Genotropin (Somatropin)

Serious breathing problems may occur in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who use somatropin. If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, call your doctor promptly if you develop signs of lung or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, or new or increased snoring.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• pain in your knees or hips, walking with a limp;
• ear pain, swelling, warmth, or drainage;
• numbness or tingling in your wrist, hand, or fingers;
• severe swelling or puffiness in your hands and feet;
• pain or swelling in your joints;
• pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting;
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or
• signs of an adrenal gland problem--extreme weakness, severe dizziness, weight loss, changes in skin color, feeling very weak or tired.

Common side effects may include:

• pain, itching, or skin changes where the medicine was injected;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• muscle or joint pain;
• numbness or tingling;
• stomach pain, gas;
• headache, back pain; or
• cold or flu symptoms, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, ear pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

How to us Genotropin

• Your dose and brand of somatropin, and how often you use it will depend on the condition you are treating. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
• Somatropin is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
• Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use somatropin if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
• Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not shake the medicine. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
• If your medicine comes with a syringe, cartridge, or injection pen, use only that device to give your medicine.
• You may need frequent medical tests.
• Follow any diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor to help control your condition.
• How you store this medicine will depend on the somatropin brand and the diluent you are using. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about proper storage of your medication.
• Throw away any somatropin left over after the expiration date on the label has passed.
• Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A DOSE?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Call your doctor if you miss more than 3 doses in a row.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHILE USING SOMATROPIN?

• If you use Zorbtive to treat short bowel syndrome, avoid drinking fruit juices or soda beverages.
• Avoid drinking alcohol if you have short bowel syndrome. Alcohol can irritate your stomach and could make your condition worse.

WHAT OTHER DRUGS WILL AFFECT SOMATROPIN?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or
• a steroid (prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect somatropin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

References:

https://www.genotropin.com

https://www.genotropin.com/taking-genotropin

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3430/smpc

https://www.rxlist.com/genotropin-side-effects-drug-center.htm#overview

https://www.rxlist.com/genotropin-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm#info