Genotropin (somatropin)

Genotropin side effects

Genotropin can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while receiving Genotropin. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

Side effects of Genotropin may vary depending on the condition being treated.

For more information about the possible side effects of Genotropin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Genotropin, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Genotropin. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or view Genotropin’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Genotropin can include:

• injection site reactions, such as skin rash and loss of fat under the skin
• fluid buildup in the body, which may lead to swelling in the arms or legs
• joint or muscle pain
• numbness, tingling, stiffness, pain, or loss of sensation in the arms or legs
• mild high blood sugar
• mild allergic reaction

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Genotropin aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• high pressure around the brain, which may include symptoms such as:
  • vision changes
  • nausea or vomiting
  • headache
• pancreatitis, which may include symptoms such as:
  • abdominal pain
  • abdominal swelling
  • fever
• severe allergic reaction

Side effects in children

Doctors prescribe Genotropin to treat growth failure in children of any age with certain conditions. To learn more about the conditions they prescribe Genotropin for, see the “Genotropin uses” section below.

Many side effects of Genotropin are similar in children and adults. Examples of these are listed above, although pancreatitis has been reported more commonly in children than in adults.

In addition, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (a hip condition) has also been reported in children who took Genotropin.

If you’re concerned about the side effects of Genotropin in children, talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Genotropin can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep receiving the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Genotropin, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Common questions about Genotropin

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Genotropin.

How does Genotropin compare with Norditropin?

Genotropin and Norditropin have some similarities and differences.

Both Genotropin and Norditropin contain the same active ingredient (somatropin). They’re prescribed for certain growth problems in adults and children. Each drug is given as a subcutaneous injection.

Genotropin and Norditropin have similar dosages, but each comes in different forms and strengths.

For more information about how Genotropin compares with Norditropin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Genotropin used for bodybuilding?

Genotropin is not approved for bodybuilding. (To learn more about when doctors prescribe Genotropin, see the “Genotropin uses” section below.)

Genotropin is a synthetic form of human growth hormone (HGH). Some bodybuilders use growth hormone injections to help with muscle growth. However, you should only use Genotropin for its prescribed purpose.

If you have questions about using Genotropin, talk with your doctor.

Genotropin generic or biosimilar

Genotropin is a brand-name biologic drug. It isn’t available in biosimilar form.

While biologics are made using parts of living cells, traditional drugs are made using chemicals. This allows traditional drugs to have generics that are exact copies of the brand-name form. Instead of generics, biologics have biosimilars because they cannot be copied exactly.

Like generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug.

Genotropin dosage

The Genotropin dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using Genotropin to treat
• the form of Genotropin you use
• your age and body weight in kilograms (kg)*
• other health conditions you may have
• other medications you may be taking
• blood levels of a certain hormone that promotes growth

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

* For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

Drug forms and strengths

Genotropin is available in two forms that come in different strengths. These forms and strengths are as follows:

• cartridge for use in a reusable injection pen:
  • 5 milligrams (mg)
  • 12 mg
• single-use MiniQuick syringe:
  • 0.2 mg
  • 0.4 mg
  • 0.6 mg
  • 0.8 mg
  • 1 mg
  • 1.2 mg
  • 1.4 mg
  • 1.6 mg
  • 1.8 mg
  • 2 mg

Genotropin comes as a powder that’s prepackaged with liquid inside a cartridge or syringe. You’ll mix the powder and liquid together to form a solution. For detailed instructions on how to mix the powder and liquid, see the drug’s prescribing information or visit the manufacturer’s website.

You’ll receive the mixed solution of Genotropin as a subcutaneous injection. The drug can be injected under the skin of your abdomen, buttocks, or thigh. A healthcare professional will show you or a caregiver how to inject Genotropin at home.

Your doctor can help you decide which form of Genotropin is right for you.

Dosage for adults with growth hormone deficiency

Doctors prescribe Genotropin to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in certain adults. To learn more about the conditions they prescribe Genotropin for, see the “Genotropin uses” section below.

When prescribing Genotropin for adults, doctors can decide whether or not to use body weight as a factor.

When using body weight: The usual starting dosage of Genotropin is 0.04 mg per kg of body weight every week, divided into six or seven injections during the week. One kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb). For example, a person who weighs 60 kg (about 132 lb) would receive 2.4 mg every week. Your doctor can tell you how much Genotropin should be injected for each dose.

Your doctor may increase your dosage every 4 to 8 weeks, up to a maximum of 0.08 mg per kg of body weight every week. Your ongoing dosage will depend on how your condition is responding to treatment.

When not using body weight: The usual starting dosage of Genotropin is 0.2 mg per day, regardless of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 60 kg (about 132 lb) would receive 0.2 mg per day.

Your doctor may increase your dosage every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how your condition is responding to treatment. They can advise you on the maximum recommended dosage of Genotropin when not using body weight.

Dosage for children with growth failure

Genotropin is prescribed to treat growth failure in children of any age with certain conditions. Each weekly dosage below is divided into six or seven injections during the week. Your child’s doctor can tell you how much Genotropin should be injected for each dose.

For GHD, the usual dosage of Genotropin is 0.16–0.24 mg per kg of body weight every week. For example, a child who weighs 15 kg (about 33 lb) would receive 2.4–3.6 mg every week.

For children with Prader-Willi syndrome, the usual dosage is 0.24 mg per kg of body weight every week. For example, a child who weighs 15 kg would receive 3.6 mg every week.

When prescribed for Turner syndrome, the usual dosage of Genotropin is 0.33 mg per kg of body weight every week. For example, a child who weighs 15 kg would receive about 5 mg every week.

For short stature without a known cause, the usual dosage is up to 0.47 mg per kg of body weight every week. For example, a child who weighs 15 kg would receive up to about 7 mg every week.

Doctors may also prescribe Genotropin for children with a lower body weight than is typical after birth. For this use, the usual dosage is up to 0.48 mg per kg of body weight every week. For example, a child who weighs 2 kg (about 4.4 lb) would receive up to about 1 mg every week.

About receiving Genotropin

Below, you’ll find information about key dosage issues.

• When to take: You’ll inject Genotropin once per day for up to 6 or 7 days each week. Your doctor will tell you how often to inject the drug based on the form and dosage you’re prescribed.
• If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of Genotropin, inject it as soon as you remember. Then, inject your next dose at the usual time. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Length of use: Genotropin may be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Genotropin is safe and effective for you, you may receive it long term.
• Length of time to work: Genotropin starts working as soon as you receive the drug. Your doctor will check your height to help monitor how well the drug is working. They’ll advise you on how your condition is responding to Genotropin.

Overdose

Using more than the recommended dosage of Genotropin can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Genotropin than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Short-term overdose may cause symptoms such as high or low blood sugar and fluid buildup in the body.

Symptoms of long-term overdose can include:

• enlarged hands or feet
• facial features that are thicker or more rounded than is typical
• extended lower jaw
• protruding forehead
• excess body hair

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve injected too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Genotropin uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Genotropin to treat certain conditions. Genotropin may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Genotropin for growth hormone deficiency in adults

Genotropin is approved for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in certain adults.

With GHD, the pituitary gland does not make enough growth hormone. Symptoms may include weakened bones, low muscle mass, and low energy.

Genotropin can be prescribed for adults with GHD that started in childhood or adulthood. Childhood-onset GHD may be inherited or related to an unknown cause. Adult-onset GHD may occur on its own or be related to other factors. These include hormone problems, radiation therapy, pituitary gland disorders, and others.

To learn more about Genotropin for GHD, talk with your doctor.

Genotropin for growth failure in children

Genotropin is approved for growth failure in children of any age who have certain conditions.

With growth failure, a child grows at a slower rate than is typical for their age. Symptoms may vary depending on the cause of growth failure.

Genotropin can be prescribed for children with growth failure related to any of the conditions below:

• growth hormone deficiency
• Prader-Willi syndrome
• Turner syndrome
• short stature without a known cause
• having a lower body weight than is typical after birth

To learn more about Genotropin for growth failure, talk with your child’s doctor.

Genotropin interactions

Genotropin can interact with several other medications. However, the drug isn’t known to interact with supplements or foods.

Before receiving Genotropin, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Genotropin. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Genotropin. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Genotropin. If you drink alcohol and have questions about how much is safe to drink during Genotropin treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Genotropin cost and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Genotropin can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. In addition, you may need to purchase needles to use the injection pen.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Genotropin or help to understand your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called Genotropin Copay is available. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-645-1280 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Generic version: Genotropin is not available in a biosimilar form. It’s a biologic drug made from parts of living cells. Instead of generics, biologics have biosimilars because they cannot be copied exactly. Traditional drugs are made using chemicals. This allows traditional drugs to have generics that are exact copies of the active ingredient in the brand-name medication.

As with generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug. And they may cost less than brand-name drugs.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Genotropin, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Genotropin contains the active ingredient somatropin. Other forms of somatropin may be prescribed for the same conditions as Genotropin. Examples include:

• Humatrope
• Norditropin
• Nutropin AQ
• Omnitrope
• Zomacton

Things to consider when receiving Genotropin

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Genotropin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Genotropin should be received during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before receiving this medication.

Genotropin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Genotropin should be received while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before receiving this medication.