This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Somatropin is a recombinant human growth hormone which was approved for its medical use in 1987.

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Somatropin Injection is equivalent to human pituitary hormone that helps in growth. It regulates the amount of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and improves linear growth in patients with growth hormone deficiency.

Uses of undefined

Somatropin Injection has been developed to treat growth failure in children due to deficiency of growth hormone, Prader Willi syndrome, Turner’s syndrome, small for gestational age and short stature of unknown cause. It is also indicated for adults with growth hormone deficiency of childhood or adult onset.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Somatropin Injection is available as prefilled syringe in the doses 4mg, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 4IU, 10IU, 16IU and 36IU. This injection is intended for administration through subcutaneous route and the dosing varies according to body weight and disease condition.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Somatropin Injection is contraindicated in severe obesity, acute critical illness, upper airway obstruction, sleep apnea, cancer, diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, hypersensitivity, hypothyroidism, hypoadrenalism, scoliosis and pancreatitis. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience breathlessness, rapid heartbeat, severe rash, swelling of arms or legs or any other anaphylactic reactions. During treatment with Somatropin injection, your doctor may periodically monitor your blood count, blood sugar, thyroid and other vital parameters to prevent serious complications. Report to your doctor if you have had a history of diabetes, heart problems, hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, cancer, obesity or acute illnesses.

Precautions

It is not known whether treatment with Somatropin Injection alters fertility or interferes with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Somatropin Injection if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Somatropin Injection are swelling, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, pain, edema, paraesthesia, headache, stiffness, tiredness, muscle pain and back pain. If you experience any anaphylactic reactions after taking this injection, report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

If you experience dizziness, tiredness or any visual disturbances, you should avoid driving or handling machines. Maintain adequate nutrition and fluid intake

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Pfizer Inc., US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2020] [Accessed on 20th Sep 2022], https://labeling.pfizer.com/showlabeling.aspx?id=577#S5.6
  2. Mark E. Molitch and Bernard P. Schimmer, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Introduction to Endocrinology: The Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis, 2018, 13th Edition, 771-786.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.