Growth Hormone Injections [Somatropin]

What is this medication for?

Somatropin is a recombinant (or synthetic) growth hormone, similar to the human’s natural growth hormone made by the body. It is used to treat growth hormone deficiency and other conditions causing short stature

In children, the length of treatment depends on how well the child’s height responds to the medication and how puberty affects their growth.

There are different brands of somatropin available (e.g. Genotropin®, Norditropin®, Saizen®, SciTropin A, Zomacton®), which have different delivery devices to administer the medication. Your doctor will discuss with you on the most suitable brand for you.

How should I take or use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Somatropin is usually given as an injection subcutaneously (under the skin into the fatty tissue that is between the skin and muscle layer) on the back of the upper arm, abdomen, buttock or thigh
• The injection is given once a day at bedtime.  It is more effective during bedtime as natural growth hormone is released mainly during sleep.
• You should rotate the injection site to prevent your body from forming lipoatrophy (a small lump that forms when a person repeatedly injects in the same spot).
• Please refer to the information leaflet in the medication box, for instructions on how to use the specific brand prescribed for you. 
   

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

• If you forget to inject a dose, skip the missed dose and have your next injection at the usual time the next day.
• Do not inject two doses to make up for the missed dose.
• Keep note of any missed injections and inform your doctor at your next appointment.
   

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies. 
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You have a history of or current medical conditions such as adrenal insufficiency (a disease that occurs when the adrenal glands are not working properly), low thyroid hormone levels, scoliosis (abnormal curve in the spine), cancer or diabetes.
• You are seriously ill (for example, complications following surgeries or about to have a surgery, trauma, lung failure or similar conditions)
   

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

This medication is usually well tolerated. Some possible side effects include:  

• Injection site reactions (such as bruising, pain, redness, swelling and itching)
  • You should change injection sites daily to reduce possible injection site reactions.
  • Do not inject into skin that is irritated, bruised, red, infected, hard, or scarred.
•  Flu-like symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• Headache, muscle aches, joint pain
  • You may take Paracetamol (if you are not allergic to it) to manage the pain.
• Water retention (which shows as puffy fingers or swollen ankles, for a short time at the start of treatment)
• Numbness or tingling sensation

Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects become severe and bothersome.
 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms of allergy or symptoms below, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately : 

• Signs of high blood sugar: confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing or breath that smells like fruit.
• Signs of low thyroid hormone: cold intolerance, weight gain, constipation, fatigue, weakness, thinning of hair
• Signs of new onset of limp or bone pain in the hips or knees.
• Signs of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): severe pain in the stomach, abdomen or back area, nausea or vomiting that does not go away and fever.
• Signs of intracranial hypertension (build-up of pressure around the brain) ; very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, vomiting, or changes in eyesight.
• If you have Prader-Willi syndrome and develops signs of breathing problems, sleep apnea (not breathing while sleeping) or new or increased snoring.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Please consult your healthcare professional before using any other medications, including oral hormonal products containing estrogen, oral steroids, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and herbal products as some of these may affect the medication in your body.

How should I store this medication?

Store the medication in the refrigerator between 2-8°C. Do not freeze. 
Please refer to the information leaflet in the medication box, for instructions on expiry of the product after opening for your specific brand of growth hormone. 

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

You may throw this medication away along with the used needles into a metal tin or thick plastic container (eg. detergent bottles). You can also buy a container specially designed to throw sharp items, known as a sharps box, to prevent any injuries due to the needles.