Somatropin Treatment for Adults
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Conditions Treated by Somatropin
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Somatropin injections treat many different conditions. Growth hormone deficiency is the most common reason for these injections. It allows people with growth hormone deficiencies to grow taller during natural growth spurts. Somatropin boosts the red blood cell count in adults suffering from anemia due to chronic kidney failure. HIV and AIDS patients can benefit from the use of somatropin as well, because it stops the drastic weight loss that is often a result of the virus. Adults with short bowel syndrome can prevent weight loss and muscle wasting by getting regular somatropin injections.
Proper Usage
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Somatropin is only available by prescription. It comes in the form of an injection into the muscle or under the skin. Your doctor will administer the injection, but in some cases you may be able to give yourself the injection at home. If you wish to do it at home, make sure that you fully understand the instructions. Your doctor will teach you how to use the syringes, and show you the different parts of your body that are good injection sites. Use a different part of your body each time you inject yourself with somatropin. When you are done with the syringe, dispose of it in a puncture-proof container. Keep the used syringes away from pets and children.
Side Effects
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Common side effects of somatropin include headache, breast swelling, injection site irritation, stomach pain, mild nausea, gas, joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as sudden and severe pain in your upper stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fast heartbeat, fever, jaundice, sudden and severe pain behind your eyes, vision changes, increased thirst, increased urination, numbness in your hands and swelling in the head, face, hands or feet. Seek emergency assistance if you have an allergic reaction to the injection.
Warnings
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Disclose your full medical history to your doctor before beginning somatropin injections, especially if you have had allergies, trauma, surgery, diabetes, breathing problems, cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, scoliosis, pancreas disorder, high blood pressure, underactive thyroid or brain tumors. Discuss any other medications that you may be taking so your doctor can determine if they will cause an adverse reaction. Inform your doctor of any allergic reactions to drug preservatives or growth hormone medicine that you may have had. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend another form of treatment, as it is unclear if somatropin is harmful to unborn and nursing babies.
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