has been associated with the development of hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). Your thyroid function will be closely monitored.
Otitis media
Somatropin may increase your risk of otitis media (ear infection) when treated for Turner syndrome (a genetic condition in females, resulting in growth defects). Careful evaluation for otitis media and other ear problems should be done before beginning the treatment with Somatropin to reduce your risk of ear infections and hearing problems.
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition with a sideways curve in your spine (backbone). Since Somatropin increases growth rate, children with a history of scoliosis should be carefully monitored for progression of this condition.
Intracranial hypertension
Somatropin may increase your risk of intracranial hypertension, a condition with high pressure in your brain. Inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms of visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears, etc.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Somatropin is usually given in the clinic/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
It is important to receive every scheduled dose, hence do not discontinue therapy without consulting your doctor.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any reactions at the site of injection (redness/pain/swelling).
Somatropin may affect your blood pressure, thyroid hormone levels, and blood sugar control. Periodic monitoring is recommended to prevent severe side effects and worsening of your condition.
Do not drive or operate machines after receiving Somatropin if you experience any symptoms that may affect your mental alertness.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Somatropin is a synthetic form of human growth hormone. This medicine works by regulating the growth and development of cells in your body. It causes an increase in height by stimulating the growth of cells in your spine and the long bones of your legs. It also increases the mineral content of your bone, the number, and the size of your muscle cells, and reduces body fat stores.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Growth hormones
Schedule
Schedule H
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Humatrope 24mg powder and solvent for solution for injection - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 23 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 23 September 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 23 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 19 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.