Zorbtive
Zorbtive (somatropin) is used to treat short bowel syndrome (SBS) in adults receiving nutrition support. It's given as an injection under the skin once a day for 1 month. Zorbtive (somatropin) is only available as a brand-name medication, so it can be expensive.
What is Zorbtive (somatropin)?
What is Zorbtive (somatropin) used for?
- Short bowel syndrome (SBS) in adults receiving nutrition support
How Zorbtive (somatropin) works
Zorbtive (somatropin) is a recombinant human growth hormone medication. It works just like growth hormone (GH), a hormone that's naturally made in your body. By acting like GH, Zorbtive (somatropin) works on the gut to help the body absorb more water, electrolytes, and nutrients.
Drug facts
Side effects of Zorbtive (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
- Swelling in arms and legs (69%)
- Swelling in the face (50%)
- Joint pain (44%)
- Injection site pain (31%)
- Passing gas (25%)
- Stomach pain (25%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Injection site reactions: rash, itchiness, swelling
- Vomiting
- Pain
- Nausea
Zorbtive (somatropin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, dizziness, fever, rash, nausea, fainting, trouble breathing
- High blood pressure in the brain: changes in vision, headache, nausea, and vomiting
- Swelling of the pancreas (pancreatitis): nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain that spreads to your back
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Pros and cons of Zorbtive (somatropin)
Pros
- Can be injected at home
- Only need to inject once a day
- Total treatment course is 1 month
Cons
- Might be difficult for some people to prepare and administer correctly
- Has a lot of risks and warnings, like potential for cancer
- Brand name only, which can be expensive
Pharmacist tips for Zorbtive (somatropin)
- Your provider will teach you how to give yourself the injection. Make sure to read the instructions on how to mix the medication and give yourself the injections. Contact your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Before starting Zorbtive (somatropin), make sure to tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you're taking, especially if you're taking diabetes medications, corticosteroids, or oral estrogen. Because they interact with Zorbtive (somatropin), you might need to use different doses of these medications.
- To prepare your dose, you'll need to mix Zorbtive (somatropin) vials with the water vials provided. After mixing your dose, gently swirl in circles to mix the contents in the vial. Don't shake the vial because this could damage the medication.
- After giving yourself the medication, throw away the syringe and needle in a sharps container to lower the risk of needlestick injuries. For more information on how to throw away your sharps container safely and guidance for your specific state, visit the FDA's website.
- Contact your provider if you experience side effects (e.g., swelling in your hands or feet, joint pain, or carpal tunnel syndrome). Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your provider will either treat you with other medication or lower or temporarily stop your Zorbtive (somatropin) dose. If your side effects don't go away, you might have to stop taking Zorbtive (somatropin).
- Store unmixed Zorbtive (somatropin) vials at room temperature in the original carton to protect it from light. After mixing with the water provided, you can store the vials in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Common questions about Zorbtive (somatropin)
Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a condition where you're either missing part of your intestines or your intestines don't work well (e.g., damage to intestines, poor movement inside the intestines). This causes your body to not absorb nutrients as well. As a result, people with SBS are typically on nutrition support because malnutrition is a common complication of short bowel syndrome. Zorbtive (somatropin) helps your intestines absorb nutrients better to lower your risk for malnutrition.
Inject Zorbtive (somatropin) under the skin, either in your thigh, around your belly button, back of your upper arm, buttocks, or hips. Never inject the medication into your muscle or vein. Make sure you choose a different injection site every day. Using the same site over and over again can lead to lipoatrophy, or loss and damage to the fat tissue at that site.
Both Zorbtive (somatropin) and other somatropin medications contain the same active ingredient. But certain brands are used to treat different conditions and have different dosing. Zorbtive (somatropin) is used for adults with short bowel syndrome (SBS), while brands like Omnitrope and Norditropin are used for growth-related problems in children and low growth hormone in adults. And Serostim (somatropin) is used for people with HIV to raise body weight. Make sure you take the medication exactly as prescribed to you.
No, Zorbtive (somatropin) is not considered a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). But, medications like Zorbtive (somatropin) that promote growth can be used illegally for the purpose of improving athletic or bodybuilding performance and lowering body fat. That's why it's important to use Zorbtive (somatropin) exactly as prescribed. Make sure to keep the medication in a secure place away from others who don't need access to the medication.
Zorbtive (somatropin) hasn't been studied in human pregnancy, so it's not known whether this medication is safe or works well in pregnant females. Studies in pregnant animals showed that unborn babies weren't harmed by Zorbtive (somatropin). But if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about the risks and benefits of using Zorbtive (somatropin) during pregnancy.
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Risks and warnings for Zorbtive (somatropin)
Zorbtive (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.
Return of previous cancer
- Risk factors: History of cancer
Zorbtive (somatropin) shouldn't be used if you have an active tumor or cancer. Let your provider know if you have a history of any type of cancer. Growth hormone replacement products like Zorbtive (somatropin) have been shown to raise the risk of cancer returning in childhood cancer survivors. But the risk in adults isn't known. Your provider will monitor you during and after treatment with Zorbtive (somatropin) and will stop treatment at the first sign of potential cancer development.
Higher risk of death in people with a short-term critical illness
- Risk factor: Open heart or stomach surgery | Serious injuries | Severe breathing problems
There have been reports that medications similar to Zorbtive (somatropin) can raise the risk of death when used in people with a critical illness from open heart or stomach surgery, serious injuries, or a severe breathing problem. Speak to your provider if you have questions or concerns.
High blood sugar
Zorbtive (somatropin) can lower your body's sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that lowers your blood sugar. This can lead to high blood sugar and raise your risk of diabetes. Your provider will likely have you monitor your blood sugar level while taking Zorbtive (somatropin). Make sure you're familiar with symptoms of high blood sugar, such as feeling very thirsty, needing to urinate often, and feeling very tired. Contact your provider if you notice any of these. Also let your provider know if you're currently taking diabetes medications, so they can adjust your dose if needed.
Severe allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions to Zorbtive (somatropin) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice dizziness, a choking sensation, nausea, swelling around your eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Zorbtive (somatropin), get medical attention right away.
Swelling and joint pain
It's possible for Zorbtive (somatropin) to cause fluid buildup in your body, which can cause swelling in your body, joint pain, muscle pain, and nerve compression problems like carpal tunnel syndrome. Contact your provider if you notice any swelling in the arms and legs, shortness of breath, or weight gain in a short amount of time.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Zorbtive (somatropin) has been shown to cause inflammation of the pancreas. Contact your provider if you get sudden, severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Low hormone levels
Zorbtive (somatropin) can lower levels of cortisol, a hormone made by your body and is involved in many processes, such as controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure, and lowering inflammation. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms of low cortisol, such as weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, feeling faint or dizzy, or mood changes.
Zorbtive (somatropin) can also lower your thyroid hormone levels. Your provider will likely perform routine tests to make sure hormone levels are healthy before and during treatment.
High blood pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension)
Rarely, growth hormones like Zorbtive (somatropin) have caused intracranial hypertension, or high blood pressure in the blood vessels in the brain. This can lead to changes in your vision and cause symptoms like headache, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms usually occur within 2 months after starting treatment. Your provider will likely perform routine examinations before you start and throughout your treatment with Zorbtive (somatropin).
Zorbtive (somatropin) dosage
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.8mg | 1 vial | $1,360.79 | $1,360.79 |
Typical dosage for Zorbtive (somatropin)
The dose is based on your weight.
The typical dose is 0.1 mg/kg injected under the skin once a day for 1 month. The maximum dose is 8 mg per day. If needed, your provider can adjust the dose based on whether or not you have certain side effects from the medication.
How much does Zorbtive (somatropin) cost?
$1,360.79
Zorbtive (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 Zorbtive (somatropin) will not be safe for you to take.
- Active cancer
- A short-term critical illness from surgery, serious injuries, or a severe breathing problems
- Active eye problems from diabetes
What are alternatives to Zorbtive (somatropin)?
