somatrogon at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting recombinant human growth hormone agonist
Licensed use
Growth disturbance caused by growth hormone deficiency in children and adolescents aged 3 years and over
Administration
Subcutaneous injection using a multi-dose pre-filled pen after appropriate training
Storage
Keep refrigerated, protect from light and do not freeze or shake
What is somatrogon used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Growth disturbance caused by insufficient growth hormone secretion in children and adolescents aged 3 years and over.
How does somatrogon work?
Somatrogon binds to growth hormone receptors and increases insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Growth hormone and IGF-1 support bone growth, linear growth and metabolic effects. Added peptide domains prolong its activity.
somatrogon preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 24 mg, 60 mg
How to take somatrogon
Use the pre-filled pen exactly as demonstrated by the specialist team.
Inject under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, buttock or upper arm; a caregiver should give upper-arm or buttock injections.
Rotate injection sites.
Use a new sterile needle each time, remove it afterwards and never share the pen.
Check the solution is clear and colourless to slightly yellow. Do not use it if cloudy, dark yellow or particulate, and do not shake it.
Return the capped pen to the refrigerator after use and store it without a needle attached.
somatrogon side effects
Common or expected effects
- Injection-site pain, redness, itching, swelling, bruising or warmth
- Headache
- Fever
- Anaemia or increased eosinophils on blood testing
- Hypothyroidism
- Joint pain or pain in an arm or leg
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Possible raised pressure inside the skull: severe or frequent headache, visual change, vomiting or coordination problems
- Severe abdominal pain that may indicate pancreatitis
- New limp or hip or knee pain requiring assessment for an epiphyseal disorder
- Symptoms or biochemical evidence of adrenal insufficiency
somatrogon in pregnancy
There are no clinical pregnancy data for somatrogon. It is not recommended during pregnancy or for someone who could become pregnant without contraception. Discuss pregnancy or plans for pregnancy promptly with the specialist prescriber.
somatrogon while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether somatrogon passes into human milk. The specialist should weigh the benefit of breastfeeding against the benefit of treatment when deciding whether breastfeeding or somatrogon should be stopped.
somatrogon interactions
Tell the specialist team about all prescribed, non-prescribed and hormonal treatments. Relevant interactions include:
Glucocorticoids
They may reduce the growth response, while somatrogon may reveal inadequate cortisol replacement; growth and adrenal replacement should be reviewed.
Insulin and other glucose-lowering medicines
Somatrogon can reduce insulin sensitivity, so glucose control and diabetes treatment may need review.
Thyroid hormone
Growth hormone treatment can reveal central hypothyroidism, so thyroid replacement may need review.
Common questions about somatrogon
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is somatrogon used for?
It treats growth disturbance caused by growth hormone deficiency in children and adolescents aged 3 years and over.
How is somatrogon injected?
It is injected under the skin with a pre-filled pen after the patient or caregiver has received training.
Can a somatrogon pen be shared?
No. Each pen is for one patient only, even when the needle is changed.
What should somatrogon look like before injection?
The solution should be clear and colourless to slightly light yellow, without flakes or particles.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.