Somatropin

Description

Somatropin is a human growth hormone (hGH) analog. It works by replacing growth hormones that are normally produced in the body, which may result in increased growth, body weight, and improved absorption of nutrients and fluids from the intestines.

Uses

Somatropin injection is used to replace growth hormone (a natural hormone produced by your body) in adults and children with growth hormone deficiency. Somatropin injection also increases growth in children with certain conditions that affect average growth and development. Somatropin injection (Serostim) is used to improve body weight and physical endurance in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have HIV-associated wasting syndrome. Somatropin injection (Zorbtive) is used to treat short bowel syndrome in adults who are receiving additional nutrition or fluids from intravenous (IV) therapy.

Side effects

Headache, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, muscle pain, or weakness may occur.
Serious side effects including nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, development of a limp, unusual tiredness, unusual/unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance, fast/slow heartbeat, ear pain/itching, hearing problems, joint/hip/knee pain, numbness/tingling, unusual increase in thirst or urination, swelling hands/ankles/feet, change in the appearance or size of any mole, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
Rare (possibly fatal) lung/breathing problems may be caused by this medication in children with Prader-Willi syndrome. Those at higher risk include males, severely overweight children, or those with serious lung/breathing problems ( such as sleep apnea, lung infections, lung disease).