Which lab work is important while taking Somatropin rh-GH?

Somatropin, also known as recombinant human growth hormone (rh-GH), is a medication used to treat growth hormone deficiency in children and adults. While taking somatropin, it is important to monitor certain laboratory values to assess the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Here are some key lab work that is typically recommended:

1. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): IGF-1 is a hormone that is produced in response to growth hormone stimulation. Measuring IGF-1 levels can help assess the growth hormone's effectiveness and guide dose adjustments.

2. Glucose: Somatropin can affect glucose metabolism, so monitoring fasting blood glucose levels is important to assess for potential insulin resistance or diabetes.

3. Thyroid Function Tests: Somatropin can influence thyroid function, so thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels may be monitored to ensure normal thyroid function.

4. Liver Function Tests: Liver function tests, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin, may be monitored to assess the potential impact of somatropin on liver function.

5. Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC may be performed to monitor for any changes in blood cell counts, such as red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count.

6. Lipid Profile: Monitoring lipid levels, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, is important to assess the potential impact of somatropin on lipid metabolism.

7. Growth Parameters: In children receiving somatropin for growth hormone deficiency, growth velocity and height measurements are crucial for monitoring the treatment's effectiveness.

The frequency and specific laboratory tests may vary depending on individual circumstances and the healthcare provider's recommendations. It is important for individuals taking somatropin to follow their healthcare provider's instructions and undergo regular lab monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment.