Home Drug Guide Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd

Brand Names Skytrofa

Classification

Therapeutic: Growth hormone deficiency

Pharmacological: Recombinant human growth hormone

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of pediatric growth failure due to growth hormone deficiency

Mechanism of Action

Lonapegsomatropin is a long-acting recombinant human growth hormone that stimulates growth and cell reproduction by binding to growth hormone receptors, leading to increased production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically not indicated; primarily used in pediatric patients.

Pediatric: Dosage varies based on body weight and clinical response, administered via subcutaneous injection once weekly.

Geriatric: Not specifically studied; dosage adjustment may be necessary based on clinical response and tolerability.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustments established; monitor closely.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustments established; use with caution.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed via subcutaneous injection with a slow release.

Distribution: Distributed throughout bodily tissues; specific volume not well established.

Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver and other tissues.

Excretion: Metabolites excreted primarily via renal pathways.

Half Life: Approximately 25 hours after subcutaneous injection.

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy
  • Hypersensitivity to any component of the product

Precautions

  • Monitor for increased intracranial pressure, edema, and signs of intracranial hypertension; evaluate for scoliosis progression; check for glucose intolerance or diabetes; use with caution in patients with underlying eye disease or tumors.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Injection site reactions (Common)
  • Headache (Common)
  • Arthralgia (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Intracranial hypertension (Less common)
  • Progression of scoliosis (Less common)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Glucocorticoids may attenuate growth-promoting effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor growth velocity, check IGF-1 levels, assess for side effects like edema or headache.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for impaired growth
  • Risk for intracranial hypertension

Implementation: Administer subcutaneously as prescribed, rotate injection sites, educate patient on injection technique and side effects.

Evaluation: Assess growth response, monitor for adverse effects, adjust dose as needed.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Administer injections as instructed, rotate injection sites, report any severe headaches, visual changes, or signs of allergic reactions.
  • Understand the importance of regular follow-up visits for monitoring growth and side effects.
  • Do not alter dose without medical advice.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None specifically identified for Lonapegsomatropin.
  • However, growth hormone therapies are associated with increased risk of neoplasia; monitor regularly.

Genetic Factors: Response to therapy may vary based on underlying genetic conditions affecting growth.

Lab Test Interference: May affect serum glucose, thyroid function tests, and IGF-1 levels.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Signs of overdose may include increased intracranial pressure, new or worsening scoliosis, or signs of hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia.

Treatment: Discontinue medication, provide supportive care, monitor blood glucose, and intracranial pressure as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).

Stability: Stable until the expiration date when stored properly; protect from light.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.