Description

Genotropin

You should not use Genotropin if you have cancer, diabetic retinopathy, or if you are being treated for Prader-Willi syndrome and you are overweight or have severe breathing problems.

You should not use Genotropin if you are allergic to Genotropin or benzyl alcohol, or if you have:

• active cancer;
• eye problems caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy); or
• you are being treated for Prader-Willi syndrome and you are overweight or have severe breathing problems (including sleep apnea).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes;
• a pituitary gland disorder;
• abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
• underactive thyroid;
• a head injury or brain tumor; or
• childhood brain cancer and radiation treatment.

How should I use Genotropin?

Use the medicine exactly as directed.

A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Genotropin if you don’t understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Do not shake the medicine. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

If your medicine comes with a syringe, cartridge, or injection pen, use only that device to give your medicine.

You may need frequent medical tests.

How you store this medicine will depend on the Genotropin brand and the diluent you are using. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about proper storage of your medication.

Throw away any Genotropin left over after the expiration date on the label has passed.

Genotropin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious breathing problems may occur in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who use Genotropin.

• pain in your knees or hips, walking with a limp;
• ear pain, swelling, warmth, or drainage;
• numbness or tingling in your wrist, hand, or fingers;
• severe swelling or puffiness in your hands and feet;
• pain or swelling in your joints;
• pancreatitis–severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting;
• high blood sugar–increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• increased pressure inside the skull–severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or
• signs of an adrenal gland problem–extreme weakness, severe dizziness, weight loss, changes in skin color, feeling very weak or tired.

Common side effects may include:

• pain, itching, or skin changes where the medicine was injected;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• muscle or joint pain;
• numbness or tingling;
• stomach pain, gas;
• headache, back pain; or
• cold or flu symptoms, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, ear pain.