Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Humatrope (Somatropin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Humatrope (Somatropin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Humatrope (Somatropin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• breast enlargement
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs
• redness, pain or swelling at site of injection
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Depression of skin at place of injection
• ear infection or other ear problems (in Turner's syndrome)
• headache
• limp
• nausea and vomiting
• pain in hip or knee
• severe abdominal pain, particulary in children
• skin rash or itching
• symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• severe or frequent Headaches with nausea and vomiting or vision problems
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Humatrope (Somatropin).

Vial package
Each package of Humatrope contains one vial of Humatrope (Somatropin) 5 mg (15 IU) and one vial of diluent. Nonmedicinal ingredients: vial: dibasic sodium phosphate, glycine, and mannitol; diluent: glycerin and m-cresol.

Cartridge combination package for use with Humatro-Pen
Each package contains one cartridge of Humatrope (Somatropin) 6.0 mg (18 IU), 12.0 mg (36 IU), or 24.0 mg (72 IU) with a 3.15 mL syringe diluent and diluent connector. Nonmedicinal ingredients: vial: dibasic sodium phosphate, glycine, and mannitol; diluent: glycerin and m-cresol.

Humatrope (Somatropin) injection should not be used by or given to anyone who:

• is allergic to Humatrope (Somatropin) or any ingredients of the medication
• is a child with closed epiphyses (growth plates)
• has active cancer
• has an active brain tumour
• has an acute illness due to complications of surgery, has respiratory (breathing) failure, or has just had a serious accident
• has Prader-Willi syndrome and is severely obese or has severe breathing problems
• have vision problems due to long-term effects of Diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)

There may be an interaction between Humatrope (Somatropin) and any of the following:

• Cyclosporine
• corticosteroids (e.g., cortisone, Prednisone)
• diabetes medications (e.g., Glimepiride, insulin, Metformin)
• estrogen

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Humatrope (Somatropin). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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 Humatrope (Somatropin).

Cancer: There may be 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: Humatrope (Somatropin) may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Humatrope (Somatropin).

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Humatrope (Somatropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Humatrope (Somatropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Hypothyroidism (low level of Thyroid hormone): If you have uncontrolled hypothyroidism, treatment with Humatrope (Somatropin) may not work as well as it could. Discuss with your doctor how Humatrope (Somatropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Humatrope (Somatropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Treatment with Humatrope (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.

Scoliosis: People with scoliosis are at risk of a worsening of their condition while taking Humatrope (Somatropin). If you have scoliosis, discuss with your doctor how Humatrope (Somatropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Humatrope (Somatropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Humatrope (Somatropin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Humatrope (Somatropin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Humatrope (Somatropin) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Humatrope (Somatropin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using Humatrope (Somatropin) have not been established for adults over 65 years of age.