Somatropin

Expert Advice

Dosage Forms Available

• Somatropin is available for use as a subcutaneous injection.

• It comes in different formulations such as powder in vials or cartridges that need to be reconstituted, and as a solution in prefilled pens.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Somatropin is meant for both adults and children. Specific age guidelines vary based on the condition being managed, but it is commonly used in children for conditions diagnosed early in childhood.

Contraindications

• This medicine is contraindicated in patients with active malignancy and in those with active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. It should also not be administered to critically ill patients following cardiac or abdominal surgery, multiple trauma, or acute respiratory failure.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Somatropin may interact with corticosteroids (like prednisone), antidiabetic agents (such as insulin), and hormonal therapies (such as oestrogens).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Somatropin may lead to symptoms such as severe headache, changes in vision, nausea, and vomiting. In such cases, immediate medical attention is required.

• If a dose of Somatropin is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible unless it is close to the time of the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage injection site reactions such as lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy, rotate the injection sites regularly.

• If experiencing mild oedema or swelling, reducing salt intake may help alleviate these symptoms.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Somatropin does not typically affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if you experience unusual symptoms like severe headaches or vision changes while using Somatropin, avoid performing tasks that require sharp focus.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The safety of using Somatropin during pregnancy and lactation has not been fully established. It is advised to consult your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance should use Somatropin with caution due to the potential for inducing hyperglycemia.

• Individuals with a history of intracranial hypertension need careful monitoring when using Somatropin.

• Caution is advised for patients who have a history of scoliosis or are at risk for slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Patients using Somatropin should ensure adequate nutrition to support growth processes, especially higher protein intake as recommended by a healthcare provider.

• Regular physical activity is encouraged to support overall health and mitigate some side effects like insulin resistance.

• For those managing conditions like Turner syndrome or chronic kidney disease, specific dietary adjustments might be necessary under medical guidance to address associated health issues such as hypertension or poor bone health.

Frequently asked questions

Terms & Conditions