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 growth hormone products were first approved by the FDA in 1985, and have been in use ever since.
What is the goal of Nutropin therapy?
The goal of Nutropin therapy for a child with idiopathic short stature is to help the child reach his or her growth potential.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 or your child. Almost anyone can learn to administer Nutropin after receiving 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.For how long will my child have to take Nutropin therapy?
Typically, your child will continue taking injections of Nutropin until he or she reaches his or her adult genetic potential height or until the growing ends of the bones fuse.Is Nutropin used to treat other conditions?
In addition to idiopathic short stature, Nutropin and Nutropin AQ are also indicated to treat pediatric growth hormone deficiency, short stature associated with Turner syndrome, short stature associated with chronic renal insufficiency, and adult growth hormone deficiency.What other risk and side effect information should I be aware of?
Your child's healthcare professional is your primary source of information. Discuss the potential benefits and risks of growth hormone (GH) treatment with your child's pediatric endocrinologist so you are familiar with possible side effects.If your child is treated at the hospital for any reason, notify your child's healthcare professional, including your child's pediatric endocrinologist, immediately.
It is important to notify your child's doctor if allergic reactions occur, such as itching, rash, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Should your child develop a limp or worsened curvature of the spine, or complain of hip or knee pain, notify your child's doctor. If your child complains of headache, visual changes, nausea, and/or vomiting, notify your child's healthcare professional immediately.
If your child has diabetes, consult your child's doctor, as GH may affect the body's response to insulin.
Discuss with your child's doctor all medications your child is taking, particularly corticosteroids (such as prednisone or hydrocortisone), sex steroids (such as estrogens or testosterone), seizure medication or cyclosporine.
