What you need to know about Humatrope (Somatropin for injection)

Introduction

Humatrope is an artificial human growth hormone. It was first used in 1987 for treatment of children suffering from slow growth, those with short stature at birth or those who were unable to make enough growth hormone on their own due to various conditions such as chronic kidney failure, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome. 

Humatrope is mainly available in 6 mg, 12 mg, and 24 mg cartridges and administered using the Humatrope injection.

Who can use the Humatrope injection?

People experiencing the following conditions can be treated using the Humatrope medication by injection: 

• Growth failure 
• Growth hormone deficiency
• Short bowel syndrome (intestinal disorder)
• Weight loss or wasting due to HIV related causes

Humatrope helps in increasing the height of children who suffer from idiopathic short stature, Turner syndrome, and Noonan syndrome. 

How does Humatrope injection work?

Humatrope injection works to replace the growth hormone in children or adults, which is essential for the healthy growth of human beings. The growth hormone is made in the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. Injection of Humatrope gets released into the bloodstream where it gets to other body tissues where it stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 or IGF-1 necessary for growth development. The Humatrope injection, therefore, helps in stimulating the production of IGF-1, which is crucial for growth.  

Why should you use Humatrope?

Humatrope injection is used on children with Turner syndrome, SHOX deficiency, or those born abnormally smaller than their peers and don't catch up in height by the age of 2-4 years. It is also used in adults to increase their growth.   

How to use Humatrope injection?

The Humatrope injection is mainly given through a needle into a muscle under the skin. The injection depends on the brand. It is always advisable to ensure that the injection site on the skin is changed every time you are injecting to avoid problems under the skin. A doctor will be able to advise on the right therapy, and it is good to follow the instructions given by your doctor. Also, the dosage of Humatrope injection is based on the age, weight, previous response to treatment and medical condition of the patient.  

When administering the injection, shaking is not recommended, and the solution should be mixed without shaking. Traces of discolouration should be checked, and if found, the infusion should not be used.

Side effects of Humatrope injection

The Humatrope injection does not have serious side effects, but mild ones may be experienced depending on the individual using the medicine.

Humatrope side effects include:

• Headache 
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain
• General body weakness

If you experience severe side effects such as significant weight gain, persistent fatigue, ear itching, joint or hip pain, numbness, swelling ankles, seizure or severe abdominal pain, it is recommended that you stop having the medication and consult your doctor immediately.

Humatrope injection should not be administered to children with a history of breathing problems or those who suffer from Prader-Willi syndrome. The Humatrope injection may increase the risk of getting cancer or tumour in adults, and therefore, you should take precaution and discuss the use of the drug with your doctor.  

Dr. George Machin

Sports Medicine Specialist