Products
Somatropin is commercially available as an injectable from several manufacturers. Recombinant growth hormone has been available since the late 1980s. Biosimilars are approved in some countries.
Structure and properties
Somatropin is a recombinant polypeptide hormone with a molecular mass of 22 kDa, consisting of 191 amino acids. It corresponds to human growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland and is produced by biotechnological methods. In the past, the hormone was extracted from pituitary glands of deceased people – but this can cause disease and, fortunately, is no longer necessary.
Effects
Somatropin (ATC H01AC01) stimulates bone and body growth. It has numerous effects on metabolism. It stimulates cell and organ growth, promotes protein synthesis and lipolysis, and increases blood glucose levels.
Indications
Children:
- Pituitary dwarfism
- Growth disturbances due to chronic renal insufficiency.
- Growth disorders in children with intrauterine dwarfism.
- Noonan syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Turner syndrome
Adults:
- Follow-up in adults who have suffered from growth disorders as children.
- Marked growth hormone deficiency in adults.
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drug is administered subcutaneously.
Abuse
Somatropin can be abused as a doping agent and is banned both in and out of athletic competition. It is also used as an anti-aging agent.
Contraindications
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include edema, headache, sensory disturbances, joint stiffness, joint pain, and muscle pain.