What Is Genotropin?

Hormone deficiencies can cause many problems in people. These problems range from simple headaches to cramps and tumors. This is because hormones regulate or are involved in so many bodily processes. One of the processes controlled by hormones is physical growth. Some people do not have enough of this hormone for various reasons, thus doctors have come up with a way to replacw the hormone artificially. They do this through the drug Genotropin. Here are some quick facts on this drug.

What Is Genotropin?

• Genotropin is a synthetic version of the natural human growth hormone and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is prescribed for those who have a growth deficiency and is administered via injection.

Who Can Take It?

• Both children and adults can take Genotropin under a doctor's supervision.

What Does It Treat?

• Genotropin is designed to treat a lack of growth due to a lack of sufficient human growth hormone. It thus is used typically with conditions that have stunted growth as a symptom. Individuals with Prader Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature, and who were born small for gestational age all have been treated successfully with Genotropin.

Side Effects

• Like any drug, Genotropin has side effects. These side affects vary based on the condition associated with the stunted growth. For those with a simple growth hormone deficiency, side effects have included redness, swelling and rashes at the site of injection. Adults have experienced fluid retention, stiffness, and pain in the muscles and joints. Those with Turner syndrome have suffered more ear, nose and throat infections, as well as joint pain. In those born small for gestational age, blood sugar was raised; early puberty, worsened scoliosis and pressure in the brain were noted. The most serious complications were noted in those with Praden-Willis syndrome. In those individuals, side effects included headache, hair loss, aggressiveness and (rarely) death.

How Should It Be Taken?

• Genotropin should be taken via injections that are administered at the same time every day. A nurse generally can show patients how to administer an injection the first time. Progress should be tracked to make sure the drug is effective.

What Affects Its Success?

• The effectiveness of Genotropin is affected by various factors. These factors include the patient's age, puberty, length of time on the drug, the dosage of the drug and genes. Genotropin is considered effective only until the bones stop growing, so doctors usually will advise that starting a Genotropin regimen early will increase the odds of success. It is not advised for individuals who have cancer or who are ill from trauma or surgery.

Controversy

• Genotropin use has been controversial in some instances, such as when it is used for those who are small for gestational age. This is because not all individuals who are small for gestational age are necessarily deficient in growth hormone--in such instances, the use of Genotropin may reflect a desire to alter genetic predisposition rather than the desire to treat a medical condition.