Generic
Somatropin
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Somatropin is a recombinant human growth hormone used for growth failure due to growth hormone deficiency in children, short stature associated with Noonan syndrome, Turner syndrome, and SGA. It is also indicated for growth hormone deficiency in adults.
Description
Somatropin is a synthetic human growth hormone produced by recombinant DNA technology, identical to endogenous growth hormone. It binds to the dimeric GH receptor on target cells, activating intracellular signal transduction. Some effects are mediated by IGF-I (skeletal growth, protein synthesis), while others are direct effects of somatropin (lipolysis).
Indications
- Pediatric: Growth failure due to endogenous GH deficiency
- Short stature associated with Noonan syndrome
- Short stature associated with Turner syndrome
- Short stature born small for gestational age (SGA)
- Adult: Growth hormone deficiency (adult-onset or childhood-onset)
Therapeutic class
Drugs for Growth Failure
Pharmacological class
Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH)
Pharmacology
Somatropin binds to the GH receptor on target cells, activating intracellular signal transduction. It increases IGF-I production in the liver, which stimulates skeletal growth and protein synthesis. It also directly affects lipolysis and carbohydrate metabolism.
Mechanism of action
Stimulates skeletal and soft tissue growth.
Dosage
Pediatric Dose (SC):
- GH deficiency: 0.024-0.034 mg/kg/day (6-7 times weekly)
- Noonan syndrome: Up to 0.066 mg/kg/day
- Turner syndrome: Up to 0.067 mg/kg/day
- SGA: Up to 0.067 mg/kg/day
Adult Dose (SC):
- Starting: 0.004 mg/kg/day (6 weeks); max 0.016 mg/kg/day
- Or 0.2 mg/day (0.15-0.30 mg/day) starting; increase by 0.1-0.2 mg/day every 1-2 months
Administration
- Subcutaneous injection
- Rotate injection sites weekly (to avoid lipoatrophy)
- Administered by trained personnel only
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, consult your doctor.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Headache
- Rash
- Muscle pain, joint stiffness
- Hyperglycemia, glucosuria
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in acute critical illness (heart/abdominal surgery, trauma, respiratory failure)
- Do not use in active neoplasms or diabetic retinopathy
- Do not use in Prader-Willi syndrome with severe obesity or respiratory impairment
- Inform doctor if you have diabetes or thyroid disorders
Contraindications
- Acute critical illness
- Active malignancy
- Proliferative or preproliferative diabetic retinopathy
- Closed epiphyses
- Hypersensitivity to somatropin
- Prader-Willi syndrome with severe obesity or severe respiratory impairment
Drug interactions
- High doses of corticosteroids may inhibit growth-promoting effects of somatropin
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Somatropin; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Indicated for children
Geriatric use
Indicated for adults
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
No overdose information available; excessive doses may cause hyperglycemia, fluid retention, joint pain; provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at 2-8°C in a refrigerator; do not freeze; avoid direct light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Somatropin