As a mother or father, do you ever feel a little worried about your child's height and development? Do you sometimes feel that your child is shorter or lighter than other children of the same age? In such a situation, when you go to see a doctor and he tells you about a 'Growth Hormone' injection, it is very important to be fully informed about it. So today, let's talk about this growth hormone injection, or the drug `Somatropin`.
What is this Growth Hormone?
Simply put, growth hormone is a hormone that is essential for our body's growth, especially height and muscle growth. This hormone is naturally produced by the pituitary gland in our brain.
But some children and adults do not produce enough of this hormone in their bodies. That's when we give them artificial growth hormone (Somatropin) as an injection, that is, a growth hormone made in a laboratory.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Help children grow taller in cases of growth failure.
- Develop muscles in adults and children.
- Treat various medical conditions caused by growth hormone deficiency.
- Treat bundles caused by certain medical conditions (e.g., Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome).
In Sri Lanka and abroad, this medicine may come under various brand names such as `Genotropin`, `Humatrope`, `Norditropin`, `Omnitrope`. However, all of these contain the same active ingredient, `Somatropin`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This is very important. Before you or your child starts this treatment, it is important to tell your doctor your complete medical history. Be sure to inform them about any of the following conditions.
| The condition you or your child have | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Having or recovering from cancer | Because growth hormones can stimulate the growth of some cells. |
| Diabetes | This can affect blood sugar levels, so the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be changed. |
| Prader-Willi syndrome | Some children with this condition may have difficulty breathing and require special care. |
| Recent surgery or major accident | Because it can affect the body's healing process. |
| Sleep apnea or loud snoring | There is little chance that this situation will worsen. |
| Vision problems | Rarely, increased pressure in the brain can affect vision. |
| Various allergies (Allergies) | If you are allergic to somatropin, its ingredients such as glycerin, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In such cases, it is essential to inform the doctor as the safety of this medication has not been confirmed. |
How is this vaccine used?
This medicine is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or into the muscle (intramuscular). It is usually given for the first time by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic.
If you have to get this vaccine at home, you will be taught how to prepare it and how to give it correctly. Remember to use the correct dose, exactly as instructed, at the correct time .
It is very important to dispose of used needles and syringes properly. Do not put them in the regular trash for any reason. There is a special container for these (a `sharps container`). If you do not have one, ask your doctor about one.
What if I forget a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
Other things that interact with this medicine (Interactions)
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Some medications can interact with growth hormones. For example:
- Cyclosporine
- Female hormones like estrogens or progestins and birth control pills
- Medicines for diabetes
- Some medications for seizures
- Steroids, such as prednisone or cortisone
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to consider during treatment
While taking this medication, it is very important to go for check-ups as prescribed by your doctor. Especially if you are treating a child, things like growth rate, height, and weight will be monitored regularly. You may also need to have blood tests to see how the medication is affecting your body.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Not everyone gets them. But it's important to be aware of them.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Effects on the nervous system | Severe headache, nausea, vomiting, vision changes. |
| Bone and joint pain | (Especially in children) Hip or knee pain, limping, and bending of the back to one side. |
| Other serious symptoms | Swelling of the limbs, earache, dark urine, unusual fatigue. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Injection site reactions | Pain, slight swelling, redness, thickening or thinning of the skin. |
| Other minor effects | Minor pain in bones or muscles, some hair loss. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- `Somatropin` is a synthetic growth hormone. It is a medicine that should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor.
- Before starting treatment, tell the doctor about all of your or your child's medical conditions and medications you are taking.
- Follow the instructions for administering the vaccine and disposing of used needles exactly.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe headache, vision changes, or hip/knee pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, ask your doctor.
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