Norditropin (Somatropin Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Norditropin

Turner Syndrome »

What is Turner syndrome?

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that alters development in females. Women with this condition tend to be shorter than average and are usually unable to conceive a child (infertile) because of an absence of ovarian function. Other features of this condition that can vary among women who have Turner syndrome include: extra skin on the neck (webbed neck), puffiness or swelling (lymphedema) of the hands and feet, skeletal abnormalities, heart defects and kidney problems.

This condition occurs in about 1 in 2,500 female births worldwide, but is much more common among pregnancies that do not survive to term (miscarriages and stillbirths).

Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition related to the X chromosome.

Researchers have not yet determined which genes on the X chromosome are responsible for most signs and symptoms of Turner syndrome. They have, however, identified one gene called SHOX that is importa...

Read the Turner Syndrome article »

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Norditropin

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Norditropin®
Cartridges [somatropin (rDNA origin)] Injection

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Norditropin is a polypeptide hormone of recombinant DNA origin. The hormone is synthesized by a special strain of E. coli bacteria that has been modified by the addition of a plasmid which carries the gene for human growth hormone. Norditropin contains the identical sequence of 191 amino acids constituting the naturally occurring pituitary human growth hormone with a molecular weight of about 22,000 Daltons.

Norditropin cartridges are supplied as sterile solutions for subcutaneous injection in ready-to-administer cartridges or prefilled pens with a volume of 1.5 mL or 3 mL.

Each Norditropin Cartridge contains the following (see Table 2):

Table 2

Component	5 mg/1.5 mL	10 mg/1.5 mL	15 mg/1.5 mL	30 mg/3 mL
Somatropin	5 mg	10 mg	15 mg	30 mg
Histidine	1 mg	1 mg	1.7 mg	3.3 mg
Poloxamer 188	4.5 mg	4.5 mg	4.5 mg	9.0 mg
Phenol	4.5 mg	4.5 mg	4.5 mg	9.0 mg
Mannitol	60 mg	60 mg	58 mg	117 mg
HCl/NaOH	as needed	as needed	as needed	as needed
Water for Injection	up to 1.5 mL	up to 1.5 mL	up to 1.5 mL	up to 3.0 mL

What are the possible side effects of somatropin?

If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, call your doctor promptly if you develop signs of lung or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, or new or increased snoring. Rare cases of serious breathing problems have occurred in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who use somatropin.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

sudden...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Norditropin »

What are the precautions when taking somatropin injection (Norditropin)?

Before using somatropin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: eye problems (e.g., diabetic retinopathy), major surgery or trauma, severe breathing problems (acute respiratory failure), undergoing therapy for tumors (cancer), Prader-Willi syndrome (see Side Effects section above), normal growth has stopped (closed epiphyses).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist...

Read All Potential Precautions of Norditropin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/30/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.