Drug Guide

Generic Name

Somapacitan-beco

Brand Names Sogroya

Classification

Therapeutic: Growth hormone deficiency in adults

Pharmacological: Recombinant human growth hormone

FDA Approved Indications

  • Treatment of adult growth hormone deficiency

Mechanism of Action

Somapacitan-beco is a recombinant human growth hormone that stimulates overall growth and cell reproduction by activating growth hormone receptors, leading to increased IGF-1 production.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Typically administered subcutaneously once weekly, dosage individualized based on patient response and IGF-1 levels.

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use.

Geriatric: Dose adjustments may be necessary based on tolerability and response.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment recommended; monitor closely.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; monitor liver function.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapid after subcutaneous injection.

Distribution: Widely distributed throughout body tissues.

Metabolism: Broken down by proteolytic enzymes.

Excretion: Metabolites excreted mainly via urine.

Half Life: Approximately 2 days.

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy
  • Hypersensitivity to recombinant human growth hormone

Precautions

  • Diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance
  • Potential risk of tumor growth
  • Monitoring IGF-1 levels to avoid overdosage.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Injection site reactions (Common)
  • Joint pain or swelling (Common)
  • Edema (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Intracranial hypertension (Rare)
  • Glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus (Less common)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • Glucocorticoids (may antagonize growth-promoting effects)
  • Insulin or other antidiabetic drugs (may require dose adjustment)

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor growth response, IGF-1 levels, glucose levels, and injection site reactions.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
  • Risk for injection site infection

Implementation: Administer subcutaneously once weekly as prescribed.

Evaluation: Assess for therapeutic response and adverse effects periodically.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Inject medication on the same day each week.
  • Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
  • Report any severe pain, swelling, or signs of hypersensitivity.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Potential increased risk of neoplasm growth; monitor accordingly.

Genetic Factors: Genetic mutations affecting growth hormone receptor pathways may influence response.

Lab Test Interference: May affect IGF-1 and glucose test results.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Signs of excessive growth hormone such as joint pain, swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome, or symptoms of hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia.

Treatment: Discontinue medication, provide supportive care, and manage symptoms accordingly.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store refrigerated at 2-8°C; protect from light.

Stability: Stable for up to 30 days at room temperature (per manufacturer specifications).

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended for clinical use.