The Side Effects of Somatotropin

Somatotropin is a form of a human growth hormone. It supports growth in bones and muscles. It is used in adults and children who do not meet their ordinary height and strength category and have had stunted growth for a variety of reasons such as Noonan syndrome or Turner syndrome. It is also used in patients with severe weight loss attributed to AIDS. It can restore growth and muscle weight lost and help the patient meet his weight and height goals.

Allergic Reactions

• An allergic reaction to somatotropin results in the swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat. Contact a medical professional immediately or go to an emergency room to have the condition treated. Allergic reactions may lead to death.

Serious Side Effects

• Serious side effects include sudden and severe pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, vomiting, nausea, sweating, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), fast heartbeat, increased thirst and urination, sudden severe pain behind the eyes or vision changes, numbness or tingling in hands, wrist or fingers, or swelling in the head, face, hands or other extremities.

Less Serious Side Effects

• Less serious side effects include mild nausea, stomach pain, gas, breast swelling, headache, redness, soreness, swelling, skin rash, itching, pain or bruising at the injection site, or joint pain, swelling or stiffness.

Overdose

• An overdose should receive immediate medical attention. Signs of an overdose include tremors, cold sweats, ravenous hunger, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and nausea. Long-term overuse of the drug can result in excessive and unwanted growth.

Drug Interactions

• Somatotropin can interact negatively with other drugs, so be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before using it. Specific types of drugs that are known to interact with somatotropin include steroid medicines, insulin, hormone replacement drugs and seizure medications.