Somatropin is a prescription used for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Growth failure­ – describes a growth rate below the appropriate growth velocity for age. 
• Short bowel syndrome ­– this is a condition in which your body is unable to absorb enough nutrients from the foods you eat. It is because you don’t have enough small intestines. 
• HIV-related weight loss or wasting – untreated HIV itself or infections you get can make you lose weight. If you lose 10% of your body weight, you could’ve what’s called wasting syndrome. 

This medication may also be used to increased height in children with certain disorders such as:

• Turner syndrome­ – this is a chromosomal condition that affects the development of females. Short stature is the most common feature of this condition. It becomes evident by about the age of 5. 
• Noonan syndrome – this is a genetic disorder that may present with mildly unusual facial features bleeding problems, or short height. 
• Idiopathic short stature ­– this refers to extreme short stature that doesn’t have a diagnostic explanation after an ordinary growth evaluation. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medication. This is available in 5 mg and 8.8 mg vials. Somatropin is a man-made growth hormone. The growth hormone helps children grow taller and helps adults and children as well as grows muscle. Experiencing a growth hormone deficiency can be both a total and a partial condition. That it may result in impaired physical development. The growth hormone is one of the hormones produced in the pituitary gland that is situated on the underside of the brain. The secretion of growth hormone is controlled by other hormones released by a different part of the brain. When the growth hormone enters the bloodstream, it stimulates the liver to secrete yet another hormone. The elderly naturally produce less growth hormone than young adults. 

Several possible mechanisms result in a growth hormone deficiency:

• Not enough production of growth hormone by the pituitary
• Insufficient discharge of stimulatory hormone from the hypothalamus
• Difficulties may as well be caused by defects in the receptors that ‘receive’ the hormone in the cells of the body
• Diseases in the pituitary gland, the liver, or the brain
• Very seldom it may be due to a genetic defect which in some instances may also be hereditary
• Abnormalities in the hormone receptors

How does Somatropin?

The growth hormone is a protein hormone of about 190 amino acids. It is secreted and synthesized by cells called somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary. It is a major contributor in control of numerous complex physiologic processes which includes metabolism and growth.

Growth is a very difficult procedure. It needs the coordinated action of some hormones. The major role of growth hormone in stimulating body growth is to stimulate the liver and other tissues to secrete IGF-I. It stimulates the proliferation of chondrocytes. Wherein, it results in bone growth. The growth hormone seems to have a direct effect on bone growth in stimulating the differentiation of chondrocytes. IGF-I appears as well to be the key player in muscle growth. It stimulates both the proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. It also stimulates protein synthesis uptake and amino acid in muscle.  

How to use Somatropin?

Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Somatropin is injected into a muscle or under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. If you do not fully understand how to give the injection, do not self-inject this medicine. Properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Each time you give the injection use a different place on your body. Your doctor will let you know the best places on your body to inject the medication. You should not inject in the same place 2 times in a row. You should also not inject this medicine into skin or muscle that is sore, red, injured, or infected. 

Use a gentle swirling motion when mixing Somatropin with a diluent. If it has changed colors or has particles in it do not use the medication. Use a disposable needle only once.  

What are the side effects of Somatropin?

Common side effects:

• Muscle pain
• Joint stiffness or pain
• Swelling
• Pain in your legs or arms
• Burning and numbness
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Cold symptoms (sneezing, stuffy nose, and sore throat)
• Injection site reactions (Soreness, redness, swelling, itching, rash, bruising, or pain) 

Let your doctor know if you have these side effects:

• Increase thirst and urination
• Dry mouth
• Hunger
• Dry skin
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fats heart rate
• Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back 
• Sudden and severe pain behind your eyes
• Vision changes
• Tingling or numbness in your hands, wrists, or fingers 

Warnings and Precautions

• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. Call your doctor if you miss more than 3 doses in a row. 
• Call for medical help if you have any signs of overdose. 
• Avoid drinking fruit juices or soda beverages while having this medication. Avoid as well as drinking alcohol. It might irritate your stomach and could make your condition worse. 
• If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. 
• Before using Somatropin, tell your doctor if you use insulin or take oral medications to treat diabetes. This drug may affect blood sugar levels and you may need to adjust your dose of the diabetes medication. 
• Tell your doctor about all other medications you use especially birth control pills, seizure medication, or hormone replacement medications for men or women. 
• If you ever had an allergic reaction to this drug, inform your doctor right away. Tell as well if you have any allergies. This drug may have an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. 
• Keep this away from the heat, moisture, and reach of children or pets.