Omnitrope
Omnitrope (somatropin) is a type of growth hormone medication that's used to treat certain growth-related conditions in children. It's also used in adults to treat low growth hormone levels. Common side effects in children include bruising, headache, and leg pain. Omnitrope (somatropin) is just one brand (or biosimilar) of somatropin injection. Somatropin injection has many other biosimilars, each with their own administration instructions.
What is Omnitrope (somatropin)?
What is Omnitrope (somatropin) used for?
Certain growth-related conditions in children (e.g., low growth hormone, Turner Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome)
Low growth hormone in adults
How Omnitrope (somatropin) works
Omnitrope (somatropin) is a recombinant human growth hormone medication. It acts like our body's natural growth hormone to promote growth in children. In adults, it helps control and maintain many important body functions, especially those that involve metabolism (how your body turns the food you eat into energy).
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What are the side effects of Omnitrope (somatropin)?
Common Side Effects
- Bruising (9%)
- Headache (7%)
- Leg pain (5%)
- Swelling in the arms and legs (2-18%)
- Joint pain (3-17%)
- Upper respiratory infections (13-16%)
- Pain in the arms and legs (2-15%)
Other Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Tingling sensation
- Stiffness of the arms and legs
- Ear infections
Serious Side Effects
- Severe allergic reactions: skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of face or tongue, trouble breathing, chest tightness
- High blood pressure in the brain: changes in vision, headache, nausea, vomiting
- Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis): nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain that spreads to your back
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Bleeding gums
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, ankles, lower legs, or feet
burning, numbness, pain, or tingling in all fingers except the smallest finger
coughing up blood
difficulty with breathing or swallowing
difficulty with moving
dizziness
increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
muscle pain or stiffness
nosebleeds
not able to move
pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
prolonged bleeding from cuts
rapid weight gain
red or black, tarry stools
red or dark brown urine
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Rare
Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
blurred vision
bone pain
change in personality
change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
changes in vision
chills
confusion
curved spine
darkened urine
fast heartbeat
flushed, dry skin
fracture
fruit-like breath odor
headache
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
indigestion
limp pain in the hip or knee
loss of appetite
loss of consciousness
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
problems with walking or talking
seizures
stomachache
sweating
tumor
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
skin lesions
tightness in the chest
unexplained weight loss
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Backache
extreme weakness
increase in hand and foot size
increased volume of pale, diluted urine
pain in the arms or legs
stop in menstruation
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin
unusually warm skin
Rare
Swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Omnitrope (somatropin)
Pros
Can use in young children
Can inject at home after receiving proper training
Available in different brands (also called biosimilars)
Cons
Can cause bruising, headache, and leg pain in children
Common side effect in adults is swelling in the arms and legs
Must be injected under the skin; no pill options available
Pharmacist tips for Omnitrope (somatropin)
Before you inject Omnitrope (somatropin), make sure to review the instructions for use. Other biosimilars have different administration instructions. So, it's important to know how to inject the specific product you're using. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you have further questions on injections.
Omnitrope (somatropin) should be injected under the skin of your thigh, stomach, or buttock. Some biosimilars can also be injected into the back of your upper arm. Make sure you choose a different injection site every day. Using the same site over and over again can lead to fat tissue loss or damage (lipoatrophy) at that site.
If you use a vial form of Omnitrope (somatropin), you'll need to mix the vial of medication with the diluting agent that comes in the kit. To avoid serious reactions and injury, don't use any other liquid or solution as the diluting agent. Remember to gently swirl the vial until everything is mixed. Never shake the vial since it might damage the medication.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before you inject Omnitrope (somatropin). Also, clean the area of skin where you're going to inject the medication with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry.
After using Omnitrope (somatropin), remember to place any used needles and syringes in a sharps container to avoid injury. Check with your local waste removal company or health department to find out where to throw away the sharps container safely.
Store unused Omnitrope (somatropin) in the refrigerator. It'll be good for 28 days in the refrigerator after you first prepare it. For other biosimilars, you can typically store it anywhere from 14 or 28 days in the refrigerator after you open or prepare it. Ask your provider or pharmacist about how to store your specific somatropin medication properly.
Frequently asked questions about Omnitrope (somatropin)
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What are the risks and warnings for Omnitrope (somatropin)?
Omnitrope (somatropin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Higher risk of death in people with a short-term critical illness
Risk factors: Open heart or stomach surgery | Serious injuries | Severe breathing problems
Somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) shouldn't be used in people with a critical illness from open heart or stomach surgery, serious injuries, or a severe breathing problem. The medication can raise the risk of death if used in these situations, so it should be avoided.
Sudden death in children with Prader-Willi syndrome
Risk factors: Boys | Children with Prader-Willi syndrome who also have obesity, blocked airways, sleep apnea, or an unknown respiratory infection
Somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) shouldn't be used in children with Prader-Willi syndrome who are also obese, have a history of blocked airways, or have an unknown respiratory infection. Sudden death has occurred in children with the risk factors above after starting the medication. Depending on the biosimilar, children with Prader-Willi syndrome without those risk factors can be treated with somatropin injection. But, these children should have good weight control, and caregivers should look out for any symptoms of respiratory infection they might have. Let the provider know if your child has trouble breathing, or if they start to snore or snore more than usual. Your child might have to stop the medication.
Severe allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions to somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice dizziness, a choking sensation, difficulty breathing, nausea, swelling around your eyes, or swelling of the lips or tongue after using Omnitrope (somatropin), get medical attention right away.
New or worsening cancer
Risk factors: History of cancer | Genetic causes of short stature
Somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) shouldn't be used if you or your child has an active tumor or cancer. Let your provider know if you have a history of any type of cancer. They might want to follow up with you closely while you're taking the injection. In certain situations, this medication can raise the risk of new cancers developing as well. Talk to your provider if you experience changes in behavior, headaches, vision changes, changes to your skin color, or other signs and symptoms of cancer.
High blood sugar
Risk factors: Obesity | Turner syndrome | Family history of diabetes
Somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) can lead to high blood sugar and raise your risk of diabetes. The risk of getting diabetes is higher if you're obese, have Turner syndrome, or have a family history of diabetes. If you have diabetes and are taking blood sugar-lowering medications, you might need to have your dose of those medications adjusted. Make sure to check your blood sugar regularly while using Omnitrope (somatropin).
High blood pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension)
Risk factors: Turner syndrome | Prader-Willi syndrome
Some people taking somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) have experienced high blood pressure in their brain. This can cause vision changes, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually begin to happen within the first eight weeks of starting the medication. Contact your provider if you experience these symptoms or if your child complains of them. Symptoms usually goes away once the medication is stopped or the dose is lowered. Your provider will probably perform routine examinations before you start therapy and throughout your treatment with Omnitrope (somatropin).
Swelling in the body
Somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) can cause fluid buildup, which can lead to swelling in the arms and legs. This fluid buildup can also cause other conditions, such as muscle pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Let your provider know if you start to experience any of the symptoms above. Sometimes these symptoms might go away on their own or require lowering the somatropin dose.
Low hormone levels
Risk factors: Using certain steroid hormones | Turner syndrome | Children
Somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) can cause lower levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone your body naturally makes that's involved in many of your body functions including stress and inflammation. The risk is higher in people who are also taking certain steroid hormones, like prednisone or methylprednisolone.
This medication can also lower your thyroid hormone levels. This can prevent somatropin from working well, especially when used to stimulate growth in children. Your provider will probably perform routine blood tests to make sure your hormone levels are healthy and adjust the somatropin dose if needed.
Bone problems in children
Somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) can cause a condition in which the thigh bone slips out of its usual position. This might happen more often in children who are growing quickly. Contact the provider if your child complains of knee or hip pain or starts walking with a limp.
The medication can also worsen scoliosis in children who already have scoliosis and are growing quickly. Although Omnitrope (somatropin) helps children grow quickly, the medication itself doesn't cause scoliosis to develop.
Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Risk factors: Children | Girls with Turner syndrome
It's rare, but some people taking somatropin injections like Omnitrope (somatropin) develop pancreatitis, or swelling of the pancreas. This pancreas problem can be painful. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain that spreads to your back. Stop taking Omnitrope (somatropin) and get medical help right away if this happens to you.
Omnitrope (somatropin) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Omnitrope (somatropin)
Somatropin injection is available as different brands: Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Nutropin AQ, Omnitrope, Saizen, and Zomacton.
Each brand contains a different amount of somatropin and has different administration instructions, so they are not interchangeable. Each brand also has specific dosing that's based on the condition you're being treated for. So, your provider will determine the right dose for you or your child.
Growth-related conditions in children: The dose is based on your child's body weight. The medication is injected under the skin either 3, 6, or 7 days a week. How often your child needs medication depends on the condition your child has and the brand medication that's used. If needed, your provider might adjust the dose based on how your child responds to the medication.
Low growth hormone in adults: There are two different ways the medication is dosed for adults. Some providers choose the dose based on your weight. Other providers might choose to start low and slowly raise the dose depending on how you respond to treatment. This medication is commonly injected under the skin once a day.
Interactions between Omnitrope (somatropin) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Omnitrope (somatropin) cost?
Omnitrope (somatropin) contraindications
A short-term, critical illness from surgery, serious injuries, or a severe breathing problems
Active cancer
Active or severe eye damage caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
Children with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese, have serious breathing problems, or have sleep apnea
Children who have stopped growing (or have a closed ephiphyses)
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References
Best studies we foundYou and Your Hormones. (2021). Growth hormone. Society for Endocrinology.
Vijayakumar, A., et al. (2011). The intricate role of growth hormone in metabolism. Frontiers in Endocrinology.
Turner Syndrome Foundation. (n.d.). Health.
Eurice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2021). Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS).
Sandoz. (2019). OMNITROPE- somatropin injection, solution OMNITROPE- somatropin kit [package insert]. DailyMed.
Omnitrope. (2020). Omnitrope administration guide.
Chhiba, P. D., et al. (2021). Lipoatrophy associated with daily growth hormone injections. Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Sharps disposal containers.
Humatrope. (2022). How do I use the HumatroPen?
Genotropin. (n.d.). How Genotropin is used.
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2019). Human growth hormone
(trade names: Genotropin®, Humatrope®, Norditropin®, Nutropin®, Saizen®, Serostim®).
Goldberg, L., et al. (2009). Growth hormone: Use and abuse. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Sood, A., et al. (2021). Growth hormone for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
American Cancer Society. (2020). Signs and symptoms of cancer.
You and Your Hormones. (2019). Cortisol. Society for Endocrinology.
Endocrine Society. (2022). Thyroid and parathyroid hormones.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Symptoms & causes of pancreatitis.
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