HGH
Humatrope®:
Humatrope is the same in its chemical structure to the growth
hormone that is naturally produced by the human pituitary
gland. It is "man-made" (biosynthesized) through
a process known as recombinant DNA technology. In the United
States, Humatrope was the first commercially available "man-made"
product in which the active constituent was chemically identical
to growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Adults
with hypopituitarism may require supplemental hormone therapy,
which can include hydrocortisone (or similar medications such
as prednisone), levothyroxine, estrogen (women), testosterone
(men), or desmopressin (DDAVP). Even though you may be receiving
these hormones, your doctor may also prescribe growth hormone.
These pages are designed to help you understand growth hormone
deficiency. If you are not currently receiving growth hormone
or have questions that are not answered here, see your doctor
for more information or for a referral to an endocrinologist
in your area.
Why do I have to inject Humatrope? Why can't I just take a
pill?
Humatrope is a protein. If it were taken orally, Humatrope
would be digested in the stomach, in the way that food proteins
are digested, and would not be useful to the body. Consequently,
Humatrope must be injected to be properly absorbed and used
by the body.
When is the best time of day to give myself Humatrope?
Growth hormone normally is produced at peak levels when you
are asleep. Accordingly, it is usually recommended that growth
hormone be given in the evening to imitate what happens naturally
in your body. However, there may be reasons to give the injection
at other times of the day in certain cases. Check with your
doctor for the most appropriate time for your injections.
What happens if I forget to take a dose?
If you miss a dose of Humatrope, simply take your next dose
at the regularly scheduled time. Do not double up on your
dose. If you frequently forget your injection, talk to your
doctor, as your treatment may be less effective.
How do I store Humatrope?
Keep your vials and cartridges of powdered Humatrope and diluent
for Humatrope in your refrigerator. Do not freeze them.
What
about travel?
Keep your Humatrope cold (not frozen!) in a small cooler or
thermal lunch bag with cool packs. You can carry these items
with you in a car or on board an airplane. However, do not
check the cooler as baggage—keep it with you at all
times.
How long will it take before I begin to respond to treatment?
Response to therapy varies from patient to patient. Some studies
suggest that several months of treatment may be necessary
for an adequate response. You should ask your doctor for his
or her opinion.
Why haven't I been treated with growth hormone in the past?
In the past, patients diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency
as children usually were treated only until they had finished
growing and did not receive treatment once they reached adulthood.
More recently, certain benefits of growth hormone replacement
therapy in adults have been recognized. Also, in the past,
supplies of growth hormone were limited. However, with the
advances of biotechnology, it is now possible for everyone
who is lacking growth hormone to receive replacement therapy.
For
additional product Information
visit:
www.humatrope.com
