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.
Zorbtive
Used for Short Bowel Syndrome
Used for Short Bowel Syndrome
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
| Common Brands | Zorbtive |
|---|---|
| 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 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
Get your GoodRx coupon
N/A
GoodRx discount
$1360.79
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.
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
The average cost for 1 vial of 8.8mg of Zorbtive (somatropin) is $1,360.79 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Vial
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?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Zorbtive (brand)
$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)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zorbtive (somatropin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Zorbtive (somatropin)
