Genotropin

Pronunciation: SOE-ma-TROE-pin
Generic Name: Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated)
Brand Name: Genotropin

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)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

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

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Genotropin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

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.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Genotropin.

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.


• Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) has been reported rarely in patients who take Genotropin. The risk may be greater in children, especially in girls who have Turner syndrome. Contact your doctor right away if you develop stomach or back pain.


• 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.


• Caution is advised when using Genotropin in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially pancreas inflammation.


• 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.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

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; severe or persistent stomach or back 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.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Genotropin side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness; excessive thirst or hunger; fainting; fast heartbeat; frequent urination.

Proper storage of Genotropin:

Cartridges: Store new (unopened) cartridges in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Do not use Genotropin past the expiration date on the product label.

For 1.5 mg cartridge: After the medicine is mixed, it may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Throw away any medicine left in the cartridge after 24 hours.

For 5.8 mg and 13.8 mg cartridges: After the medicine is mixed, it may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 28 days. Throw away any unused medicine left in the cartridge after 28 days.

MiniQuick devices: Store new (unopened) devices in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Unopened devices may also be stored at or below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) for up to 3 months. Do not use Genotropin past the expiration date on the product label. After the medicine is mixed, it may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Throw away any medicine left in the device after 24 hours.

Contact your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to properly store Genotropin. Keep Genotropin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Genotropin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Genotropin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Genotropin. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Genotropin resources

• Genotropin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Genotropin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Genotropin Drug Interactions
• Genotropin Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Genotropin - Add your own review/rating

Compare Genotropin with other medications

• Adult Human Growth Hormone Deficiency
• Hypopituitarism
• Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency
• Short Stature for Age
• Turner's Syndrome