Growth Hormone
Synonyms :
Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Omnitrope, Somatropin
Mechanism :
Somavert selectively binds to growth hormone (GH) receptors on cell surfaces, where it blocks the binding of endogenous GH. This leads to the normalization of serum IGF-1 levels.
Indication :
- Short stature due to growth hormone deficiency
- Turner’s syndrome
- Prader Willi syndrome
- Noonan Syndrome
- CRF
- Homeobox containing gene
- Small for gestational age
Contraindications :
Hypersensitivity to drug/class/component
Caution if hepatic impairment, elevated lfts, gh secreting tumors, diabetes mellitus.
Dosing :
Growth hormone deficiency:
Norditropin:
0.17-0.24 mg/kg/week (0.0024-0.034 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously in 6-7 equal divided doses per week.
Genotropin, Omnitrope:
0.16-0.3 mg/kg/week subcutaneously in 6-7 equal divided doses per week.
Humatrope:
0.18-0.24 mg/kg/week subcutaneously in 6-7 equal divided doses per week.
Adverse Effect :
local lipoatrophy, hypothyroidism, pain in hip and knee, edema, hypersensitivity reactions, increase in cutaneous nevi, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, hypothyroidism, hyperglycemia, pancreatitis, leukemia.
Interaction :
Hypoglycemic Agents or Insulin Injections: Monitoring required if the patient is given Oral Hypoglycemic Agents or insulin injections.
Hepatic Dose :
No dosage adjustments are recommended.