Somatropin general information

Treating certain children or adults whose bodies do not produce enough growth hormone. It is also used to treat certain children who are not growing normally due to Turner syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome, or who were born small for gestational age (SGA). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Somatropin is a growth hormone. It works by stimulating growth in patients who do not make enough natural growth hormone.

Somatropin dosage and administration

Use Somatropin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Somatropin is given as an injection under the skin. A health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Somatropin . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you
  have any questions.
• Do NOT shake Somatropin.
• Do not use Somatropin if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the container is cracked or damaged.
• Be sure to rotate your injection site as directed to help avoid thickening or hardening of the skin.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Somatropin , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Somatropin side effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Fatigue; headache; mild arm or leg pain or stiffness; mild swelling (eg, of the hands or feet); muscle or joint pain; prickling sensation of the skin.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine; burning, tingling, itching, or numbness in the palm of the hand, fingers, or wrist; change in appearance or size of a mole; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; ear pain, discharge, or discomfort; fast heartbeat; fever; hearing problems; hip or knee pain; limp; nausea or vomiting; new growth on the skin; one-sided weakness; persistent or severe cough or sore throat; persistent or unusual stomach pain; severe or persistent swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; shortness of breath; slurred speech; snoring or irregular breathing during sleep; sudden, severe, or persistent headache or dizziness; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness); thickened or hardened skin at the injection site; trouble breathing; unusual bruising; vision changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.