Humatrope (Somatropin)

Description

Humatrope, known generically as Somatropin, is a form of human growth hormone created for medical use. It's a man-made protein that mirrors the naturally produced growth hormone in the body, which plays a key role in physical growth and development. Healthcare providers prescribe Humatrope for various growth-related deficiencies, including pediatric growth failure and adult growth hormone deficiency. It works by stimulating growth in tissues and bones, assisting patients who lack adequate natural growth hormone levels.

Directions

When taking Humatrope, a patient administers it subcutaneously, meaning the injection goes just under the skin. The recommended starting dosage can vary; however, for children with certain growth deficiencies, a higher dose of 0.067 mg/kg/day may be necessary, especially if their height SDS is less than -3 or if they are in later stages of puberty. It’s crucial to monitor the patient's growth response and adjust the dosage accordingly. Sometimes, this means reducing the dosage gradually to 0.033 mg/kg/day if the child shows significant catch-up growth in the initial years of therapy.

Patients should carefully use the HumatroPen® injection devices designed for this purpose, and healthcare professionals will often provide individualized dosage adjustments based on clinical response, adverse reactions, and measured IGF-1 concentrations. The maintenance dosages will vary from person to person.

Ingredients

Humatrope contains the active ingredient Somatropin. Inactive ingredients may include glycine and mannitol.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Acute Critical Illness: Patients who have experienced major open heart surgery, abdominal surgery, or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure.
• Prader-Willi Syndrome in Children: Especially those with severe obesity or respiratory impairment.
• Known Hypersensitivity: Patients who have had serious allergic reactions to Somatropin or any of its components.
• Active Malignancy: Patients with active cancer should not use Humatrope.
• Diabetic Retinopathy: It may worsen in individuals with pre-existing diabetes.
• Closed Epiphyses: Children or individuals whose bone growth plates have closed.

Cautions

• Before beginning treatment with Humatrope, ensure you provide your healthcare provider with the following details:
  • Any existing medical conditions
  • Known allergies
  • A list of all medications you are currently taking
  • Information on whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• For patients recovering from serious surgeries, injuries, or respiratory failure, Humatrope has been shown to increase mortality rates. It is not recommended for use in these situations.
• There have been reports of sudden death in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome treated with Humatrope, particularly those who are severely obese or have breathing problems. Careful monitoring is essential for these patients.
• Humatrope can increase the risk of new cancers, particularly in children who have been treated for brain cancers with radiation. Monitor closely for the development of new cancer symptoms.
• Humatrope may reduce insulin sensitivity, possibly leading to diabetes or worsening existing diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is recommended.
• Some patients may experience increased pressure in the brain, presenting symptoms like headaches, vision changes, and nausea. This condition typically resolves after stopping or adjusting the treatment.
• If you have known allergies to growth hormone or any of the components in Humatrope, avoid using this medication as it could lead to severe allergic reactions.
• Treatment with Humatrope can result in fluid retention, manifesting as swelling, joint pain, or muscle pain. These symptoms are usually temporary and dose-dependent.
• Humatrope might decrease cortisol production or reveal an underlying cortisol deficiency, requiring an adjustment of any ongoing cortisol replacement therapy.
• Monitor thyroid function, as Humatrope can cause or worsen hypothyroidism, especially in patients with Turner syndrome or other predispositions.
• Rapid growth in children using Humatrope can worsen or reveal issues like slipped capital femoral epiphysis (a hip joint problem) or worsen scoliosis (curvature of the spine).
• Look out for severe stomach pain as Humatrope can increase the risk of pancreatitis, especially in children.
• Repeated injections at the same site can cause tissue breakdown. Rotate injection sites to avoid this issue.

Side Effects

Humatrope side effects often include upper respiratory infections like colds, sore throat (pharyngitis), and ear infections (otitis media). Other common effects include fever, headaches, swelling (edema), joint pain (arthralgia), tingling sensations (paresthesia), muscle pain (myalgia), and flu-like symptoms. Some specific conditions related to its use include carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes hand and arm pain, as well as changes in thyroid function, higher blood sugar levels, and decreased sensitivity to insulin.

While Humatrope provides significant benefits, it can also lead to more serious health issues such as severe joint and muscle pain, substantial swelling in the limbs (peripheral edema), and complications related to blood sugar management, including potential progression to diabetes. Patients should monitor for symptoms of high blood sugar like increased thirst or urination and discuss any persistent or severe symptoms with their healthcare provider to ensure appropriate management. Regular follow-ups are crucial to adjust the treatment as necessary and prevent long-term complications.

References:

1. Humatrope (Somatropin) Product Monograph. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2023.
2. Humatrope (Somatropin) Drug Label Information. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2023.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....