Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Omnitrope (Somatropin).
Cancer: There is an increased risk of tumour growth, both cancerous and non-cancerous, when growth hormone is used by survivors of childhood cancer. Discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
Diabetes: Omnitrope (Somatropin) may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. If you have diabetes, you may find it necessary to monitor your blood sugar more frequently while using Omnitrope (Somatropin).
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Omnitrope (Somatropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Omnitrope (Somatropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Hypothyroidism (low level of Thyroid hormone): If you have uncontrolled hypothyroidism, treatment with Omnitrope (Somatropin) may not work as well as it could. Discuss with your doctor how Omnitrope (Somatropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Omnitrope (Somatropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Treatment with Omnitrope (Somatropin) may trigger hypothyroidism. If you experience unexplained weight gain, muscle aches or stiffness, constipation, dry skin or fatigue, this may be a result of too little thyroid hormone and you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pancreatitis: Somatotropin can cause the pancreas to become inflamed. If you have a history of pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how Omnitrope (Somatropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Omnitrope (Somatropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Report signs of pancreatitis such as abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or swollen abdomen to your doctor immediately.
Scoliosis: People with scoliosis are at risk of their condition worsening while taking Omnitrope (Somatropin). If you have scoliosis, discuss with your doctor how Omnitrope (Somatropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Omnitrope (Somatropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Turner Syndrome: When Omnitrope (Somatropin) is used to encourage growth in children with Turner Syndrome, there may be an increased risk of certain side effects. These children may be at increased risk of developing increased blood pressure in the brain. Because they are at an increased risk of ear and hearing disorders, the doctor should thoroughly review the child's medical history. If you or your child has ear or hearing problems, discuss with your doctor how Omnitrope (Somatropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Omnitrope (Somatropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Omnitrope (Somatropin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Omnitrope (Somatropin), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Omnitrope (Somatropin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Omnitrope (Somatropin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Some formulations of Omnitrope (Somatropin) contain the preservative benzyl alcohol. Be careful about giving these formulations to children under the age of 3 years.
Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Omnitrope (Somatropin) have not been established for adults over 65 years of age.
