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.