Norditropin FlexPro Medication Guide

Norditropin FlexPro (Somatropin (Biosynthetic Human Growth Hormone))

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name
somatropin (biosynthetic human growth hormone)
Drug Class
growth hormone
Used For
growth failure in children and growth hormone deficiency in adults
How Taken
subcutaneous injection in the evening, 6 or 7 days per week

What Is Norditropin FlexPro Used For?

Norditropin FlexPro is a pre-filled dial-a-dose pen containing somatropin, which is identical to the growth hormone naturally produced in your body. It helps treat various growth-related conditions in both children and adults.

Primary Uses

Norditropin FlexPro treats growth failure in children due to Growth Hormone Deficiency (when the pituitary gland doesn’t make enough growth hormone), Small for Gestational Age (SGA) or Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) where growth problems started during pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, and Turner syndrome in girls. It’s also used to treat growth hormone deficiency in adults.

How It Works

The medication contains biosynthetic human growth hormone (somatropin) that is identical to the growth hormone your body naturally produces. It helps promote catch-up growth in children and increases final height.

Good to know: There is no evidence that Norditropin is addictive.

How to Take Norditropin FlexPro

Your doctor will determine the exact amount of Norditropin you need based on factors like body weight and body surface area. The medication is given as an injection under the skin using the FlexPro pen.

Dosage Instructions

Inject under the skin in the evening, 6 or 7 days per week. Vary injection sites as shown by your healthcare professional to reduce the risk of damage to fat and tissues under the skin. Use NovoFine needles (8 mm 30 G or smaller) designed for Norditropin FlexPro. Follow the detailed instructions provided with your pen.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose at the usual time, inject the next dose as normal the next evening. Do not inject extra to make up for the missed dose.

Important: Never inject more Norditropin than your doctor has prescribed, as it may increase the risk of side effects. Do not stop using this medicine or lower the dosage without first checking with your doctor.

Available Tablet Strengths

5 mg/1.5 mL
5 mg/1.5 mL Tablet Yellow, Pen • yellow push button, pen cap and cartridge, delivers maximum 2.0 mg per dose in 0.025 mg increments
10 mg/1.5 mL
10 mg/1.5 mL Tablet Blue, Pen • blue push button, pen cap and cartridge holder, delivers maximum 4.0 mg per dose in 0.050 mg increments
15 mg/1.5 mL
15 mg/1.5 mL Tablet Green, Pen • green push button, pen cap and cartridge holder, delivers maximum 8.0 mg per dose in 0.1 mg increments

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:

  • Headache
  • Abnormal sensation, tingling, or burning
  • Bone pain or stiffness
  • Muscle pain or stiffness
  • Fluid retention
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Redness and itching around injection site
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Skin rash
  • Curvature of the spine
  • Breast enlargement
  • Swollen hands and feet

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Allergic reactions (rash, wheezing, swelling of eyelids/face/lips, complete collapse)
  • Benign raised pressure of brain fluid (severe headaches, vision problems, nausea, vomiting)
  • Hip and knee pain or limping in children
  • Severe abdominal and back pain (possible pancreas inflammation)

Important Warnings

Before using Norditropin FlexPro, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history with your doctor and understand who should not use this medication.

Who Should Not Take Norditropin FlexPro

Do not use if you are allergic to phenol or any ingredients, have cancer or active tumors, haven’t finished cancer treatment, have slow growth for reasons other than growth hormone deficiency, had a kidney transplant in the last 12 months or multiple acute rejection episodes, have acute critical illness from surgery or trauma complications, have moderate to advanced diabetic eye disease, or have acute respiratory failure.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have diabetes, cancer or tumors, impaired kidney function, severe headaches with visual problems or vomiting (may indicate brain fluid pressure), symptoms of hypothyroidism (tiredness, muscle weakness, feeling cold, slow heart rate, dry skin, hair loss, deep voice, weight gain), or if your child develops spinal curvature. For Turner syndrome patients, watch for disproportionate hand/foot growth or ear infections.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. There is no information on Norditropin’s effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed.

Drug Interactions

Some medications may interfere with Norditropin FlexPro and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Sex steroids
  • Thyroid hormone
  • Insulin (dosage may need adjustment)

Alcohol & Driving

Be cautious about activities requiring alertness until you know how Norditropin affects you.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the prescribing information.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before driving or operating machinery until you know how Norditropin affects you.

Storage

Store unused Norditropin FlexPro pens in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) in the outer carton to protect from light. Do not freeze or expose to heat. While using, store for up to 4 weeks in refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) or up to 3 weeks at room temperature (below 25°C). Always keep the pen cap fully closed when not in use. Keep away from children.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much Norditropin, contact your doctor immediately. Long-term overdose could result in signs of growth hormone excess, including overgrowth of bones and enlargement of hands and feet. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

The medication promotes catch-up growth in children and increases final height over time. Your doctor will monitor your progress regularly to assess effectiveness.

No, there is no evidence that Norditropin is addictive.

Do not stop using Norditropin FlexPro or lower the dosage without first checking with your doctor. You may stop at any time, but discuss this with your doctor first.

If you miss your dose at the usual time, inject the next dose as normal the next evening. Do not inject extra to make up for the missed dose.

No, Norditropin FlexPro is prescribed for your personal use only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if they have the same condition.

Injection sites should be varied as shown by your doctor or healthcare professional. This helps lessen the risk of damage to the fat and tissues under the skin (lipodystrophy).

Do not use Norditropin FlexPro if it has been frozen. Store it in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C) but protect it from freezing and heat.

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.