Key takeaways
- Genotropin (somatropin) is a brand-name drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults and growth failure in certain children.
- Adult dosing may be weight-based (starting at 0.04 milligrams [mg] per kilogram [kg] weekly) or non-weight-based (starting at 0.2 mg daily), with adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. Children receive weight-based dosing that varies by condition.
- Genotropin comes as a powder that’s mixed with liquid for subcutaneous injection. It’s administered via a reusable pen cartridge or single-use MiniQuick syringe. If you believe you’ve used too much Genotropin, call your doctor or Poison Help at 800-222-1222 right away.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Note: If you and your doctor determine that Genotropin is safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
The following is information about Genotropin’s form, strengths, dosages, and storage guidelines.
Genotropin form and strengths
Genotropin comes as a powder that’s mixed with a liquid to form a solution that you give yourself as a subcutaneous injection (an injection under your skin). It’s administered via a cartridge that’s attached to a reusable pen or a single-use MiniQuick syringe.
Genotropin cartridges come in two strengths: 5 milligrams (mg) and 12 mg.
Genotropin MiniQuick comes in the following strengths in mg: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0.
Typical dosages
In certain cases, your doctor will start by prescribing you a low dosage and then adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
Dosage for GHD in adults
Doctors prescribe Genotropin using either weight-based or non-weight-based protocols. In both cases, your physician will monitor your progress and adjust the dose every 4 to 8 weeks to reach your ideal maintenance level.
Weight-based dosing is given in mg per kilograms (kg) of body weight. (One kg equals approximately 2.2 pounds [lb].) The starting dosage is 0.04 mg/kg per week, split into 6 or 7 injections, which may be increased to a maximum dosage of 0.08 mg/kg per week.
For non-weight-based dosing, the starting dosage is typically 0.15 mg to 0.30 mg per day (approximately 0.2 mg daily). Your doctor will increase your dosage gradually (every 4 to 8 weeks) based on your individual response to the drug.
Dosage for growth failure in children
Genotropin is approved to treat growth failure due to certain conditions in children of any age. Dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). (One kg equals about 2.2 pounds [lb].) The dosage is measured in mg/kg and is calculated by your child’s doctor.
The following table shows the typical Genotropin dosing schedule for children.
| Condition | Weekly dosage divided into 6 or 7 injections |
|---|---|
| small for gestation age (SGA) | up to 0.48 mg/kg |
| idiopathic short stature (ISS) | up to 0.47 mg/kg |
| Turner syndrome | 0.33 mg/kg |
| Prader-Willi syndrome | 0.24 mg/kg |
| GHD | 0.16 to 0.24 mg/kg |
Example dosage: A child being treated for GHD who weighs 15 kg (about 33 lb) would receive 2.4 to 3.6 mg weekly.
Important safety note: Genotropin is contraindicated (should not be used) in children with Prader-Willi syndrome who have severe obesity, serious breathing problems, or a history of sleep apnea. There have been reports of sudden death when the drug was used in patients with these risk factors.
How to store Genotropin
The following table presents a high-level overview of Genotropin’s storage guidelines.
| Form | Unmixed storage | Post-mixing storage |
|---|---|---|
| cartridge | refrigerate | refrigerate for up to 28 days |
| MiniQuick syringe | room temp (up to 77°F) for 3 months | refrigerate for up to 24 hours |
Injection instructions
- Inspect the solution: Do not inject Genotropin if the mixed solution looks cloudy or has particles in it; only use it if it’s clear and colorless.
- Sites: Inject into the abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), upper thigh, or buttocks.
- Rotation: Choose a new site for every injection. Avoid skin that is tender, hard, or irritated to prevent pain and bleeding.
- Training: A healthcare professional will provide initial training. For further help, consult the manufacturer’s website for videos and guides.
Safe disposal
- MiniQuick: Place the entire syringe in an
FDA-cleared sharps container immediately after use. - Reusable pen: Remove the needle and discard it in a sharps container. Store the pen and cartridge in the refrigerator.
Note: If you’re ever unsure about the mixing process, your pharmacist is usually the quickest live resource for a refresher.
It’s important that you do not inject more Genotropin than your doctor prescribes, as this may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose
Short-term overdose symptoms of Genotropin can include:
Long-term overdose symptoms can include signs of acromegaly or gigantism, such as:
- excess body hair growth
- enlarged feet or hands
- thick or rounded facial features
- extended lower jaw
- protruding forehead
If you take more than the recommended amount of Genotropin
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve injected too much Genotropin. Another option is to call Poison Help at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Genotropin is a growth hormone, so it may help muscles grow. Although bodybuilders may inject themselves with this drug to help with muscle growth, it’s not FDA-approved for bodybuilding.
Genotropin studies have shown that it may also help lower body fat, but it’s not approved for weight loss either.
If you have questions about ways to lose weight or build muscle, talk with your doctor.
If you miss a dose one day, skip it and continue with your regular dose the next day. Do not inject two doses on the same day to make up for a missed one. If you miss injections regularly, talk with your doctor, as this can reduce the treatment’s effectiveness.
To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, putting a note where you’ll see it, or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current drug information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.