Ngenla (Somatrogon)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ngenla Used For?
Ngenla contains somatrogon, a modified form of human growth hormone that helps children grow properly when their bodies don’t make enough growth hormone naturally.
Primary Uses
Ngenla is used to improve growth in children who are not growing at the expected rate for their age because they have low levels of growth hormone.
How It Works
Ngenla contains a modified form of human growth hormone that helps replace the growth hormone your child’s body isn’t making enough of.
Important: Only use Ngenla for the condition it was prescribed for – do not use it for other purposes.
How to Take Ngenla
Ngenla is given as a weekly injection under the skin. Your healthcare team will teach you and your caregiver how to give the injection properly before you start.
Dosage Instructions
Ngenla comes in two strengths (24mg and 60mg pens). Your doctor will choose the right dose for you. Give the injection once a week on the same day each week, at any time of day. Inject under the skin of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or upper arms – never into a muscle or vein. Change the injection site each week. If you need more than one injection for your full dose, use different injection sites.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your weekly dose, give it as soon as possible within 3 days of the missed dose. If more than 3 days have passed, skip the missed dose and give your next dose when scheduled.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not use Ngenla more than once a week.
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 (pain, bruising, bleeding, redness, itching, swelling, warmth, skin thickening)
- Headache
- Fever
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Increased eosinophil count
- Underactive thyroid
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Joint pain
- Pain in arms or legs
- Generalized rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions (severe breathing problems, face/throat swelling, severe skin reactions)
- Signs of adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain)
- Nausea, vomiting, headaches, vision problems
- Limping
- Hip or knee pain
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Ngenla should not be used or requires special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Ngenla
Do not use Ngenla if you are allergic to somatrogon or any ingredients. Your doctor will not prescribe it if you have an active tumor, cancer, or are being treated for cancer; have serious illness after major surgery or multiple injuries; have Prader-Willi syndrome without growth hormone deficiency; or if you are a child with closed growth plates (bones no longer growing).
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal insufficiency, liver or kidney problems, or experience muscle pain or unusual pain at injection sites. Your doctor will monitor you for high blood sugar, brain pressure changes, and spine curvature during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before using Ngenla.
Serious Illness: Ngenla should not be used during serious illness following major surgery, multiple injuries, or respiratory failure.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can interfere with how Ngenla works, so it’s important to tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Insulin adjustment: If you take insulin, your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dose while using Ngenla.
- Diabetes medications (including insulin)
- Glucocorticoids (steroids like cortisone and prednisone)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or using machinery until you know how Ngenla affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Ngenla affects you.
Storage
Store Ngenla pens in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze or expose to heat. Keep the pen cap on when not in use and never store with the needle attached. Discard the pen if it’s been more than 28 days since first use, used 5 times, exposed to temperatures above 32°C, or left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours during each use. When traveling, transport in original carton with ice pack, ensuring the pen doesn’t touch the ice directly.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Ngenla, 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
Ngenla should be injected once a week on the same day each week, at any time of day. You can change the day of the week as long as your last dose was given 3 or more days before.
No, never share your Ngenla pens and needles with another person, even if the needle has been changed. This could spread infections between you and the other person.
Tell your doctor if you experience muscle pain or disproportionate pain at the injection site. Ngenla contains metacresol, which in very rare cases can cause muscle inflammation.
Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will show you and your caregiver how to inject Ngenla before you use it for the first time. Do not try to inject until you have been properly trained by a healthcare professional.
Do not shake your Ngenla pen as shaking can damage the medicine. Handle the pen gently during use and storage.
Call your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, vision problems, limping, or pain in your hips or knees. Also remind any doctor or dentist you visit that you are using Ngenla.
Discard your pen after 28 days from first use, after it has been used 5 times, if exposed to temperatures above 32°C, or if left out of the refrigerator for more than 2 hours during each use.
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.