Key takeaways
- Skytrofa is typically given once per weekly. Your dosage depends on body weight in children and age and whether you are taking estrogen in adults.
- It comes in prefilled cartridges that are prepared and administered using a rechargeable auto-injector device.
- Proper administration involves rotating injection sites (abdomen, thigh, or buttocks) to prevent skin changes.
Skytrofa is a prescription drug used to treat growth hormone deficiency in certain children and adults.
Keep reading for detailed dosage guidelines for Skytrofa, as well as its strengths and how to use it.
Skytrofa comes in single-dose prefilled cartridges. Each cartridge has two chambers: one contains the drug in powder form and one contains sterile water.
Skytrofa cartridges are available in several strengths:
- 3 mg
- 3.6 mg
- 4.3 mg
- 5.2 mg
- 6.3 mg
- 7.6 mg
- 9.1 mg
- 11 mg
- 13.3 mg
Skytrofa has approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat growth hormone deficiency in adults.
The recommended starting dosage of Skytrofa in adults depends on age and whether you are taking oral estrogen. See the dosing chart below for recommended starting dosages of Skytrofa in adults.
| Taking oral estrogen | Not taking oral estrogen | |
|---|---|---|
| under 30 years old | 2.1 mg once weekly | 2.1 mg once weekly |
| 30 to 60 years old | 2.1 mg once weekly | 1.4 mg once weekly |
| over 60 years old | 2.1 mg once weekly | 0.7 mg once weekly |
Your doctor will make dose adjustments each month based on your response to the drug and whether you are experiencing side effects. The maximum recommended dosage of Skytrofa in adults in 6.3 mg given once weekly.
Skytrofa has approval from the FDA to treat growth hormone deficiency in children ages 1 year and older who weigh at least 11.5 kg (about 25 lb).
The dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The dosage per kg is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and is calculated by your child’s doctor.
Skytrofa dosing chart
The typical Skytrofa dosage for children is 0.24 mg/kg, given once weekly. The following table summarizes Skytrofa’s dose by body weight.
| Body weight (kg) | Body weight (lb), approximate | Skytrofa dose |
|---|---|---|
| 11.5 to 13.9 kg | 25 to 31 lb | 3 mg |
| 14 to 16.4 kg | 31 to 36 lb | 3.6 mg |
| 16.5 to 19.9 kg | 36 to 44 lb | 4.3 mg |
| 20 to 23.9 kg | 44 to 53 lb | 5.2 mg |
| 24 to 28.9 kg | 53 to 64 lb | 6.3 mg |
| 29 to 34.9 kg | 64 to 77 lb | 7.6 mg |
| 35 to 41.9 kg | 77 to 92 lb | 9.1 mg |
| 42 to 50.9 kg | 92 to 112 lb | 11 mg |
| 51 to 60.4 kg | 112 to 133 lb | 13.3 mg |
| 60.5 to 69.9 kg | 133 to 154 lb | 15.2 mg (two 7.6-mg cartridges) |
| 70 to 84.9 kg | 154 to 187 lb | 18.2 mg (two 9.1-mg cartridges) |
| 85 to 100 kg | 187 to 220 lb | 22 mg (two 11-mg cartridges) |
Always follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from using the medication.
Skytrofa comes as a powder with sterile water in a single-dose cartridge. You’ll load a cartridge into the Skytrofa rechargeable auto-injection device. The device mixes the drug with the water to make an injectable solution.
Then, you use the device to inject the solution subcutaneously. The injection itself takes about 10 to 15 seconds.
You can inject Skytrofa into the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or buttocks. Be sure to rotate the injection site each week. Rotating the injection site helps prevent lumps and other skin changes.
Your doctor, your child’s doctor, or another healthcare professional will show you or a caregiver how to use Skytrofa. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website to watch a video and read step-by-step instructions.
Note: If you or your child previously had daily injections of somatropin, the doctor will likely have you wait at least 8 hours between the last dose of somatropin and the first dose of Skytrofa. (The body converts the active ingredient in Skytrofa into somatropin.)
How long do you use Skytrofa?
Skytrofa is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for you or your child, they’ll likely use it long term.
Do not take more Skytrofa than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Skytrofa overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of Skytrofa can include:
- low blood sugar, followed high blood sugar
- fluid retention, which can cause swelling
Long-term overdose of growth hormone medications may cause gigantism. (Skytrofa is a growth hormone.) Symptoms may include:
- rapid growth of long bones, leading to increased height
- larger hands and feet than typical
- enlarged organs, including the heart
- delayed puberty
- irregular or no periods in females
- vision issues
- distinct facial features
What to do in case you inject too much Skytrofa
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Skytrofa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach Poison Help or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Skytrofa is a prescription injection that can be used in adults and certain children for growth hormone deficiency. It is given as an injection under the skin once per week. Doses may vary depending on body weight, age, and other medications you are taking.
If you have questions about your dosage of Skytrofa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
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.