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Uses

What is somatropin used for?

Somatropin is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), which is when your body does not make enough growth hormone
  • Growth disorders, which is a group of conditions where children do not grow as expected due to hormone problems, genetic conditions, or unknown reasons 
  • Wasting syndrome (cachexia), which is a loss of muscle and body fat, in people with HIV

These uses may vary depending on the specific somatropin product prescribed. Somatropin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does somatropin work (mechanism of action)?

Somatropin acts like a natural hormone in your body called growth hormone. It works by acting on certain receptors on cells in the body, triggering signals that produce the same effects as human growth hormone. In children, this helps promote normal growth and development. In adults, this helps regulate metabolism and maintain healthy functioning of bones, muscles, and tissues.

How is somatropin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Genotropin
  • Humatrope
  • Norditropin
  • Nutropin AQ
  • Omnitrope
  • Saizen
  • Serostim
  • Zomacton
  • Zorbtive

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg or 12 mg for injection in a two‑chamber cartridge (Genotropin)
  • 0.2 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.8 mg, 1 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.4 mg, 1.6 mg, 1.8 mg, or 2 mg for injection (Genotropin MiniQuick)
  • 6 mg, 12 mg, or 24 mg pen injection devices (Humatrope)
  • 5 mg/1.5 mL, 10 mg/1.5 mL, 15 mg/1.5 mL, 30 mg/3 mL FlexPro prefilled pens (Norditropin)
  • 5 mg/1.5 mL or 10 mg/1.5 mL solution in prefilled cartridges (Omnitrope)
  • 5.8 mg vials (Omnitrope)
  • 4 mg, 5 mg, or 6 mg vials (Serostim)
  • 5 mg or 10 mg vials (Zomacton)

How should I store somatropin?

Follow the instructions for the somatropin product you have to make sure you store it properly. Most somatropin products should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze. Some somatropin products may be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C), for a shorter period of time. Protect the medicine from light. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your somatropin product.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of somatropin?

The most common side effects of somatropin are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Low levels of red blood cells (anemia)
  • Cough
  • Vomiting or stomach pain
  • Fluid retention (see below)
  • Pain in your joints, muscles, or wrist
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms, feet, or face
  • Low thyroid hormones (see below)
  • High blood sugar (see below)
  • Rash
  • Infection in the nose, throat, or ear; sore throat; flu symptoms; or common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of somatropin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of somatropin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of somatropin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Somatropin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using somatropin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Cancer. Somatropin may cause a new cancer to develop or cause a previously treated cancer to return, especially if you previously received radiation therapy to your brain or head. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get, including any of the following.

  • New headaches
  • Vision changes
  • Skin color changes or changes in how moles or birthmarks look
  • Behavior changes

Fluid Retention (Edema). Somatropin can cause fluid retention, also called edema. The extra fluid commonly causes swelling in your arms, legs, feet, or ankles. Fluid retention can also cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Wrist pain or swelling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Stiffness or swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Nerve pain

High Blood Sugar. Somatropin may affect the way your body uses sugar. This can increase your blood sugar levels and may lead to or worsen diabetes. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments for your blood tests. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Feeling thirstier or hungrier than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Fruity smelling breath

Increased Pressure Around the Brain. Somatropin may increase pressure around the brain, which can be serious and lead to brain damage. Stop using somatropin and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Blurry vision or other vision changes
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache

Low Thyroid Hormones (Hypothyroidism). Somatropin can cause the function of your thyroid gland to change, which can lead to low levels of thyroid hormone. Keep all appointments for your blood tests. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following signs of low thyroid hormones.

  • Weight gain
  • Feeling cold 
  • Tiredness that does not go away or continues to worsen
  • Constipation

Reduced Adrenal Function. Somatropin can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency, and it can worsen if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting

Inflamed Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Somatropin may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. This risk may be higher in children. Stop using somatropin and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Hip Socket Problem (Children). Somatropin may be used to treat certain growth disorders in children. Growing very quickly can weaken the growth plate (the area of a bone that is still growing) in the thigh bone, which can lead to a problem called slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Call your health care provider right away if you have pain in your hip or knee, trouble walking, or are limping.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use somatropin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use somatropin.

  • Genotropin
  • Humatrope
  • Norditropin
  • Nutropin AQ
  • Omnitrope
  • Saizen
  • Serostim
  • Somatropin
  • Zomacton
  • Zorbtive
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific somatropin products they stock.

Diabetic Retinopathy. People who have certain types of diabetic retinopathy, which is an eye problem caused by diabetes, should not use somatropin. The medicine could worsen this eye problem. 

Closed Bone Growth Plates. Somatropin should not be used to increase height in children who have closed bone growth plates, also known as closed epiphyses. This means their bones have stopped growing.

Certain Children With Prader-Willi Syndrome. Children with an inherited disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome should not use somatropin if they also have obesity or breathing problems, such as asthma or sleep apnea.

Cancer. People who currently have cancer or a tumor should not use somatropin. This medicine could make the cancer grow or spread faster. Tell your health care provider about any current or previous cancers you have had.

Critical Illness. Somatropin should not be used by people who have a critical illness due to breathing problems, severe injuries, or certain surgeries, such as open heart surgery or stomach surgery.

What should I know about somatropin before using it?

Do not use somatropin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share somatropin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Do not share needles, syringes, or devices as this can spread infections.

Keep somatropin out of the reach of children. If the product you are using is stored in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Keep all appointments for blood tests and other tests. Your health care provider needs these results to help you use this medicine safely.

This medicine is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). There are multiple forms of somatropin available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to prepare, use, and throw it away properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Rotate the site for each injection of somatropin. Do not inject it in the same spot every time because this may lead to a condition called lipoatrophy. This is where you lose fat under the skin and your skin may look sunken in this spot. Consider writing down or taking a picture of the exact spot where you injected your last dose to help you remember.

What should I tell my health care provider before using somatropin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if somatropin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • High blood sugar, diabetes, or a family history of diabetes
  • Cancer or a tumor
  • Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea
  • Severe illness or injury
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Heart problems
  • Hearing problems
  • Problems with your adrenal glands
  • Thyroid problems
  • A curved spine (scoliosis) 

Surgery. Using somatropin may raise the risk of serious problems during or after certain surgeries, such as heart or stomach surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have recently had surgery or are planning to have surgery. They may recommend that you wait until after the surgery is over to start somatropin treatment.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Somatropin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using somatropin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how somatropin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if somatropin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use somatropin while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does somatropin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between somatropin and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect somatropin.

Does somatropin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using somatropin.

  • A corticosteroid, such as cortisone or prednisone, which is a medicine for adrenal gland problems or certain inflammatory conditions
  • A medicine that you take by mouth that contains estrogen, such as certain birth control pills
  • Any medicine for diabetes

Somatropin may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with somatropin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much somatropin?

If you or someone else has used too much somatropin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of somatropin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.