Chemical Name: SOMATROPIN (soe-ma-TROE-pin)
This medicine is a growth hormone used to treat a variety of conditions. Various brands of this product are available. Certain brands are used for certain conditions. This medicine may be used to improve growth in children whose bodies do not produce enough growth hormone on their own, to improve growth in children of very short height after other treatable causes have been ruled out, to treat wasting and malnutrition that occurs with certain conditions, or to treat short bowel syndrome in combination with nutritional support. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including diabetes, thyroid problems, back problems (scoliosis), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed when this medicine is given to children with Prader-Willi syndrome. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of leukemia, tumors, severe lung problems, recent major surgery or trauma, or Prader-Willi syndrome and are also severely overweight or have serious lung or breathing problems. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine is sometimes used at home as an injection. Before using this medicine, a healthcare professional will provide detailed instructions for its appropriate use. Ask any questions that you may have about this medicine or giving injections. STORE THIS MEDICINE in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. DO NOT SHAKE THIS MEDICINE. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if it is cloudy. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, 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.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or use this medicine for longer than directed by your doctor. Doing so may increase your risk for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. Medical and/or laboratory tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Rare, sometimes fatal, lung and breathing problems may be caused by this medicine in children with Prader-Willi syndrome. Those at higher risk include males, severely overweight children, or children with existing serious lung or breathing problems. Children should be checked for certain breathing problems before and during treatment. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU PLAN ON BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine talk with your doctor to discuss the risks to your baby. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting your diabetes medicine or changing your diet.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, fatigue, or muscle pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience pain or stiffness in joints; swelling in the hands and feet; redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site; a limp; or an unusual increase in urination or thirst. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience a change in the appearance or size of any mole, severe stomach pain, vomiting, or vision problems. CONTACT THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if a child with Prader-Willi syndrome experiences heavy snoring or irregular breathing during sleep; or any sign of lung infection including fever, persistent cough, or trouble breathing. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include headache; nausea; vomiting; and bloating or swelling of ankles, feet, or hands.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain local regulations for selecting an appropriate container and properly disposing of the container when it is full.
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