Drugs & Vitamins

Saizen Active Ingredients: Somatropin Representative Names: Genotropin, Genotropin Miniquick, Humatrope, Norditropin, Nutropin, Nutropin AQ, Nutropin Depot, Saizen, Serostim Available Product Images: What is somatropin injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with somatropin? What side effects might I notice from receiving somatropin? What should I watch for while taking somatropin? Where can I keep my medicine? What is somatropin injection? (Back to top) SOMATROPIN (Humatrope®, Norditropin®, Nutropin, Serostim® LQ, Zorbtive™, and others) is similar to the natural growth hormone found in your body. There are many uses for injectable growth hormone. Growth hormone is necessary to stimulate growth in children. It is also used to help AIDS patients gain weight and to help patients with short bowel syndrome. Generic somatropin is not available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •any type of cancer •diabetes mellitus or changes in your blood sugar •ear infection •scoliosis •underactive thyroid •an unusual or allergic reaction to somatropin, glycerin, benzyl alcohol, m-cresol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Somatropin is for injection into a muscle or under the skin. If somatropin is to be given by self-injection, make sure that you understand how to prepare and inject the dose. Use exactly as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose, and do not use more or less often than prescribed. If you are to give somatropin at home, make sure to ask for a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the used syringes and needles. Do not reuse any needles or syringes. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) The dose and dosing schedule for somatropin is specific for you. If you miss a dose, call you pharmacist or physician. What drug(s) may interact with somatropin? (Back to top) •corticosteroids (examples are prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone) •medicines for diabetes Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects might I notice from receiving somatropin? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •headache •nausea and/or vomiting •skin rash or itching •visual changes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •bone or muscle pain •fluid retention •limp or pain in hip or knee •pain and swelling at site of injection What should I watch for while taking somatropin? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of reach of children. Store in a refrigerator between 2—8 degrees C (36—46 degrees F) or at room temperature (15—30 degrees C; 59—86 degrees F) depending upon which brand you use; do not freeze. Nutropin Depot™ should not be exposed to temperatures above 25 degreesC (75 degrees F). Ask your health care professional how to store your somatropin injection. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:05/01/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.