Skytrofa

Generic name: Lonapegsomatropin
Drug class: Growth hormones

Usage of Skytrofa

Skytrofa is a form of human growth hormone used to treat people 1 year and older who weigh at least 25 lbs (11.5 kg) and have growth problems because of inadequate secretion of growth hormone.

Skytrofa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Skytrofa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Skytrofa may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

pain in your knees or hips, walking with a limp;

numbness or tingling in your wrist, hand, or fingers;

severe swelling or puffiness in your hands and feet;

changes in behavior;

vision problems, unusual headaches;

changes in the shape or size of a mole;

pain or swelling in your joints;

pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting;

high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

increased pressure inside the skull--severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or

signs of an adrenal gland problem--extreme weakness, severe dizziness, weight loss, changes in skin color, feeling very weak or tired.

Common side effects of Skytrofa may include:

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

nosebleed, pinpoint purple or red spots under your skin;

fever;

cough;

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; or

joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Skytrofa

You should not use Skytrofa if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

a serious illness due to lung failure, or complications from recent surgery, injury, or medical trauma;

closed epiphyses;

active cancer;

eye problems caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy); or

Prader-Willi syndrome and you are overweight or have severe breathing problems (including sleep apnea).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

cancer (especially during childhood);

diabetes;

a head injury or brain tumor;

childhood brain cancer and radiation treatment;

a pituitary gland disorder;

underactive thyroid;

abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis); or

breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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How to use Skytrofa

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Skytrofa is injected under the skin once a week. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Never share an injection pen, cartridge, or syringe even if you changed the needle. Sharing these devices can pass infections from person to person.

You may need frequent medical tests.

Store in the refrigerator in the outer carton to protect from light. Do not freeze.

Skytrofa can also be stored in the outer carton at room temperature for up to 6 months. Skytrofa can be returned to the refrigerator within 6 months.

Do not use Skytrofa beyond 6 months after the date it was first removed from the refrigerator or if this medicine has expired (whichever is earlier).

Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about proper storage of your medication.

Warnings

Call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back; increased thirst, increased urination; severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems; weight loss, changes in skin color, feeling very weak or tired.

What other drugs will affect Skytrofa

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

insulin or oral diabetes medicine; or

a steroid (prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Skytrofa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.