What is Nutropin?
Nutropin is a growth hormone produced by Genentech using recombinant DNA technology. It has the same amino acid sequence as growth hormone produced naturally in the human body. Genentech's GH products were first approved by the FDA in 1985, and have been in use ever since.
What is the goal of Nutropin therapy?
Nutropin therapy for AGHD may increase spine bone mineral density in certain patients, as well as improve fat distribution and body composition.
How is Nutropin administered?
Nutropin is injected into the subcutaneous tissue (the fatty layer under the skin). Your healthcare provider will instruct you on the method of administration that has been prescribed for you. Almost anyone can learn to administer Nutropin after receiving instructions and training from his or her healthcare team.
Why must Nutropin be given by injection?
Nutropin medication must be given by injection because it is a protein. If the medication were taken by mouth, it would be broken down by digestion in the stomach and intestines and would never get to the rest of the body to do its job.
What should I do if an injection is missed?
Missing injections can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Talk to your healthcare provider if this should happen. Don't try to make up for missed injections by "doubling up" on injections.
What other risk and side-effect information should I be aware of?
Your healthcare professional is your primary source of information. Discuss the potential benefits and risks of GH treatment with your endocrinologist so you are familiar with possible side effects.If you are treated at the hospital for any reason, notify your healthcare professional, including your endocrinologist, immediately.
It is important to notify your doctor if allergic reactions occur, such as itching, rash, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
If you have symptoms of headache, visual changes, nausea, and/or vomiting, notify your healthcare professional immediately.
If you have diabetes, consult your doctor, as GH may affect the body's response to insulin.
Discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor, particularly corticosteroids (like prednisone or hydrocortisone), sex steroids (like estrogens or testosterone), seizure medication or cyclosporine.
If you become pregnant while on GH therapy, notify your doctor immediately. If you are nursing an infant while on GH therapy, you should also notify your doctor immediately.
During your treatment with GH your doctor may perform blood tests periodically (once every few months) in order to be able to make adjustments to your GH dose. Certain proteins (like IGF-I) will be measured that are directly influenced by the amount of GH given to you. This is done for safety reasons, please ask your doctor about the details.
Especially during the first days/weeks of your treatment with growth hormone you may experience swelling of your hand and feet (edema). Also pain and swelling of your joints may occur. When you experience these side effects please bring them to the attention of your HCP right away. Most likely your doctor has already discussed the possibility of these side effects with you and told you they are transient and respond well to stopping GH treatment for a while and then re-start at a lower dosage of GH.
See Complete Indications and Important Safety Information
WHO IS NUTROPIN FOR?
Nutropin® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] and Nutropin AQ® [somatropin (rDNA origin) injection] are human growth hormone, available by prescription only.
Doctors prescribe Nutropin for children and teenagers with growth failure who:
- do not make enough growth hormone on their own
- have chronic renal insufficiency—a slow loss of kidney function—and have not had a transplant
- have Turner syndrome
- are not likely to grow to their potential adult height, as determined by a doctor, and whose bones are still able to grow
Doctors prescribe Nutropin for adults who:
- have growth hormone deficiency that started either in childhood or as an adult due to brain surgery, radiation therapy, trauma, or diseases of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus.
Your doctor will test to see if growth hormone is right for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Nutropin and your safety:
Please read this important safety information carefully. Then, if you have any questions, talk with your doctor.
Nutropin is NOT for:
- children and teenagers whose bones have finished growing
- patients who have certain types of eye disease caused by diabetes
- patients who have active cancer or any brain tumors
- patients who are critically ill after open heart surgery or abdominal (stomach) surgery, are severely hurt, or have severe breathing problems
- children and teenagers who have Prader-Willi syndrome and are very overweight or have trouble breathing
If any of these apply, talk to your doctor before you start taking Nutropin.
If you are about to start taking Nutropin, or are already taking it, be sure to tell the doctor who prescribed it:
- about ALL of the medications you are taking, including supplements
- if you have or develop a brain tumor
- if you are given any new medication—especially cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone
- if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant
- about ANY other condition or illness you have or develop
What are the possible side effects of Nutropin?
You may experience discomfort, soreness, or redness where Nutropin is injected.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- ongoing injection site discomfort
- curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
- joint pain
- puffy hands and/or feet (caused by fluid retention)
- changes in vision, a bad headache, or nausea with or without vomiting
- hip or knee pain
- a need to limp when you walk
- pain in wrist (carpel tunnel)
- allergic reaction
Be sure to inject Nutropin at a different recommended place on your body each time. Your doctor or nurse should supervise the first injection and provide training and instruction.
Your doctor is your primary source of information about your treatment.
Please see the full Prescribing Information, also available from your pharmacy.
