ZOMACTON is a growth hormone (GH) used for the treatment of multiple conditions in children experiencing growth failure from not producing enough of their own growth hormone.
ZOMACTON is also used for adults who do not make enough growth hormone on their own.
ZOMACTON (somatropin) for Injection
Indications
ZOMACTON®, registered trademark is a recombinant human growth hormone (GH) indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with:
- growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous GH
- short stature associated with Turner syndrome
- idiopathic short stature (ISS)
- short stature or growth failure in short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) deficiency
- short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by 2 to 4 years
ZOMACTON is also indicated for the replacement of endogenous GH in adults with GH deficiency.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
ZOMACTON is contraindicated in patients with:
- acute critical illness
- pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese, have a history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or have severe respiratory impairment due to the risk of death
- active malignancy
- hypersensitivity to ZOMACTON, its excipients, or diluents. Systemic hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropins
- active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy
- pediatric patients with closed epiphyses
Warnings and Precautions
- Increased Risk of Neoplasm: Second neoplasms have occurred in childhood cancer survivors. Monitor patients with preexisting tumors for progression or recurrence.
- Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus: ZOMACTON may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Monitor glucose levels periodically, especially in patients with existing diabetes mellitus or at risk for development.
- Intracranial Hypertension (IH): Has been reported usually within 8 weeks of initiation. Perform fundoscopic examinations prior to initiation and periodically thereafter. If papilledema occurs, stop treatment.
- Hypersensitivity: Serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur, including anaphylaxis and angioedema; seek prompt medical attention.
- Fluid Retention: May occur in adults and may be dose dependent.
- Hypoadrenalism: Monitor patients for reduced serum cortisol levels or need for glucocorticoid dose increases in those with known hypoadrenalism.
- Hypothyroidism: Monitor thyroid function periodically as hypothyroidism may occur or worsen after initiation of somatropin.
- Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Pediatric Patients: May occur; evaluate patients with onset of a limp or hip/knee pain for slipped capital femoral epiphysis and osteonecrosis and manage accordingly.
- Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients: Monitor patients with scoliosis for progression.
- Pancreatitis: Has been reported; consider pancreatitis in patients with abdominal pain, especially pediatric patients.
- Risk of Serious Adverse Reactions in Infants due to Benzyl Alcohol Preservative: Serious and fatal adverse reactions can occur in neonates and infants treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved drugs, including the diluent for ZOMACTON 5 mg. If administering ZOMACTON 5 mg to infants, reconstitute with 0.9% sodium chloride injection.
Adverse Reactions
Common adverse reactions reported include: upper respiratory infection, fever, pharyngitis, headache, otitis media, edema, arthralgia, paresthesia, myalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral edema, flu syndrome, hypothyroidism, hyperglycemia, and impaired glucose tolerance.
Drug Interactions
- Glucocorticoids: Patients treated with glucocorticoids may require an increased dose.
- Pharmacologic Glucocorticoid Therapy and Supraphysiologic Glucocorticoid Treatment: Adjust dosing in pediatric patients to avoid hypoadrenalism or an inhibitory effect on growth.
- Cytochrome P450-Metabolized Drugs: Monitor carefully if used with ZOMACTON as clearance may be altered.
- Oral Estrogen: Larger doses of ZOMACTON may be required.
- Insulin or Other Hypoglycemic Agents: Dose adjustment may be required.
Use in Specific Populations
Pregnancy and Lactation: If ZOMACTON 5 mg is needed, reconstitute with 0.9% sodium chloride injection or use the ZOMACTON 10 mg benzyl alcohol-free formulation.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 800-FDA-1088.
Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional safety information.