Growth Hormones, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: growth hormone

Generic and brand names: growth hormones, injection; somatrem, injection; somatropin, injection; Genotropin; Humatrope; Norditropin; Nutropin; Nutropin AQ; Protropin; Saizen injection; Serostim

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by injection (shots) to increase height in children with a growth hormone deficiency and in children who are not growing because of long-term kidney problems, up to the time of a kidney transplant. It may also be used for a condition called wasting (loss of size and strength) in people with AIDS and for long-term treatment of growth hormone deficiency in adults. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• cancer
• diabetes
• scoliosis
• thyroid problems.

Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to benzyl alcohol.

How do I use it?

These shots are usually given up to 7 times a week by a health care provider. Sometimes you are allowed to give yourself the shots, or have someone at home give them to you. Be sure you understand when and how you are to receive your shots.

If you are giving yourself the shots (or are giving them to a child), prepare the medicine by dissolving the powder exactly as directed by your health care provider. The shots are given into a muscle or just under the skin using sterile techniques and sterile disposable syringes and needles. Do not shake the mixture to dissolve it, and do not inject solution that is cloudy. Use a syringe that is small enough to measure the dose accurately. Use only one dose per vial.

What should I watch out for?

If you are taking a corticosteroid (cortisonelike) drug, be sure to tell the health care provider because it may interfere with the effectiveness of this medicine.

Read the information sheet that comes in the medicine package for more information.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Blurred vision or other vision changes, hip or knee pain, limping, increased urination, increased thirst or hunger, unexplained headache, nausea, or vomiting.

Other: Headache, muscle pain, weakness, pain at the injection site, swelling of fingers, arms, feet, or legs, ear infection.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• corticosteroids such as cortisone (Cortone), dexamethasone (Decadron), hydrocortisone (Hydrocortone, Cortef), and prednisone (Meticorten, Deltasone).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store Somatrem, Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, and Nutropin in the refrigerator before and after mixing. Store Saizen and Serostim at room temperature before mixing and in the refrigerator after mixing. The information that comes in your medicine package tells you how long you can use the medicine is after it has been mixed. Do not let it freeze. Protect it from direct light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.