Genotropin

What is it?

A preparation of the synthetic human growth hormone, somatotropin, produced as a powder containing 5.3mg or 12mg of somatotropin rbe. Available in dual compartment cartridges containing powder and 1 ml of diluent, for use with mixer or pen device. Also, GENOTROPIN MINIQUICK, available as a powder in dual compartment cartridge for use with single dose syringes, containing 0.2mg, 0.4mg, 0.6mg, 0.8mg, 1 mg, 1.2mg, 1.4mg, 1.6mg, 1.8mg, 2mg of somatotropin rbe and solvent.

Medical Uses

Children in whom growth is stunted due to absence or reduced amount of pituitary growth hormone or chronic kidney insufficiency, Turner's syndrome. Replacement therapy in adults with marked deficiency in growth hormone, Prader-Willi syndrome (a metabolic, congenital disorder associated with deficiency of pituitary gland hormones).

Dosage

Adults, 0.15 to 0.3mg each day by subcutaneous injection at first, increasing according to individual response, depending upon blood concentrations of IGF-1.The maximum daily dose is 1mg each day. Also, consult manufacturer's instructions. Children, deficiency of growth hormone, 0.025 to 0.035mg per kg of body weight each day; Turner's syndrome, 0.045 to 0.05mg per kg of body weight daily; kidney insufficiency, 0.045 to 0.05mg per kg of body weight each day, increasing as necessary according to response and possibly adjusting after 6 months; Prader-Willi syndrome, 0.035mg per kg of body weight each day to a maximum daily dose of 2.7mg. All doses are given by subcutaneous injection.

Special Care

Diabetes mellitus - watch for possible glucose intolerance. Previous raised pressure within skull - check periodically. Patient should be monitored occasionally for thyroid function.

Avoid Use

Acute respiratory failure, accidental injury, critical illness after operation on heart or abdomen, tumour, promotion of growth in children in whom the heads of the long bones have fused.