Somatropin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Somatropin is a man-made growth hormone. It is a prescription medicine used for growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and growth failure in chronic kidney disease. In Pakistan it is available as injections, made by 2 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Somatropin works
Somatropin is a laboratory-made form of human growth hormone, identical to the natural hormone. It stimulates the liver and other tissues to produce IGF-1, which drives the growth of bones and muscles in children and, in adults, helps regulate body fat, muscle mass, bone strength and energy.
What is Somatropin used for?
- Growth hormone deficiency
- Turner syndrome
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Growth failure in chronic kidney disease
Somatropin is used to treat children whose growth is poor because their body does not make enough growth hormone, and children with certain conditions that affect growth, such as Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic kidney disease, or being born small for gestational age without catching up. It is also used in adults with confirmed severe growth hormone deficiency.
Side effects of Somatropin
Many children and adults use Somatropin without major problems. Commonly reported effects are:
- Headache
- Joint or muscle pain
- Swelling of the hands or feet
- Pain or redness at the injection site
- Tingling or numbness in the hands
Contact the doctor promptly for a severe or persistent headache with vision problems or vomiting, a new limp or hip or knee pain in a child, severe stomach pain, or signs of high blood sugar such as excessive thirst.
Precautions and warnings
- Somatropin is started and monitored by a specialist endocrinologist, with regular checks of growth, blood sugar and thyroid function.
- Tell the doctor about any history of cancer, diabetes, curvature of the spine or breathing problems during sleep.
- It must not be used when there is an active tumour or a serious acute illness, such as after major surgery.
- Learn the correct injection technique, change the injection site each time, and store pens or vials in the refrigerator as directed.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss treatment with your specialist.
Frequently asked questions about Somatropin
What is the price of Somatropin in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Somatropin products currently in stock range from Rs 12,000 to Rs 16,328 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Humatrope 15iu Injection at Rs 12,000. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Somatropin are available in Pakistan?
Somatropin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Norditropin (Novo Nordisk) and Humatrope (Eli Lilly Pakistan Ltd).Do I need a prescription for Somatropin?
Yes. Somatropin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Somatropin be used during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss treatment with your specialist.
Are all Somatropin brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Somatropin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Somatropin brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 3 products containing Somatropin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
