This medication is used to treat certain conditions (growth hormone deficiency, growth failure) in people who do not make enough growth hormone. Growth hormone is normally produced in the brain by a certain gland (pituitary gland) and has various effects on development in the body. A lack of growth hormone in children results in slowed growth and short height for the child's age. A lack of growth hormone in adults may lead to an increase in body fat. Somapacitan works by providing more growth hormone, which may help the long bones (such as the arms and legs) grow longer in children and help reduce body fat in adults.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using somapacitan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
Inject this medication under the skin of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or upper arms as directed by your doctor, usually once weekly. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin.
Do not share your device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to use the medication.
Pain, redness, itching, swelling, or thickening of the skin at the injection site may occur. Headache, fever, dizziness, or joint/back pain may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't stop, development of a limp, hip/knee pain, increased thirst/frequent urination, swelling of the hands/ankles/feet, numbness/tingling, symptoms of thyroid problems (such as cold intolerance, unexplained increased weight).
Somapacitan may increase your risk of getting a new tumor or cancer. Children who have had brain/head radiation treatment for cancer should be monitored for new tumors/cancers. Tell your doctor right away if you or a caregiver notice symptoms such as unusual changes in behavior, vision problems/changes, severe headache, changes in skin color, or change in the appearance or size of a mole. Talk with your doctor for details and to discuss the risks and benefits of this medication.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
See also Side Effects section.
Before using somapacitan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to somatropin; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recent major surgery/injury, cancer (especially of the head/neck), eye problems (such as diabetic retinopathy), Prader-Willi syndrome, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal gland problems, thyroid problems, a certain back problem (scoliosis).
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as growth factor blood tests, thyroid function, blood sugar, cortisol level, eye exam) may be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 3 days after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose on the regular scheduled day. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medication in the original carton to protect from light. This medication may be taken out of the refrigerator and put back in the refrigerator if needed. The total time out of the refrigerator should not be more than 3 days. Discard medication 6 weeks after first use, even if the pen device contains unused medication. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.