Saizen

What is it?

A preparation of growth hormone as powder in vials with diluent for reconstitution and injection, in 3 strengths containing 1.33mg, 3.33mg and 8mg of somatropin.

Medical Uses

Failure of growth in children due to deficiency in growth hormone, Turner syndrome, failure of growth in children before puberty due to chronic kidney failure, replacement therapy in adults with severe deficiency in growth hormone.

Dosage

Children, deficiency of growth hormone, 0.025 to 0.035mg per kg of body weight each day by subcutaneous injection. Turner syndrome and kidney failure, 0.045 to 0.05mg per kg of body weight each day by subcutaneous injection. Adults, 0.15 to 0.3mg each day by subcutaneous injection at first, then gradually increased at 4 week intervals according to individual patient needs.

Special Care

Diabetes, lesion on the brain, deficiency in ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone), intracranial high pressure. Thyroid function should be monitored.

Avoid Use

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, growth promotion in children with fused epiphyses (heads of long bones), progressive or recurrent brain lesion or tumour.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Drugs metabolised by CYP3A4.

Known Side Effects

Pain/reactions at site of in jection, fluid retention, breakdown offats, underactive thyroid gland.

Manufacturer

Serono.