Genotropin

Genotropin

     * Generic Name: somatropin [rdna origin]
     * Brand Name: Genotropin


     * What is somatropin?
     * What are the possible side effects of somatropin?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       somatropin?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
       somatropin?
     * How should I use somatropin?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while using somatropin?
     * What other drugs will affect somatropin?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is somatropin?

   Somatropin is a form of human growth hormone important for the
   growth of bones and muscles.

   Somatropin is used to treat growth failure in children and adults who
   lack natural growth hormone. This includes people with short stature
   due to Noonan syndrome, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi
   syndrome, short stature at birth with no catch-up growth, and other
   causes.

   Somatropin is also used in adults to treat short bowel syndrome, or
   to prevent severe weight loss related to AIDS.

   Somatropin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of somatropin?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Serious breathing problems may occur in patients with Prader-Willi
   syndrome who use somatropin. If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, call
   your doctor promptly if you develop signs of lung or breathing problems
   such as shortness of breath, coughing, or new or increased snoring.

   Also call your doctor at once if you have:
     * pain in your knees or hips, walking with a limp;
     * ear pain, swelling, warmth, or drainage;
     * numbness or tingling in your wrist, hand, or fingers;
     * severe swelling or puffiness in your hands and feet;
     * pain or swelling in your joints;
     * pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your
       back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
     * high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination,
       dry mouth, fruity breath odor, headache, blurred vision;
     * increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in
       your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your
       eyes; or
     * signs of an adrenal gland problem--extreme weakness, severe
       dizziness, weight loss, changes in skin color, feeling very weak or
       tired.

   Common side effects may include:
     * pain, itching, or skin changes where the medicine was injected;
     * swelling, rapid weight gain;
     * muscle or joint pain;
     * numbness or tingling;
     * stomach pain, gas;
     * headache, back pain; or
     * cold or flu symptoms, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore
       throat, ear pain.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about somatropin?

   You should not use somatropin if you have cancer, diabetic
   retinopathy, or if you are being treated for Prader-Willi syndrome and
   you are overweight or have severe breathing problems. You should
   not use somatropin if you have a serious illness due to lung failure or
   complications from recent surgery, injury, or medical trauma.

   Genotropin Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   10 Facts About the Amazing Brain
   Weight Gain Shockers:Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight

   Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using somatropin?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to somatropin or
   benzyl alcohol, or if you have:
     * a serious illness due to lung failure, or complications from recent
       surgery, injury, or medical trauma;
     * active cancer;
     * eye problems caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy); or
     * you are being treated for Prader-Willi syndrome and you are
       overweight or have severe breathing problems (including sleep
       apnea).

   Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
     * cancer (especially during childhood);
     * diabetes;
     * a pituitary gland disorder;
     * abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
     * underactive thyroid;
     * a head injury or brain tumor; or
     * childhood brain cancer and radiation treatment.

   In some cases, somatropin should not be used in a child. Certain brands
   of somatropin contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects
   or death in very young infants or premature babies. Do not give this
   medicine to a child without medical advice.

   Some brands of somatropin are not expected to harm an unborn baby,
   including Genotropin, Omnitrope, Saizen, and Serostim.

   It is not known whether certain other brands of somatropin will harm an
   unborn baby, including Humatrope, Norditropin, Nutropin, Zomacton, and
   Zorbtive.

   Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this
   medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

How should I use somatropin?

   Your dose and brand of somatropin, and how often you use it will depend
   on the condition you are treating. Follow all directions on your
   prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction
   sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

   Somatropin is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare
   provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

   Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your
   medicine. Do not use somatropin if you don't understand all
   instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have
   questions.

   Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not shake
   the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine. Do not use if the
   medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call
   your pharmacist for new medicine.

   If your medicine comes with a syringe, cartridge, or injection pen, use
   only that device to give your medicine.

   Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject
   somatropin. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do
   not inject into the same place two times in a row.

   You may need frequent medical tests.

   Follow any diet plan created for you by your doctor or
   nutrition counselor to help control your condition.

   How you store this medicine will depend on the somatropin brand and the
   diluent you are using. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions
   about proper storage of your medication.

   Throw away any somatropin left over after the expiration date on the
   label has passed.

   Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a
   puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how
   to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and
   pets.

   Genotropin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Digestive Disease Myths:Common Misconceptions

   Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   10 Facts About the Amazing Brain
   Weight Gain Shockers:Surprising Reasons You're Gaining Weight

   Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is
   almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

   Call your doctor if you miss more than 3 doses in a row.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose can cause tremors or shaking, cold sweats, increased
   hunger, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, and
   nausea. Long-term overdose may cause excessive growth.

What should I avoid while using somatropin?

   If you use Zorbtive to treat short bowel syndrome, avoid drinking fruit
   juices or soda beverages.

   Avoid drinking alcohol if you have short bowel syndrome. Alcohol can
   irritate your stomach and could make your condition worse.

What other drugs will affect somatropin?

   Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
     * birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
     * insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or
     * a steroid (prednisone, dexamethasone,
       methylprednisolone, and others).

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect somatropin, including
   prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal
   products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about somatropin.
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