Genotropin MiniQuick (Somatropin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Genotropin MiniQuick Used For?
Genotropin MiniQuick contains somatropin, a man-made version of human growth hormone produced in a laboratory. It helps treat various growth-related conditions in both children and adults.
Primary Uses
Genotropin MiniQuick 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 reduced height due to low growth hormone levels. For Prader-Willi syndrome, it helps improve growth and body composition while reducing excessive fat and improving muscle mass.
Good to know: Genotropin is given in the evening to copy the body’s natural process of making growth hormone at night.
How to Take Genotropin MiniQuick
Genotropin MiniQuick is given by injection under the skin. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to mix and inject the medication properly before your first use.
Dosage Instructions
Genotropin MiniQuick comes in nine different dosage strengths. Your doctor will decide which strength you need based on your weight. Inject in the evening if possible. Use a different injection site each day to prevent skin fat wasting. Gently tilt the syringe side to side to mix – never shake as this can damage the medicine. The mixed solution should be used immediately but can be stored in refrigerator at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, take 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. Don’t miss injections regularly as this 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:
- Reactions at injection site (bruising, itching, redness, swelling)
- Pain or hardness around injection site
- Painful joints
- Muscle aches and pains
- Muscle stiffness
- Swelling of arms or legs
- Rash
- Itching
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe or recurring headaches
- Problems with vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Extreme tiredness
- Changes to thirst or appetite
- Increased need to pass urine
- Limping
- Discomfort or pain in hip or knee
- Curvature of the spine
- Tingling or numbness in fingers, hands, or feet
- Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in adults
Important Warnings
Several important conditions and situations require special attention before using Genotropin MiniQuick.
Who Should Not Take Genotropin MiniQuick
Don’t use if you’re allergic to somatropin or any ingredients. Your doctor won’t prescribe it if you’re a child with closed growth plates, have active cancer or evidence of cancer growth, are currently being treated for cancer, have serious injury/illness requiring intensive care, or have Prader-Willi syndrome with severe overweight or marked breathing difficulties.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, cancer history, kidney transplant, thyroid disease, or adrenocortical insufficiency. Your doctor should monitor you for glucose intolerance during treatment and may need to adjust insulin doses if you’re diabetic.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It’s unknown whether Genotropin passes into breast milk, so discuss breastfeeding plans with your doctor.
Cancer Risk: Very rare reports of leukemia in children using Genotropin exist, though no direct causal link has been established.
Drug Interactions
Several medications may interfere with Genotropin and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
- Diabetes medicines including insulin
- Thyroxine for thyroid deficiency
- ACTH deficiency replacement therapy 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 surgery
- Hormone therapy including HRT, testosterone, contraceptives, or cancer hormone treatments
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness until you know how Genotropin affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions 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 MiniQuick in the refrigerator at 2-8°C protected from light. Don’t freeze or expose to heat above 25°C. Keep in original packaging during storage. You can store outside the refrigerator for six months if powder hasn’t been mixed and temperature stays below 25°C. Take out of refrigerator about 30 minutes before injection to reach room temperature for more comfortable injection. Keep away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve used too much Genotropin, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact timing, but Genotropin promotes growth of long bones in children and helps improve growth and body composition. Your doctor will monitor your progress during treatment.
The source doesn’t mention food interactions. Genotropin MiniQuick is injected under the skin, preferably in the evening, and food timing isn’t specifically addressed.
The source doesn’t indicate that Genotropin MiniQuick is addictive. It’s a growth hormone replacement therapy used to treat specific medical conditions.
Don’t stop using Genotropin MiniQuick without your doctor’s permission. The medication should be used strictly according to instructions, and stopping without medical guidance isn’t recommended.
If you forget a dose, take 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.
Store in the refrigerator at 2-8°C protected from light. Don’t freeze or expose to heat above 25°C. You can store outside the refrigerator for six months if the powder hasn’t been mixed and temperature stays below 25°C.
Use a different injection site every day to prevent skin fat wasting. Injection site reactions like bruising, itching, redness, or swelling are common side effects. Speak to your doctor if these worry you.
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.