Genotropin is used for:

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.

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

Do NOT use Genotropin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Genotropin
• you have active or recurring cancer, a brain tumor, or other unusual growths
• you have severe breathing problems (eg, respiratory failure) or serious illness caused by complications from surgery or injury
• you have a certain type of eye problem caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
• the patient is a child who has Prader-Willi syndrome and is severely overweight or has severe breathing problems (eg, airway blockage, respiratory infection, sleep apnea)
• the patient is a child who has epiphyseal closure (bone growth is complete)

Before using Genotropin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Genotropin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you are allergic to a preservative called m-cresol
• if you have a history of kidney problems, lung or breathing problems (eg, airway blockage, sleep apnea), an underactive thyroid, heart problems, ear or hearing problems (eg, repeated ear infections), or endocrine problems (eg, pituitary or adrenal gland problems)
• if you have a history of diabetes or high blood sugar levels, or if a member of your family has had diabetes
• if you have a history of leukemia, other types of cancer, or any unusual growths or tumors (especially in the brain)
• if you have curvature of the spine (scoliosis), are very overweight, or have had recent major surgery or injury

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Genotropin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or estrogens because they may decrease Genotropin 's effectiveness
• Anticonvulsants (eg, carbamazepine) or cyclosporine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Genotropin
• Insulin or other medicines for diabetes because their effectiveness may be decreased by Genotropin

How to use Genotropin :

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

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Genotropin . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Genotropin 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 Genotropin . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do NOT shake Genotropin .
• Do not use Genotropin 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 away from 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 Genotropin , 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.

Important safety information:

• Severe and sometimes fatal lung and breathing problems have occurred with use of Genotropin in certain children with Prader-Willi syndrome. These children were usually either very overweight or had severe breathing problems (eg, airway blockage, sleep apnea, lung or airway infection). The risk may be greater in boys. Children with Prader-Willi syndrome should have certain breathing tests before they start Genotropin . They should be monitored for signs of lung or airway infection. They should also have effective weight control. Contact the doctor at once if the patient develops irregular breathing during sleep, new or increased snoring, or symptoms of lung or airway infection (eg, fever, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort).
• Rarely, children using Genotropin have experienced a slipped growth plate in the hip. Contact the doctor right away if the patient develops hip or knee pain or a limp.
• Diabetes patients - Genotropin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including blood sugar levels and thyroid function, may be performed while you use Genotropin . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Genotropin with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Genotropin while you are pregnant. It is not known if Genotropin is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Genotropin , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Genotropin :

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; increased appetite; mild arm or leg pain or stiffness; mild swelling (eg, of the hands or feet); muscle or joint pain; prickling sensation of the skin; redness or itching at the injection site; stuffy nose.

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; flu-like symptoms (chills, fever); hearing problems; hip or knee pain; limp; mental or mood changes; 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.