is genotropin a peptide FAQ

Genotropin and Norditropin have some similarities and differences. Both Genotropin and Norditropin contain the same active ingredient (somatropin). They’re prescribed for certain growth problems in adults and children. Each drug is given as a subcutaneous injection. Genotropin and Norditropin have similar dosages, but each comes in different forms and strengths. For more information about how Genotropin compares with Norditropin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Genotropin is not approved for bodybuilding. (To learn more about when doctors prescribe Genotropin, see the “Genotropin uses” section below.) Genotropin is a synthetic form of human growth hormone (HGH). Some bodybuilders use growth hormone injections to help with muscle growth. However, you should only use Genotropin for its prescribed purpose. If you have questions about using Genotropin, talk with your doctor. Genotropin is a brand-name biologic drug. It isn’t available in biosimilar form. While biologics are made using parts of living cells, traditional drugs are made using chemicals. This allows traditional drugs to have generics that are exact copies of the brand-name form. Instead of generics, biologics have biosimilars because they cannot be copied exactly. Like generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug. The Genotropin dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

Do not use somatropin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not share somatropin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Do not share needles, syringes, or devices as this can spread infections. Keep somatropin out of the reach of children. If the product you are using is stored in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator. Keep all appointments for blood tests and other tests. Your health care provider needs these results to help you use this medicine safely. This medicine is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). There are multiple forms of somatropin available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to prepare, use, and throw it away properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider. Rotate the site for each injection of somatropin. Do not inject it in the same spot every time because this may lead to a condition called lipoatrophy. This is where you lose fat under the skin and your skin may look sunken in this spot. Consider writing down or taking a picture of the exact spot where you injected your last dose to help you remember.

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Somatropin is commonly used for the following conditions.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

The most common side effects of somatropin are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use somatropin.

There are no known interactions between somatropin and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect somatropin.

If you or someone else has used too much somatropin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if somatropin is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Somatropin acts like a natural hormone in your body called growth hormone. It works by acting on certain receptors on cells in the body, triggering signals that produce the same effects as human growth hormone. In children, this helps promote normal growth and development. In adults, this helps regulate metabolism and maintain healthy functioning of bones, muscles, and tissues.

While less common, the most serious side effects of somatropin are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Somatropin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using somatropin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Follow the instructions for the somatropin product you have to make sure you store it properly. Most somatropin products should be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze. Some somatropin products may be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C), for a shorter period of time. Protect the medicine from light. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure how to store your somatropin product.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using somatropin.

For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.

Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use GENOTROPIN? in the full CMI.