About somatropin
Recombinant human growth hormone
Used for
- Growth hormone deficiency in children and adults
- Growth failure in children with Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, or chronic kidney disease
- Short stature in children born small for gestational age without catch-up growth
- Adult growth hormone deficiency
Usual adult dose
Usually individualized; commonly 0.15–0.3 mg daily, adjusted to clinical response and blood tests.
Usual dose in children
Usually individualized by weight or body surface area; commonly 0.16–0.24 mg/kg weekly, divided into daily injections.
Common side effects
- Joint or muscle pain
- Swelling or fluid retention
- Headache
- Injection-site reactions
Important warnings
- Use only under specialist supervision; dosing is individualized.
- May reduce insulin sensitivity and reveal or worsen diabetes.
- Do not use with active cancer or serious illness after major surgery or trauma.
- Children with Prader-Willi syndrome may have serious breathing complications.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited; use only when clearly needed and specialist-directed.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether somatropin passes into breast milk; specialist guidance is appropriate.
Interactions
- Corticosteroids may reduce growth-promoting effects.
- May alter insulin or other diabetes medicine requirements.
- Estrogen taken by mouth may affect dose requirements.
- Thyroid replacement needs may change during treatment.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.