What is somatropin

Somatropin is a form of human growth hormone important for the growth of bones and muscles.

Somatropin 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.

Warnings

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 dont 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.