Genotropin 36IU Injection may be prescribed for:

• Growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone

• Growth failure associated with Turner syndrome

• Growth failure associated with chronic renal insufficiency in children

The exact indication and suitability of treatment depend on the patient's diagnosis and medical assessment. Genotropin should not be used simply to increase height, muscle mass or physical performance in people without an appropriate medical indication.

Somatropin is a recombinant form of human growth hormone. It binds to growth hormone receptors in different tissues and stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Growth hormone and IGF-1 promote the growth of bones and other tissues. In children with growth hormone deficiency, this can improve linear growth when treatment is started before the growth plates have fused. Somatropin also has metabolic effects on protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking before starting Genotropin treatment.

Somatropin may affect blood glucose control and may therefore require monitoring in people taking insulin or other medicines for diabetes. It can also affect the requirements for corticosteroid replacement in some patients.

Tell your doctor if you are receiving corticosteroids, thyroid hormone replacement, insulin or other medicines for long-term conditions. Your doctor will decide whether any dose adjustments or additional monitoring are required.

• Store Genotropin at 2°C to 8°C.

• Do not freeze.

• Protect the medicine from light.

• Keep the product in its original packaging until required for use.

• After reconstitution, follow the storage conditions and in-use period specified for the particular Genotropin presentation and delivery device.

• Do not use the reconstituted solution if it appears cloudy or contains visible particles.

• Keep out of the reach of children.

Genotropin 36IU Injection is administered by subcutaneous injection. The dose and frequency are determined by the doctor according to the condition being treated.

The medicine may be administered using the appropriate Genotropin delivery device. A healthcare professional should demonstrate the correct preparation and injection technique before self-administration is started.

Injection sites should be rotated regularly to reduce the risk of changes in the fatty tissue under the skin. Do not change the prescribed dose or injection frequency without consulting your doctor.

Genotropin can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects

• Headache

• Joint pain

• Muscle pain

• Swelling or fluid retention

• Injection-site reactions

• Stiffness

• Numbness or tingling

Fluid retention and related symptoms may occur more commonly in adults receiving growth hormone replacement and may improve following dose adjustment.

Serious side effects

Contact your doctor promptly if you develop:

• Persistent or severe headache, particularly with nausea, vomiting or visual disturbances

• Significant swelling or severe pain in the joints

• New hip or knee pain or a change in walking pattern in a child

• Severe abdominal pain

• Symptoms suggesting high blood sugar, such as excessive thirst or frequent urination

• Difficulty breathing or worsening sleep-related breathing problems

• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of the face or throat or difficulty breathing

Long-term treatment may require monitoring of growth, blood glucose, thyroid function and other relevant clinical parameters.

• Use Genotropin only for the condition and dose prescribed by your doctor.

• The dose may be adjusted according to growth response, clinical condition and relevant laboratory results.

• Rotate injection sites regularly to reduce the risk of changes in the fatty tissue beneath the skin.

• Follow the preparation and injection instructions supplied with your Genotropin delivery device.

• Do not use the medicine if the reconstituted solution is cloudy or contains visible particles.

• Children receiving treatment should have their height and growth rate monitored regularly.

• Tell your doctor if you develop persistent headaches, visual changes, unusual swelling, severe abdominal pain or new hip or knee pain.

• Do not increase, decrease or stop the dose without medical advice.