Human Growth Hormone

(soe ma TROE pin)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• If your child has Prader-Willi syndrome, this drug must be used with great care. Weight control is needed for all patients with Prader-Willi syndrome. If your child starts snoring, has bad snoring, or changes in breathing during sleep, call your child's doctor right away. If your child gets a cold and coughing, call your child's doctor.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has Prader-Willi syndrome and is very overweight.
• Not if your child has an allergy to human growth hormone or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Brain tumor, diabetic eye disease, cancer, illness shortly after open heart or belly surgery, many injuries from a crash, lung disease, or sleep apnea.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to help children grow.
• It is used to treat short bowel syndrome.
• It is used to help your child gain weight.

How does this drug work?

• Growth hormone helps the body grow.
• Growth hormone helps the body take in good foods and water.
• It raises body weight.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• Your child's doctor will teach you how to give the shot.
• Long-acting shot is given into a large muscle.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box and take the box back to your doctor when it is full.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few years to see the full effect.
• Short-bowel syndrome: It may take weeks to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Short-acting shot:
• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Long-acting shot:
• Call your doctor for an office visit.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has a history of cancer, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor.
• If your child has lung disease, talk with the doctor. He/she may be more sensitive to this drug.
• If your child is overweight, talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Watch your child's growth carefully.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Headache.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.
• Bone pain.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Irritation where the shot is given.
• Irritated pancreas.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a bad headache.
• If your child has a change in eyesight.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child has hip or knee pain.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.
• If your child has Prader-Willi syndrome:
• If your child begins to snore or has more snoring.
• If your child shows any signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.5°F (38°C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color or sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Follow how to store closely.
• Protect from light.
• Do not use if solution changes color.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.