About SOMATROPIN
SOMATROPIN belongs to the class of medications known as hormones used to treat growth failure caused by various disorders or deficiencies including growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Prader-Willi syndrome, Small for Gestational Age, Turner syndrome, and Idiopathic Short Stature. SOMATROPIN is also used in adults to prevent severe weight loss related to AIDS and to treat short bowel syndrome.
SOMATROPIN contains Somatropin, a potent metabolic hormone of importance for the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. It has the same structure as natural human growth hormone and is necessary for bone and muscular growth. SOMATROPIN activates metabolism by activating metabolic processes in cells. It also promotes the proper development of your fat and muscle tissues.
In some cases, SOMATROPIN may cause certain common side effects such as joint pain, muscle pain, swollen ankles, rash, itchiness or pain at the injection site, and headache. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
Do not use SOMATROPIN without doctor advice if you had a skin reaction or irritation to any medicine. You should not use SOMATROPIN if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or trying to become pregnant. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with SOMATROPIN. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medications you take to rule out any side effects.
Uses of SOMATROPIN
Growth failure, short bowel syndrome, and to prevent severe weight loss related to AIDS
Medicinal Benefits
SOMATROPIN belongs to the class of medications known as hormones. It is used to treat growth failure caused by various disorders or deficiencies, including growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Prader-Willi syndrome, Small for Gestational Age, Turner syndrome, and Idiopathic Short Stature. SOMATROPIN contains Somatropin that has the same structure as natural human growth hormone. It is necessary for bone and muscular growth. SOMATROPIN works by activating metabolic processes in cells. It also promotes the proper development of your fat and muscle tissues. SOMATROPIN is also used in adults to prevent severe weight loss related to AIDS and to treat short bowel syndrome.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of SOMATROPIN
- Joint pain
- Puffy fingers or swollen ankles (water retention)
- Temporary reddening
- Itchiness or pain at the injection site
- Rash
- Raised itchy bumps on the skin
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue using SOMATROPIN for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not use SOMATROPIN without doctor advice if you had a skin reaction or irritation to any medicine. Inform your doctor if you have cancer, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, severe breathing problems, lung failure, medical trauma, pituitary gland disorder, underactive thyroid, sleep apnea, Prader-Willi syndrome, abnormal curvature of the spine, head injury, brain tumour, or if you are overweight. You should not use SOMATROPIN if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or trying to become pregnant. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: SOMATROPIN may interact with Cytochrome P450-Metabolized medicines, glucocorticoid replacement medicines (e.g. hydrocortisone), hypoglycemic agents (e.g. insulin), hormonal medications (e.g. estrogen). Inform your doctor if you are taking thyroid hormones, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants (ciclosporin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: SOMATROPIN may interact with conditions such as closed epiphyses, diabetic retinopathy, hypersensitivity, active malignancy (active cancer), acute critical illness and Prader-Willi Syndrome (a genetic disorder) in children.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not suggested to drink alcohol while taking SOMATROPIN since it may induce unpleasant side effects or make you more susceptible to alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeInform your doctor if you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. SOMATROPIN is not recommended for use by pregnant women.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor for advice regarding the use of SOMATROPIN if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionIt's unclear whether SOMATROPIN affects driving abilities, so don't drive or operate machinery if you're having trouble concentrating or reacting.
Liver
cautionLimited information was available about the use of SOMATROPIN in patients suffering from liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionLimited information was available about the use of SOMATROPIN in patients suffering from kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
safe if prescribedSOMATROPIN is safe to use in children if prescribed by a qualified doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet is essential.
- Consume a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed and refined foods.
- Foods rich in vitamin C such as tomatoes, strawberries, and citrus fruits help to improve immunity.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake and quit smoking.
- Avoid physical and psychological stress.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Fluids are necessary to maintain blood flow in your body.
Special Advise
- Tissue atrophy may occur when SOMATROPIN is injected subcutaneously at the same place for an extended length of time. The injection site can be rotated to avoid this.
- If you are due to undergo any major operation, inform the doctor that you are taking SOMATROPIN.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Growth hormone deficiency: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is also known as dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism. It is a disorder characterised by low growth hormone levels in the body. Growth hormone-deficient children have abnormally small stature but acceptable body proportions. GHD can be congenital (existing at birth) or develop later in life (acquired).
Prader-Willi syndrome: Prader-Willi syndrome is a hereditary condition characterised by obesity, intellectual impairment, and small stature (shortness in height).
Turner syndrome: Turner syndrome is a chromosomal disorder in which a female is born with only one X chromosome.
Idiopathic Short Stature: Idiopathic short stature is sometimes defined statistically as height less than two standard deviations below the age- and sex-matched population.
Short bowel syndrome: It is a condition in which the body is unable to absorb enough nutrients from food due to a short bowel/small intestine.
