Generic name: somatrogon [ soe-ma-troe-gon ]
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (ghla 24 mg/1.2 ml; ghla 60 mg/1.2 ml)
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
Brand names: Ngenla, Somatrogon (systemic) (monograph)
What is Somatrogon?
Somatrogon is used to treat growth failure due to low or no growth hormone levels in children at least 3 years old.
Somatrogon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if your child uses other medicines or has other medical conditions or allergies.
How should I take Somatrogon
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Somatrogon is given once per week, on the same day each week. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Somatrogon is given under the skin. A healthcare provider will teach you how to properly give somatrogon to a child.
Prepare the injection pen only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use the injection pen.
Your child's healthcare provider will show you where to inject somatrogon.
Do not inject into bony areas, areas that are bruised, red, sore or hard, and areas that have scars or any skin condition. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Never share the injection pen, even if you changed the needle. Sharing these devices can pass infections from person to person.
Doses are based on weight in children and teenagers. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
You will need frequent medical tests before and during treatment. Your child's dose may be delayed based on the results.
Your doctor will need to check your child's progress on a regular basis.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor or laboratory staff that your child is using somatrogon.
Store the injection pen in its original carton in the refrigerator, do not freeze or shake. Protect from light. Do not store the injection pen with a needle attached.
Throw away any opened (in use) medicine after 28 days, even if there is still medicine left inside. Place it in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Dosing information
Usual Pediatric Dose for Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency:
Recommended dose in patients aged 3 years and older: 0.66 mg/kg based on actual body weight given once a week by subcutaneous injection
Comments:
-Administer on the same day each week at any time of day.
-Subcutaneous injection may be given in abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or upper arms; rotate site weekly.
-Perform fundoscopic examination prior to treatment to exclude papilledema.
-Dosage should be individualized based on growth response.
Use: For the treatment of pediatric patients aged 3 years and older who have growth failure
due to an inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone.
Before Taking
Your child should not use somatrogon if they are allergic to it, or if your child has:
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complications after certain types of heart or stomach surgery, trauma;
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closed bone growth plates (epiphyses);
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Prader-Willi syndrome, is severely obese, or has sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
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other serious breathing problems;
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cancer or other tumors; or
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certain types of eye problems caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy).
Tell your doctor if your child has or has ever had:
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diabetes;
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history of high pressure inside the skull;
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scoliosis;
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major surgery;
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a breathing disorder; or
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brain cancer or head tumor, in particular if it was treated with radiation.
Using somatrogon may increase your risk of developing cancer. Ask your child's doctor about this risk.
Tell your doctor if your child is pregnant or breastfeeding.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Give the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 3 days late for the dose, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Somatrogon?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.