Home Drug Guide Somatropin Recombinant

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Somatropin Recombinant

Brand Names Zorbtive

Classification

Therapeutic: Biologic Therapy for Growth Failure and Short Bowel Syndrome

Pharmacological: Growth Hormone (GH) Analog)

FDA Approved Indications

Short bowel syndrome in adults receiving specialized nutrition
Growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone in pediatric patients

Mechanism of Action

Somatropin is a recombinant DNA-derived human growth hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration by binding to growth hormone receptors, thereby increasing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) production, which mediates many of the growth-promoting effects.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dose varies based on indication; for short bowel syndrome, typically 0.1 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily, titrated based on response.

Pediatric: Dosing depends on weight and indication; often 0.025 to 0.05 mg/kg/day divided into daily subcutaneous injections.

Geriatric: No specific adjustments needed; use with caution due to increased risk of adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustments may be necessary based on clinical response.

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution; close monitoring advised.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Subcutaneous administration; absorption is slow and variable.

Distribution: Distributed widely in bodily tissues.

Metabolism: Metabolized via proteolysis into amino acids.

Excretion: Excreted primarily as amino acids after metabolism.

Half Life: Approximately 3.5 hours.

Contraindications

Active malignancy
Hypersensitivity to somatropin or excipients

Precautions

Diabetic patients or those with glucose intolerance, because GH can induce insulin resistance.
Patients with intracranial hypertension or related symptoms.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Injection site reactions (Common)
Edema (Common)
Arthralgia or myalgia (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Intracranial hypertension (Rare)
Glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus (Uncommon)
Anaphylaxis (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Glucocorticoids (may diminish the effect of somatropin)
Hormonal therapies

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor growth response, blood glucose levels, and thyroid function.

Diagnoses:

Risk for impaired glucose tolerance

Implementation: Administer subcutaneously as prescribed, preferably at the same time daily.

Evaluation: Assess for improvement in growth parameters in pediatric patients and nutritional status in adults.

Patient/Family Teaching

Instruct on proper injection technique.
Report any severe headache, visual changes, or signs of allergic reaction.
Regular follow-up appointments for monitoring response.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

Potential for neoplastic growth; use with caution in patients with active malignancy.

Genetic Factors: Growth response may vary based on underlying genetic conditions.

Lab Test Interference: May alter glucose and thyroid function tests.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, fluid retention, or possible tumor growth.

Treatment: Discontinue drug; supportive care; address symptoms accordingly.

Storage and Handling

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

Stability: Stable until the expiration date on the vial when stored properly. Once reconstituted, use immediately or store in a refrigerator for no more than 24 hours.