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Somatrem - Some Benefits on Usage of Somatrem

Type of Drug:

Growth Hormone.

How the Somatrem Products Works:

Mimics actions of naturally occurring growth hormone; stimulates growth of bone, tissues, blood cells and internal organs.

Uses of The Somatrem:

For the long-term treatment of children who have growth failure due to a lack of adequate endogenous growth hormone secretion.

Benzyl alcohol is used in the diluents of this product as a preservative and has been associated with toxicity in newborns. When administering smarten to newborns, reconstitute with sterile water for injection.

Precatuions:

  • Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women; animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Use only if clearly needed and if potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

  • Breastfeeding: It is not known if smarten appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

  • Lab Tests: Lab tests and examinations will be required periodically to monitor treatment. Be sure to keep appointments. Tests may include eye examinations and thyroid function tests. In addition, testing for antibodies to human growth hormone may be performed in patients not responding to therapy.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and classes interact with this medicine:Glucocorticode (eg, prednisone).

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include: Injection site reactions; swelling; carpal tunnel syndrome.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Take as directed by your doctor. The weekly dose varies depending on individual needs. Do not adjust the dose or stop taking the medication without consulting your pharmacist or doctor.

  • Follow the preparation and injection procedure taught to you by your healthcare provider if you choose to administer the medicine at home. Rotate injection sites.

  • Dispose of used equipment (eg, needles and syringes) in an appropriate container as instructed. Do not reuse needles or syringes.

  • Patient instructions for use are enclosed with each package; follow instructions exactly.

  • If local or systemic allergic reactions occur, contact your doctor.

  • Report these symptoms to your physician: Limping; hip or knee pain; injection site reactions.

  • Glucocorticoid therapy may inhibit the growth promoting effect of somatrem; if this therapy is required the doses must be carefully adjusted.

  • Benzyl alcohol as a preservative in Bacteriostatic Water for Injection has been associated with toxicity in newborns. When administering somatrem to newborns, reconstitute with Sterile Water for Injection.

  • Lab tests or exams will be required periodically to monitor treatment. These may include eye examinations and thyroid function tests. In addition, tests for antibodies to human growth hormone may be carried out in patients failing to respond to therapy.

  • Store somatrem before and after reconstitution under refrigeration (36° to 46°F). Use reconstituted solution within 14 days. Avoid freezing. Do not use if cloudy.