Genotropin (Somatropin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Genotropin Used For?
Genotropin contains somatropin, a man-made version of human growth hormone produced in a laboratory. It helps replace or supplement natural growth hormone when your body doesn’t make enough.
Primary Uses
Genotropin treats short stature caused by lack of growth hormone, reduced growth in girls with Turner syndrome, children with Prader-Willi syndrome, children with kidney disease to help normal growth, and adults who don’t produce enough natural growth hormone.
How It Works
Genotropin promotes growth of long bones in children with low growth hormone levels. For Prader-Willi syndrome, it helps improve growth and body composition by reducing excessive fat and improving muscle mass.
Good to know: Genotropin is given in the evening to copy your body’s natural process of making growth hormone at night.
How to Take Genotropin
Genotropin is given by injection under the skin using a disposable pre-filled pen. Your doctor will determine the right dose and strength for you, and you’ll be taught how to mix and inject it properly before first use.
Dosage Instructions
Use Genotropin in the evening if possible. Inject under the skin, using a different injection site each day to prevent skin fat wasting. Gently tilt the pen to mix – never shake as this can damage the medicine. Check that the solution is clear before injecting.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, have your next injection at the usual time the next day. Don’t use a double dose to make up for the missed one. Tell your healthcare provider if you frequently forget doses.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed injection. Missing injections regularly can reduce effectiveness.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Injection site reactions (bruising, itching, redness, swelling, pain, hardness)
- Painful joints
- Muscle aches and pains
- Muscle stiffness
- Swelling of arms or legs
- Swelling of face
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or recurring headaches
- Vision problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Extreme tiredness
- Changes in thirst or appetite
- Increased need to urinate
- Limping
- Hip or knee pain
- Spine curvature
- Allergic reactions (rash, wheezing, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips)
Important Warnings
Genotropin is not suitable for everyone and requires careful monitoring during treatment.
Who Should Not Take Genotropin
Don’t use if allergic to somatropin or metacresol, if you’re a child with closed growth plates, have active cancer, are being treated for cancer, have serious injury requiring intensive care, or have Prader-Willi syndrome with severe obesity or breathing difficulties.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, cancer history, kidney transplant, thyroid disease, or ACTH deficiency. Your doctor will monitor you for glucose problems and may need to adjust insulin doses if you’re diabetic.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. It’s unknown whether Genotropin passes into breast milk.
Cancer Risk: Very rare reports of leukemia in children using Genotropin exist, though no direct causal link has been established.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Genotropin and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you’re taking.
- Diabetes medicines including insulin
- Thyroxine for thyroid deficiency
- ACTH deficiency treatments like hydrocortisone or fludrocortisone
- Corticosteroids such as cortisol or dexamethasone
- Epilepsy medicines like carbamazepine, ethosuximide, or tiagabine
- Ciclosporin for severe skin disease or after transplant
- Hormone therapy including HRT, testosterone, contraceptives, or cancer treatments
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness until you know how Genotropin affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines or tools until you know how Genotropin affects you.
Storage
Store Genotropin in the refrigerator at 2-8°C, protected from light. Don’t freeze or expose to heat above 25°C. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before injection for comfort. Always remove the needle before storing. Mixed Genotropin can be stored in refrigerator for up to 28 days. Unmixed Genotropin can be stored outside refrigerator under 25°C for one month, but cannot be returned to refrigerator after this.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Genotropin, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Genotropin promotes growth of long bones in children and helps improve body composition in Prader-Willi syndrome. Your doctor will monitor your progress during treatment.
The source doesn’t mention food restrictions. Genotropin is injected under the skin, preferably in the evening, and doesn’t need to be taken with or without food.
If you forget a dose, have your next injection at the usual time the next day. Don’t use a double dose to make up for the missed one. Tell your healthcare provider if you frequently miss doses as this can reduce effectiveness.
Store in the refrigerator at 2-8°C, protected from light. Don’t freeze or expose to heat above 25°C. Always remove the needle before storing. Mixed Genotropin can be refrigerated for up to 28 days.
Genotropin should be used in the evening if possible because your body normally makes growth hormone at night. Giving the injection at night helps copy this natural process.
No, never shake the pen as this can damage the medicine. Instead, gently tilt the pen from side to side to mix the Genotropin. Check that the solution is clear before injecting.
Common side effects like injection site reactions and muscle aches should be discussed with your doctor if they worry you. Seek immediate medical attention for serious symptoms like severe headaches, vision problems, limping, or hip/knee pain.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.