Explanation

Somatropin (also called other names, including Humatrope®, Genotropin Miniquick and Increlex) helps you grow when you have conditions like growth hormone deficiency and Turner syndrome, which mean you don't grow as much as other kids.

What does it do?

Somatropin is a man-made version of a natural hormone in your body called human growth hormone. Human growth hormone tells your body to grow. If you don't make enough of it, somatropin can tell your body to grow instead.

What does it look like?

Somatropin comes as a liquid in a small glass bottle, a glass cartridge or a pre-filled pen for injection. It also comes as a powder that must be diluted (mixed with other liquid so it's not as strong) before injection.

When do I need to take it?

You will probably need to take somatropin once a day. You should take it at the same time each day.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

It's important to take your somatropin every day, until you have finished growing up. If you don't, then you won't grow as much as you should.

You shouldn't change your dose or stop taking somatropin before talking to your doctor.

What should I do if I forget to take it?

If you forget to take your somatropin, don't worry. Take your usual dose at the same time you normally would. Don't take twice as much to make up for the dose you missed. Remember the three Ds: Don't Double Dose!

You should also keep a note of any doses you have missed to show your doctor when you next go back and see him or her.

How much do I take?

You have somatropin as injections. Your doctor will show an adult who looks after you how to prepare and inject somatropin. As you get older, you may learn how to do it yourself.

Your doctor will tell you what dose of somatropin to take. How much somatropin you need depends on how old you are, what condition you are being treated for and how much you weigh. Your doctor will check your dose every few months and may change it as you grow.

What are the most likely side effects that I might get?

Not everyone gets side effects from somatropin. But, some of the more likely side effects you might get include:

An allergic reaction to the liquids somatropin is dissolved in - these are called metacresol and glycerine

Hypothyroidism

Mild hyperglycaemia

Pain around the place where you have the injection

Swelling near where somatropin is injected, or elsewhere on your body

If you notice any side effects, tell your doctor or an adult who looks after you.

What other side effects might I get?

Other side effects that you could possibly get from somatropin include:

Pins and needles

Aching muscles

Feeling weak

If you notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or an adult who looks after you.

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

There are a few other side effects, but these are extremely unusual. They are:

Headaches or feeling sick - this can be caused by more pressure in your brain

Problems getting to sleep

Enlarged breasts

Higher blood pressure

Having sugar in your urine

If you notice any of these side effects or any others, tell your doctor or an adult who looks after you.

Is it safe for me to be treated with somatropin?

Before you are treated with somatropin, tell your doctor about any other medical problems that you know you have. This is especially important if you know you have a tumour, or are allergic to somatropin, glycerine or metacresol.

You can't have somatropin if you are very ill or have problems after a big operation or a serious accident, or if you have serious breathing problems.

Is it ok for me to be treated with somatropin if I'm already taking other medicine?

You should tell your doctor about any other medicines that you are taking, or have taken, recently, including herbal medicines.

Is there anything else I need to know about somatropin?

When you are taking somatropin, you will need to go back and see your doctor regularly. He or she will see how well you are growing, and check you are taking the right dose of somatropin.

Your doctor will also give you blood tests to check sugar levels in your blood, as somatropin can cause hyperglycaemia.

Don't inject your somatropin if you notice that it is cloudy or there are bits of stuff floating in it.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people who have growth problems in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.