Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) belongs to a class of drugs known as growth stimulants. Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) is a synthetic version of growth hormone. Growth hormone is made naturally in our bodies by the pituitary gland and is necessary for stimulation of growth in children.

Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) is used to treat:

• growth hormone deficiency in children (to replace growth hormone that they are unable to produce enough naturally)
• growth failure in children due to chronic Kidney Disease up until the time of kidney transplantation
• adults who have growth hormone deficiency (this can result from pituitary disease, surgery, radiation therapy, diseases of the hypothalamus, or trauma)
• short stature in people with Turner's syndrome

Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose depends on the circumstances and body weight of the person being treated. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) to be injected.

Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) is administered by injection only. It is usually injected subcutaneously (under the skin), although it can be given intramuscularly (into the muscle) if the doctor prefers. If it is injected under the skin, it is important to rotate the site of injection in order to minimize the risk of fat wasting at the site of injection.

If you are using Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) at home, your doctor will ensure that you understand exactly how to use it. Make sure you ask any and all questions necessary to ensure that you use it exactly as prescribed. Please refer to the appropriate package insert for details on how to mix the medicine and for proper injection procedures. It is important to visit your doctor regularly during therapy to ensure that the medication is working safely and effectively.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of the medicine, call the doctor for further instructions. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) in the refrigerator, do not freeze, and protect from light. Discard it 28 days after the first use.

Keep Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

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 Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Nutropin AQ Nuspin (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.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• headache
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• redness, pain or swelling at site of injection
• stiffness in the arms and legs
• swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs
• 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:

• breathing problems, Sleep Apnea, or new or increased snoring (in Prader-Willi syndrome)
• 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 Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin).

Nutropin AQ NuSpin

5mg/2mL cartridge
Each cartridge contains 5 mg of Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) per 2 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: phenol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate.

10mg/2mL cartridge
Each cartridge contains 10 mg of Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) per 2 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: phenol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate.

20mg/2mL cartridge
Each cartridge contains 20 mg of Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) per 2 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: phenol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate.

Nutropin AQ Pen Cartridge

10 mg/2 mL pen cartridge
Each cartridge contains 10 mg of Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) per 2 mL of solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: phenol, polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate.

Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) injection should not be used by or given to anyone who:

• is allergic to Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) or any ingredients of the medication
• has active cancer
• 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
• has diabetic retinopathy

Do not give Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) to children with closed epiphyses (growth plates).

There may be an interaction between Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin) and any of the following:

• corticosteroids (e.g., cortisone, Prednisone)
• diabetes medications (e.g., Glimepiride, insulin, Metformin, Saxagliptin)
• 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 Nutropin AQ Nuspin (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 take Nutropin AQ Nuspin (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: Nutropin AQ Nuspin (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 Nutropin AQ Nuspin (Somatropin).

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

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

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

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