Everything You Need to Know About Growth Hormone Therapy
Growth hormone therapy for GH deficiency was first available in the 1950s. Since then, several new indications for GH therapy have emerged. Here’s the history.
Zomacton
Used for Growth Hormone Deficiency
Used for Growth Hormone Deficiency
Zomacton (somatropin) is a growth hormone therapy used to treat adults and children with low growth hormone. It's also approved for children with certain growth-related conditions, such as Turner syndrome and SHOX deficiency. The medication is injected under the skin, usually 3, 6, or 7 days per week. Some side effects include headache, ear infection, and swelling.
What is Zomacton (somatropin)?
What is Zomacton (somatropin) used for?
- Growth problems caused by certain conditions in children (e.g., low growth hormone, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) deficiency, small for gestational age)
- Low growth hormone in adults
How Zomacton (somatropin) works
Zomacton (somatropin) is a recombinant human growth hormone medication. It works like the natural growth hormone your body makes.
In children, it helps bones and tissues grow. In both adults and children, it helps control important body functions to support overall metabolism.
When does Zomacton (somatropin) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Zomacton |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Recombinant human growth hormone |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Zomacton (somatropin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Children (treatment of low growth hormone)
- Upper respiratory infection (32%)
- Fever (16%)
- Sore throat (12%)
- Headache (11%)
- Ear infection (10%)
Adults*
- Swelling in the body (15-21%)
- Joint pain (15-17%)
- Numbness and tingling (13-17%)
- Swelling in the arms and legs (12-17%)
- Muscle pain (13-14%)
- Pain (13-14%)
- Runny/Stuffy nose (11-14%)
- Back pain (10-11%)
- Headache (8-11%)
*Adult data comes from a study where a similar growth hormone medication was used.
Less Common Side Effects
Children
- More coughing
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Runny/Stuffy nose
- Hip pain
- Joint pain
Adults
- Acne
- Flu-like symptoms
Zomacton (somatropin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reactions: skin rash, hives, itching, swelling of face or tongue, trouble breathing, chest tightness
- High pressure in the brain: changes in vision, headache, nausea, vomiting
- Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis): nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain that spreads to your back
The following Zomacton (somatropin) 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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$379.57
GoodRx discount
$284.65
Pros and cons of Zomacton (somatropin)
Pros
- Approved for many growth-related conditions in children
- Safe for children and adults
- Injected either 3, 6, or 7 days a week
Cons
- Requires regular monitoring
- Can cause swelling and joint pain
- Needs to be mixed and prepared before use
Pharmacist tips for Zomacton (somatropin)
- You’ll usually inject Zomacton (somatropin) either 3, 6, or 7 days each week. Check with your prescriber to confirm your exact schedule.
- Rotate where you inject Zomacton (somatropin) each time. Using the same spot too often can damage fat tissue.
- You might have mild injection site reactions with Zomacton (somatropin), like redness, swelling, or pain. These usually go away, but tell your care team if they don’t.
- Zomacton (somatropin) can cause swelling in your body, such as in your hands, feet, or ankles. Let your care team know if this becomes uncomfortable or doesn’t go away.
- Zomacton (somatropin) can raise your blood sugar. Tell your care team if you notice symptoms of high blood sugar like feeling more thirsty, urinating more often, or feeling tired.
- Tell your pharmacist and care team about all medications you take before starting Zomacton (somatropin). It can interact with medications like steroids (e.g., prednisone), insulin, and thyroid medications, which might need dose adjustments.
- If your child is using Zomacton (somatropin), their growth should be checked regularly. Tell their prescriber if they are limping or have hip or knee pain since it could mean they are growing too fast.
- Tell your prescriber if you're planning on getting pregnant or become pregnant while taking Zomacton (somatropin), because they might need to change you to a different formulation of this medication.
- Storage: Keep unused Zomacton (somatropin) in the refrigerator. After mixing, the 5 mg vial can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days, and the 10 mg vial can be stored for up to 28 days.
How to inject Zomacton (somatropin):
- Before injecting Zomacton (somatropin), review the instructions for use and ask your care team or pharmacist if you have questions.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water before injecting. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab before giving your dose.
- Mix the vial with the provided diluting liquid that comes in the kit.
- Inject Zomacton (somatropin) under the skin of your upper arm, thigh, buttock, or stomach.
- Pinch your skin and inject at a 45° to 90° angle into the skin. Press the plunger to inject the full dose.
- After injection, throw away 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.
Risks and warnings for Zomacton (somatropin)
Zomacton (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 during serious illness
- Risk factors: Open heart or stomach surgery | Serious injuries | Severe breathing problems
Using Zomacton (somatropin) during a serious illness might increase the risk of death. This includes conditions like recovery after open heart or stomach surgery, serious injuries, or severe breathing problems.
Because of this risk, your care team will decide if it’s safe to continue Zomacton (somatropin) if you become very sick. They will weigh the benefits and risks before continuing treatment.
Higher risk of death in children with Prader-Willi syndrome
- Risk factors: Boys | Obesity | Blocked airways | Sleep apnea | Respiratory infection
Zomacton (somatropin) isn't FDA approved to treat children with Prader-Willi syndrome. Some deaths have been reported, especially in boys with risk factors like severe obesity, breathing problems, or respiratory infections. During treatment, tell your care team right away if your child snores more, has trouble breathing, or shows signs of infection, since they might have to stop the medication.
New or returning tumors
- Risk factors: History of cancer | Genetic causes of short stature
If you or your child had cancer in the past, there could be a higher risk of developing a new tumor while using Zomacton (somatropin). Some tumors can also come back.
Your care team will monitor you closely during treatment. Tell them right away if you notice any symptoms of cancer, like headaches, vision problems, or changes in moles or skin growths.
High blood sugar
- Risk factors: Obesity | Turner syndrome | Family history of diabetes
Zomacton (somatropin) can raise your blood sugar and make your body less sensitive to insulin. This might lead to new or worsening diabetes, especially if you have risk factors like obesity or a family history of diabetes.
If you have diabetes and take blood sugar-lowering medications, your dose might need to be adjusted. Your care team might also ask you to check your blood sugar regularly during treatment.
High pressure in the brain
- Risk factors: Turner syndrome | Prader-Willi syndrome
Zomacton (somatropin) can rarely cause high pressure in the brain, also called intracranial hypertension. Symptoms include headache, vision changes, nausea, or vomiting, and they usually happen within the first 2 months of treatment. Your prescriber will probably perform routine exams to watch for this problem before you start the medication and throughout your treatment.
Severe allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions can happen with Zomacton (somatropin), including life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like dizziness, a choking feeling, trouble breathing, nausea, or swelling of your eyes, lips, or tongue at any point during treatment.
Swelling in the body
- Risk factors: Adults
Zomacton (somatropin) can cause your body to hold onto fluid, especially in adults. This might lead to swelling, joint or muscle pain, or tingling in your hands (like carpal tunnel symptoms). These side effects usually go away on their own or improve if your dose is lowered. Tell your care team if they bother you or don’t go away.
Low hormone levels
- Risk factors: Taking steroid medications | Turner syndrome | Children
Zomacton (somatropin) can lower your cortisol levels, which is a hormone your body uses to handle stress and inflammation. The risk is higher if you're also taking steroid medications, like prednisone or methylprednisolone.
Zomacton (somatropin) can also lower your thyroid hormone levels. This could make the medication work less well, especially for growth in children. Your care team will check your thyroid levels before and during treatment and adjust medications if needed.
Bone and growth changes in children
- Risk factors: Growing too fast
Zomacton (somatropin) can sometimes cause a hip problem in children, especially when they're growing too fast. This can lead to serious bone damage if not treated. Tell your care team right away if your child starts limping or has hip or knee pain so they can be checked quickly.
Zomacton (somatropin) can also worsen scoliosis in children who already have it and are growing quickly. Although the medication itself doesn't cause scoliosis. Tell your care team if you notice changes in your child's posture or back shape.
Swelling of the pancreas
- Risk factors: Children | Girls with Turner syndrome
It's rare, but Zomacton (somatropin) can cause a serious problem called pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas). Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain that may spread to your back. Stop using the medication and get help right away if you have these symptoms.
Benzyl alcohol warning for infants
- Risk factors: Infants
Some forms of Zomacton (somatropin) contain benzyl alcohol, which can be dangerous for newborns and small babies. This can cause a condition called “gasping syndrome,” with symptoms like trouble breathing, low energy, and serious organ problems. Your care team will consider all sources of benzyl alcohol to keep your child safe.
Fat tissue damage
Make sure you rotate where you inject Zomacton (somatropin) each time. If you inject it in the same spot for a long time, it can damage the fat under your skin. This can cause dents or thinning in that area.
Zomacton (somatropin) dosage
The average cost for 1 vial of 10mg of Zomacton (somatropin) is $569.55 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.91% off the average retail price of $685.47.
Typical dosage for Zomacton (somatropin)
Zomacton (somatropin) is given as an injection under your skin, either 3, 6, or 7 days per week. Your dose depends on your weight and the condition being treated, and your care team might adjust it based on how you respond.
Children
- Low growth hormone: The typical dose is 0.18 to 0.3 mg/kg per week, split into 3, 6, or 7 injections per week.
- Turner syndrome: The typical dose is up to 0.375 mg/kg per week, split into 3, 6, or 7 injections per week.
- Idiopathic short stature: The typical dose is up to 0.37 mg/kg per week, split into 3, 6, or 7 injections per week.
- SHOX deficiency: The typical dose is 0.35 mg/kg per week, split into 3, 6, or 7 injections per week.
- Small for gestational age: The typical dose is up to 0.47 mg/kg per week, split into 3, 6, or 7 injections per week.
Adults
- Low growth hormone: There are two different ways to dose this medication.
- By weight: The typical starting dose is 0.006 mg/kg per day. Your dose might be slowly increased based on how you respond.
- Not by weight: The typical starting dose is 0.2 mg per day. Your dose might be slowly increased every 1 to 2 months based on how you respond.
Interactions between Zomacton (somatropin) and other drugs
Zomacton (somatropin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Zomacton (somatropin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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 Zomacton (somatropin) cost?
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Zomacton (brand)
$284.65
Zomacton (somatropin) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Zomacton (somatropin) will not be safe for you to take.
- Serious illness due to open heart surgery, stomach surgery, injury, or severe breathing problems
- Children with Prader-Willi syndrome with severe obesity, serious breathing problems, or sleep apnea
- Active cancer
- Allergy to somatropin
- Serious diabetic eye problem (diabetic retinopathy)
- Children whose bones have finished growing
What are alternatives to Zomacton (somatropin)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zomacton (somatropin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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