Genotropin (somatropin) is a brand-name injectable solution used for growth problems in certain adults and children. As with other drugs, Genotropin can cause side effects, such as injection site reactions and headache.

Genotropin can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Genotropin in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Genotropin use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Genotropin’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Genotropin include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Genotropin and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Genotropin may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Genotropin’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Genotropin, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • type 2 diabetes, which may include symptoms such as:
    • tiredness
    • blurred vision
    • feeling thirsty more than usual
    • desire to urinate more than usual
  • intracranial hypertension (see side effects specifics)
ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Genotropin can cause an allergic reaction.

This side effect didn’t occur in the drug’s studies. However, it was reported after the drug approval.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Genotropin, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Genotropin may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does Genotropin cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time you’re receiving the drug, even if you’ve taken it for a long time. It also includes side effects that may not go away, even after you stop the drug.

People with certain health conditions may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes while using Genotropin. These conditions include Turner syndrome, obesity, or a family history of diabetes. If you have one or more of these factors, talk with your doctor about your risk and the need to monitor your blood sugar levels during treatment.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Genotropin and how long they may last.

Is Genotropin a steroid? What are the benefits of Genotropin?

No. Genotropin isn’t a steroid. It’s a human growth hormone (HGH). It’s important to note that certain steroid medications, such as prednisone (Rayos), may interact with Genotropin. This may affect how the drugs work in your body and the side effect you develop. Talk with your doctor if you are currently taking steroids before starting Genotropin.

Genotropin is beneficial in promoting growth in your bones and muscles. It can also affect the metabolism (breakdown) of certain minerals and nutrients in your body. Genotropin can help treat conditions caused by having low growth hormone levels, including growth hormone deficiency. It can also be used in children with certain conditions that may affect growth, such as Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome.

Because Genotropin affects bone and muscle growth, some of its reported side effects involve the muscles and joints. These include muscle and joint pain. People receiving Genotropin have also reported stiffness, swelling, and pain in the arms and legs.

Talk with your doctor if you have any additional questions about Genotropin treatment and expected side effects.

Read on to learn more about some potential side effects of Genotropin. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Genotropin.

Intracranial hypertension

Intracranial hypertension (IH) was a rare side effect reported in studies of Genotropin. IH results from fluid buildup around the brain, which creates high pressure. When this side effect happens, the pressure buildup usually occurs during the first 8 weeks after starting Genotropin treatment. Once the Genotropin dose is reduced or the treatment stops, symptoms quickly go away. If you have Turner syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome, you may have a higher risk of developing IH.

IH symptoms may include:

  • vision changes
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting

What you can do

Talk with your doctor about your medical conditions, including eye problems, before starting Genotropin. They will determine whether Genotropin is right for you.

Your doctor will have you complete an eye exam before starting Genotropin. This is to check for any ongoing swelling in your eye resulting from IH. They will likely have you complete regular eye exams during your Genotropin treatment.

Talk with your doctor right away if you are experiencing IH symptoms while using Genotropin. Your doctor will likely pause your Genotropin treatment. They may restart Genotropin at a lower dosage once these signs and symptoms go away. They may also recommend an alternative medication in place of Genotropin.

Injection site reactions

Injection site reactions were common side effects reported in studies of Genotropin. They typically occur when someone administers Genotropin in the same site over and over again.

Symptoms of reactions at the injection site include:

  • rash
  • pain and burning sensation
  • loss of fat under the skin
  • skin discoloration

What you can do

To reduce the risk of injection site reactions, avoid injecting Genotropin into the same spot repeatedly. Instead, rotate injection sites around the body. Also, do not inject into areas where the skin looks irritated, discolored, or has signs of tissue damage, such as fat loss. If you notice ongoing symptoms at the injection site, talk with your doctor. They may recommend an alternative medication in place of Genotropin.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Genotropin.

Precautions

Before taking Genotropin, discuss your health history with your doctor. Genotropin may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

If your child also has the following conditions, you should discuss them with your child’s doctor:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.