Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated)

Pronunciation: SOE-ma-TROE-pin
Generic Name: Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated)
Brand Name: Nutropin AQ NuSpin

Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) is used for:

Treating certain children or adults when the body does not produce enough growth hormone. It is also used to treat certain children who are not growing normally due to Turner syndrome or other conditions (eg, chronic kidney problems, idiopathic short stature). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) is a growth hormone that produces effects that are identical to the body's naturally occurring growth hormone. It affects the growth of bones, muscles, internal organs, and other tissues of the body.

Do NOT use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated)


• you have been or are being treated for cancer or any unusual growths or tumors (especially in the brain) that may still be growing


• you have premature epiphyseal closure (your bone growth is complete) or a serious illness caused by complications from surgery, trauma, or severe breathing problems (eg, respiratory failure)


• you have certain eye problems caused by diabetes (eg, diabetic retinopathy)


• you have Prader-Willi syndrome and are severely overweight or have severe breathing problems

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated):

Some medical conditions may interact with Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have endocrine problems, including pituitary or adrenal gland problems; diabetes or a family history of diabetes; eye problems caused by diabetes; or an underactive thyroid


• if you have a history of leukemia, unusual growths or tumors (especially in the brain), or cancer


• if you have curvature of the spine (scoliosis), kidney or liver problems, ear or hearing problems (eg, repeated ear infection), Prader-Willi syndrome, are severely overweight, or have had recent major surgery or trauma

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because they may decrease Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated)'s effectiveness


• Anticonvulsants (eg, phenytoin, carbamazepine) or cyclosporine because the risk of their side effects may be increased or their effectiveness may be decreased by Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated)

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated):

Use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.


• Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) is given as an injection. A health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.


• Allow Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) to come to room temperature before you use it.


• Check the injection device to be sure the correct dose is dialed before you use a dose of Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated).


• Wash your hands before and immediately after using Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated).


• Use a new needle each time you inject Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). Do not reuse needles.


• Do not use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the pen or cartridge is cracked or damaged.


• Use the proper technique taught to you by your doctor. Inject deep under the skin, NOT into muscle.


• Always rotate injection sites each time you use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated).


• Do not shake Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). Swirl gently to mix it.


• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.


• If you miss a dose of Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated), use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated).

Important safety information:

• Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Rare, sometimes fatal, lung and breathing problems may be caused by Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) in CHILDREN with Prader-Willi syndrome. Those at higher risk include males, severely overweight children, or children with existing serious lung or breathing problems. Children should be checked for certain breathing problems before and during treatment. If your child develops a limp or complains of hip or knee pain during treatment with Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated), contact your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if your child becomes very sick or is hospitalized while using Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) may need to be stopped.


• Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) has been reported rarely in patients who take Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). The risk may be greater in children, especially in girls who have Turner syndrome. Contact your doctor right away if you develop stomach or back pain.


• Rarely, children using Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) have experienced a slipped growth plate in the hip. Contact the doctor right away if the patient develops hip or knee pain or a limp.


• Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) may have benzyl alcohol, metacresol, or glycerin in it. Tell your doctor if you have ever had sensitivity or an allergic reaction to benzyl alcohol, metacresol, or glycerin.


• Diabetes patients - Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine or your diet.


• Lab tests, including blood sugar levels and thyroid function, may be performed while you use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) while you are pregnant. It is not known if Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated), check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated):

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Discomfort at the injection site; mild swelling (eg, of the hands or feet); muscle or joint pain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); body pain or stiffness; burning, tingling, itching, or numbness in the palm of the hand, fingers, or wrist; change in appearance or size of a mole; chest pain; confusion; constant feeling of need to empty the bowel; curvature of the spine; depression; ear pain, discharge, or discomfort; excessive thirst or hunger; fast heartbeat; fever; frequent urination; hearing problems; increased pressure in the head or eye; infection; nausea; one-sided weakness; severe or persistent stomach or back pain; severe or persistent swelling of the ankles, legs, hands, or feet; slurred speech; sudden, severe, or persistent headache or dizziness; visual changes; vomiting.

Children: Ear discomfort or infection; fatigue or weakness; fever, persistent cough, or trouble breathing; hip or knee pain; leukemia; limp; seizures; snoring or irregular breathing during sleep; worsening of psoriasis.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include excessive thirst or hunger; frequent urination; headache; nausea or vomiting; swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands.

Proper storage of Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated):

Before mixing, store Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from heat, moisture, and light. Do not use Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) past the expiration date on the product label. After mixing, store Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) according to the product label. Contact your pharmacist if you have any questions about the proper storage of Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). Keep Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated), as well as needles and syringes, out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated). If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) resources

• Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) Side Effects (in more detail)
• Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) Drug Interactions
• Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) Support Group
• 13 Reviews for Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) - Add your own review/rating

Compare Somatropin (rDNA origin - Refrigerated) with other medications

• Adult Human Growth Hormone Deficiency
• AIDS Related Wasting
• Burns, Nitrogen Retention
• Cachexia
• Growth Retardation, Chronic Renal Failure
• Hypopituitarism
• Idiopathic Short Stature
• Noonan's Syndrome
• Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency
• Short Bowel Syndrome
• Short Stature for Age
• Turner's Syndrome