Skytrofa’s once weekly dose for growth hormone deficiency depends on your child’s body weight and response to the drug. It is important to follow the Skytrofa dosage a doctor prescribes.
Skytrofa is a prescription drug used to treat growth hormone deficiency in certain children. The drug comes as a single-dose prefilled cartridge for use in an auto-injector. Skytrofa is given once per week as an injection under the skin.
The active ingredient in Skytrofa is lonapegsomatropin-tcgd.* Skytrofa belongs to a group of drugs called growth hormones.
Keep reading for detailed dosage guidelines for Skytrofa, as well as its strengths and how to use it.
* The reason “-tcgd” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for Skytrofa. The dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The dosage per kg is measured in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and is calculated by your child’s doctor.
Be sure to use the dosage the doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your child’s needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your child’s dosage from those mentioned here.
Skytrofa’s form
Skytrofa comes in single-dose prefilled cartridges. Each cartridge has two chambers: one contains the drug in powder form and one contains sterile water. Your child’s doctor will show you or a caregiver how to prepare the medication for injection.
Skytrofa strengths
Skytrofa cartridges are available in several strengths:
- 3 mg
- 3.6 mg
- 4.3 mg
- 5.2 mg
- 6.3 mg
- 7.6 mg
- 9.1 mg
- 11 mg
- 13.3 mg
Skytrofa has approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat growth hormone deficiency in children ages 1 year and older who weigh at least 11.5 kg (about 25 lb).
The typical Skytrofa dosage for children is 0.24 mg/kg, given once weekly. The following table summarizes Skytrofa’s dose by body weight.
| Body weight (kg) | Body weight (lb), approximate | Skytrofa dose |
|---|---|---|
| 11.5 to 13.9 kg | 25 to 31 lb | 3 mg |
| 14 to 16.4 kg | 31 to 36 lb | 3.6 mg |
| 16.5 to 19.9 kg | 36 to 44 lb | 4.3 mg |
| 20 to 23.9 kg | 44 to 53 lb | 5.2 mg |
| 24 to 28.9 kg | 53 to 64 lb | 6.3 mg |
| 29 to 34.9 kg | 64 to 77 lb | 7.6 mg |
| 35 to 41.9 kg | 77 to 92 lb | 9.1 mg |
| 42 to 50.9 kg | 92 to 112 lb | 11 mg |
| 51 to 60.4 kg | 112 to 133 lb | 13.3 mg |
| 60.5 to 69.9 kg | 133 to 154 lb | 15.2 mg (two 7.6-mg cartridges) |
| 70 to 84.9 kg | 154 to 187 lb | 18.2 mg (two 9.1-mg cartridges) |
| 85 to 100 kg | 187 to 220 lb | 22 mg (two 11-mg cartridges) |
Always follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from using the medication.
For more information about Skytrofa’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Skytrofa comes as a powder with sterile water in a single-dose cartridge. You’ll load a cartridge into the Skytrofa rechargeable auto-injection device. The device mixes the drug with the water to make an injectable solution.
Then, you use the device to inject the solution subcutaneously. The injection itself takes about 10 to 15 seconds.
You can inject Skytrofa into the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or buttocks. Be sure to rotate the injection site each week. Rotating the injection site helps prevent lumps and other skin changes.
Your child’s doctor or another healthcare professional will show you or a caregiver how to use Skytrofa. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website to watch a video and read step-by-step instructions.
Note: If your child previously had daily injections of somatropin, the doctor will likely have you wait at least 8 hours between the last dose of somatropin and the first dose of Skytrofa. (The body converts the active ingredient in Skytrofa into somatropin.)
How long do you use Skytrofa?
Skytrofa is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your child’s condition, they’ll likely use it long term.
Do not take more Skytrofa than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Skytrofa overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of Skytrofa can include:
- low blood sugar, followed high blood sugar
- fluid retention, which can cause swelling
Long-term overdose of growth hormone medications may cause gigantism. (Skytrofa is a growth hormone.) Symptoms may include:
- rapid growth of long bones, leading to increased height
- larger hands and feet than typical
- enlarged organs, including the heart
- delayed puberty
- irregular or no periods in females
- vision issues
- distinct facial features
What to do in case you inject too much Skytrofa
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Skytrofa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
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.