Somatropin is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Genotropin, Humatrope, Norditropin, Omnitrope, Zomacton
- Taken
- Intramuscular, Subcutaneous
- Label
- Eli Lilly and Company, revised August 20, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
- Biosimilars
- None approved · details
What it is used for
HUMATROPE is a recombinant human growth hormone indicated for: Pediatric Patients: growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH); short stature associated with Turner syndrome; Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), height standard deviation score (SDS) <-2.25, and associated with growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range; 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 years to 4 years of age. ( 1.1 ) Adult Patients: replacement of endogenous GH in adults with GH deficiency. ( 1.2 )
1.1 Pediatric Patients HUMATROPE is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with: growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH), short stature associated with Turner syndrome, Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), height standard deviation score (SDS) <-2.25, and associated with growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range, 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 years to 4 years of age.
1.2 Adult Patients HUMATROPE is indicated for the replacement of endogenous GH in adults with GH deficiency.
Forms and strengths
Each single-patient-use HUMATROPE cartridge is designed for use only with the appropriate corresponding HumatroPen ® supplied separately. HUMATROPE is a white lyophilized powder available as follows: For injection: 6 mg in a single-patient-use cartridge (gold) For injection: 12 mg in a single-patient-use cartridge (teal) For injection: 24 mg in a single-patient-use cartridge (purple) For injection: 6 mg, 12 mg, or 24 mg lyophilized powder in a single-patient-use cartridge for reconstitution. ( 3 )
Who should not take it (contraindications)
HUMATROPE is contraindicated in patients with: Acute critical illness after open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure due to the risk of increased mortality with use of pharmacologic doses of somatropin [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . 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 sudden death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Active malignancy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Known hypersensitivity to somatropin or any of the excipients in HUMATROPE. Systemic hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropins [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . Active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Pediatric patients with closed epiphyses. Acute critical illness. ( 4 ) Pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese, have history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or have severe respiratory impairment due to risk of sudden death. ( 4 ) Active malignancy. ( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to somatropin or excipients. ( 4 ) Active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. ( 4 ) Pediatric patients with closed epiphyses. ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Increased Risk of Neoplasm: Second neoplasms have occurred in childhood cancer survivors. Monitor patients with preexisting tumors for progression or recurrence. ( 5.3 ) Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus: HUMATROPE may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Monitor glucose levels periodically in all patients receiving HUMATROPE, especially in patients with existing diabetes mellitus or at risk for development. ( 5.4 ) 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. ( 5.5 ) Hypersensitivity: Serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur. In the event of an allergic reaction, seek prompt medical attention. ( 5.6 ) Fluid Retention: May occur in adults and may be dose dependent. ( 5.7 ) Hypoadrenalism: Monitor patients for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or need for glucocorticoid dose increases in those with known hypoadrenalism. ( 5.8 ) Hypothyroidism: Monitor thyroid function periodically as hypothyroidism may occur or worsen after initiation of somatropin. ( 5.9 ) Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Pediatric Patients: May occur; evaluate patients with onset of a limp or hip/knee pain. ( 5.10 ) Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients: Monitor patients with scoliosis for progression. ( 5.11 ) Pancreatitis: Has been reported; consider pancreatitis in patients with abdominal pain, especially pediatric patients. ( 5.12 )
5.1 Acute Critical Illness Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness due to complications following open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure has been reported after treatment with pharmacologic doses of somatropin [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Two placebo-controlled clinical studies in non-GH deficient adult patients (n=522) with these conditions in intensive care units revealed a significant increase in mortality (42% vs. 19%) among somatropin-treated patients (doses 5.3-8.0 mg/day) compared to those receiving placebo. The safety of continuing HUMATROPE treatment in patients receiving replacement doses for approved indications who concurrently develop these illnesses has not been established. HUMATROPE is not indicated for the treatment of non-GH deficient adults.
5.2 Sudden Death in Pediatric Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome There have been reports of sudden death after initiating therapy with somatropin in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who had one or more of the following risk factors: severe obesity, history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or unidentified respiratory infection. Male patients with one or more of these factors may be at greater risk than females. Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome should be evaluated for signs of upper airway obstruction and sleep apnea before initiation of treatment with somatropin. If, during treatment with somatropin, patients show signs of upper airway obstruction (including onset of, or increased, snoring) and/or new onset sleep apnea, treatment should be interrupted. All patients with Prader-Willi syndrome treated with somatropin should also have effective weight control and be monitored for signs of respiratory infection, which should be diagnosed as early as possible and treated aggressively [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . HUMATROPE is not indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients who have growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome.
5.3 Increased Risk of Neoplasms Active Malignancy There is an increased risk of malignancy progression with somatropin treatment in patients with active malignancy [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Any preexisting malignancy should be inactive and its treatment complete prior to instituting therapy with HUMATROPE. Discontinue HUMATROPE if there is evidence of recurrent activity. Risk of Second Neoplasm in Pediatric Patients An increased risk of a second neoplasm in pediatric cancer survivors who were treated with radiation to the brain/head and who developed subsequent GH deficiency and were treated with somatropin has been reported. Intracranial tumors, in particular meningiomas, were the most common of these second neoplasms. In adults, it is unknown whether there is any relationship between somatropin replacement therapy and CNS tumor recurrence. Monitor all patients receiving HUMATROPE who have a history of GH deficiency secondary to an intracranial neoplasm for progression or recurrence of the tumor. New Malignancy During Treatment Because pediatric patients with certain rare genetic causes of short stature have an increased risk of developing malignancies, thoroughly consider the risks and benefits of starting HUMATROPE in these patients. If HUMATROPE is initiated, carefully monitor patients for development of neoplasms. Monitor all patients receiving HUMATROPE carefully for increased growth, or potential malignant changes, of preexisting nevi. Advise patients/caregivers to report marked changes in behavior, onset of headaches, vision disturbances and/or changes in skin pigmentation or changes in the appearance of pre-existing nevi.
5.4 Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus Treatment with somatropin may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. New onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported in patients taking somatropin. Previously undiagnosed impaired glucose tolerance and overt diabetes mellitus may be unmasked. Monitor glucose levels periodically in all patients receiving HUMATROPE, especially in those with risk factors for diabetes mellitus, such as obesity, Turner syndrome, or a family history of diabetes mellitus. Patients with preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance should be monitored closely. The doses of antidiabetic agents may require adjustment when HUMATROPE is initiated.
5.5 Intracranial Hypertension Intracranial hypertension (IH) with papilledema, visual changes, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting has been reported in a small number of patients treated with somatropins. Symptoms usually occurred within the first eight (8) weeks after the initiation of somatropin therapy. In all reported cases, IH-associated signs and symptoms rapidly resolved after cessation of therapy or a reduction of the somatropin dose. Fundoscopic examination should be performed routinely before initiating treatment with HUMATROPE to exclude preexisting papilledema, and periodically thereafter. If papilledema is observed by fundoscopy during somatropin treatment, treatment should be stopped. If somatropin-induced IH is diagnosed, treatment with HUMATROPE can be restarted at a lower dose after IH-associated signs and symptoms have resolved. Patients with Turner syndrome may be at increased risk for the development of IH.
5.6 Severe Hypersensitivity Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropins. Patients and caregivers should be informed that such reactions are possible and that prompt medical attention should be sought if an allergic reaction occurs. Do not use HUMATROPE in patients with known hypersensitivity to somatropin or any of the excipients in HUMATROPE. Do not use HUMATROPE cartridges in patients with known hypersensitivity to metacresol or glycerin [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Contraindications ( 4 )] .
5.7 Fluid Retention Fluid retention during somatropin replacement therapy may frequently occur. Clinical manifestations of fluid retention (e.g. edema, arthralgia, myalgia, nerve compression syndromes including carpal tunnel syndrome/paresthesia) are usually transient and dose dependent. […]
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following important adverse reactions are also described elsewhere in the labeling: Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Fatalities in children with Prader-Willi syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Neoplasms [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Intracranial hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Severe hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Fluid retention [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Hypoadrenalism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Hypothyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Progression of preexisting scoliosis in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Lipoatrophy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Common adverse reactions reported in adult and pediatric patients 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. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed during the clinical studies performed with one somatropin formulation cannot always be directly compared to the rates observed during the clinical studies performed with a different somatropin formulation, and may not reflect the adverse reaction rates observed in practice. Pediatric Patients Growth Failure Due to Inadequate Secretion of Endogenous Growth Hormone In an uncontrolled open-label study, 314 treatment-naive children aged >2 years who had GH deficiency were treated with HUMATROPE (0.06 mg/kg 3 times per week) for up to 8 years. Adverse reactions of special interest are reported in Table 2 . Table 2: Adverse Reactions of Special Interest Occurring in Humatrope-Treated Patients with Growth Failure Due to Inadequate Secretion of Endogenous Growth Hormone in an Open-label Study for Up to 8 Years a Dose=0.06 mg/kg 3 times per week for up to 8 years. b n=1 Adverse Reaction HUMATROPE a (n=314) Hypothyroidism 25% Allergic reaction 11% Arthralgia 6% Bone disorder 4% Edema 4% Injection site pain/reaction 4% Neoplasm/tumor 2% Cardiovascular disorders 1% Thyroid disorders 1% Intracranial hypertension 0% b Short Stature Associated with Turner Syndrome In a randomized, concurrent-controlled (untreated), open-label study until attainment of adult height, the adverse reactions of special interest occurring in 74 patients treated with Humatrope at dose 0.3 mg/kg/week (mean duration 4.1 years) and in 62 untreated patients (mean duration 3.7 years) are reported in Table 3 . A similar increase in otitis media was observed in an 18-month placebo-controlled study. Table 3: Adverse Reactions of Special Interest Occurring in Patients with Turner Syndrome in an Open-label Study Until Attainment of Adult Height Untreated (n=62) HUMATROPE (n=74) Surgical procedure 27% 45% Otitis media 26% 43% Ear disorders 5% 18% Idiopathic Short Stature Adverse reactions occurring in a randomized, placebo-controlled study of HUMATROPE treatment (0.22 mg/kg/week) until attainment of adult height (mean duration of HUMATROPE treatment 3.7 years, mean duration of placebo treatment 3.3 years) are reported in Table 4 . Mean fasting serum insulin concentration increased by 10% in the HUMATROPE treatment group at the end of treatment relative to baseline, but remained within the normal reference range. Table 4: Adverse Reactions Occurring in Patients with Idiopathic Short Stature Treated with HUMATROPE in a Randomized Placebo-controlled Study Placebo (n=31) HUMATROPE (n=37) Scoliosis 13% 19% Otitis media 7% 16% Hyperlipidemia 3% 8% Gynecomastia 3% 5% Hip pain 0 3% Arthralgia 3% 11% Arthrosis 7% 11% Myalgia 13% 24% Hypertension 0 3% In a dose-response study (239 patients treated for 2 years), among HUMATROPE dose groups [0.24 mg/kg/week (n=78), 0.37 mg/kg/week (n=83), 0.24 mg/kg/week for the first year and 0.37 mg/kg/week thereafter (n=78)], mean fasting blood glucose, mean glycosylated hemoglobin, and the incidence of elevated fasting blood glucose concentrations were similar. One patient developed glucose intolerance and high serum HbA 1c . Short Stature or Growth Failure in SHOX Deficiency Adverse reactions of special interest from a 2-year randomized, open-label study with HUMATROPE (0.35 mg/kg/wk) compared to no treatment are presented in Table 5 . During the 2-year study period, the proportion of patients who had at least one IGF-I concentration greater than 2.0 SD above the age- and gender-appropriate mean was 10 of 27 (37%) for the HUMATROPE-treated group vs. 0 of 24 patients (0%) for the untreated group. The proportion of patients who had at least one IGFBP-3 concentration greater than 2.0 SD above the age and gender appropriate mean was 16 of 27 (59%) for the HUMATROPE treated group vs. 7 of 24 (29%) for the untreated group. Table 5: Adverse Reactions of Special Interest Occurring in Patients with SHOX Deficiency By Treatment Group in an Open-label Study a Percentage calculated for males only: Untreated (0/1), HUMATROPE (1/12) Untreated (n=25) HUMATROPE (n=27) Arthralgia 8% 11% Gynecomastia a 0% 8% Excessive number of cutaneous nevi 0% 7% Scoliosis 0% 47% Small for Gestational Age (SGA) with No Catch-up Growth by Age 2-4 Years In a 2-year, multicenter, randomized study, 193 pediatric patients were treated with 2 different HUMATROPE treatment regimens: a fixed dose of 0.067 mg/kg/day (FHD group) or an individually adjusted dose regimen (IAD group; starting dose 0.035 mg/kg/day which could be increased as early as Month 3 to 0.067 mg/kg/day based on a validated growth prediction model). Reported adverse reactions included: common childhood infectious diseases, otitis media, headaches, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (n=1. Six patients (4 in the FHD group and 2 in the IAD group whose dose was increased from 0.035 mg/kg/day to 0.067 mg/kg/day [one at Month 3 and one at Year 1]) had impaired fasting glucose at Year 2. Two of 6 had impaired fasting glucose during the study, and one discontinued HUMATROPE at month 15 as a consequence. At study completion, 20-25% of patients had serum IGF-I SDS values > +2. The following adverse reactions were reported from an observational study of 340 pediatric patients who received HUMATROPE with an average dosage of 0.041 mg/kg/day (maximum dose: 0.084 mg/kg/day) for an average of 3.0 years: type 2 diabetes mellitus (n=1), carpal tunnel syndrome (n=1) and an exacerbation of preexisting scoliosis (n=1). Adult Patients with GH deficiency Adult-Onset GH Deficiency In the first 6 months of controlled blinded studies during which patients received either HUMATROPE or placebo, patients who received HUMATROPE experienced an increase in edema (17% vs. 4%) and peripheral edema (12% vs. 0%). Edema, muscle pain, joint pain, and joint disorder were reported early in therapy and tended to be transient or responsive to dosage titration. Two of 113 patients developed carpal tunnel syndrome after beginning maintenance therapy without a low dose (0.00625 mg/kg/day) lead-in phase. Symptoms abated in these patients after dosage reduction. Adverse reactions with ≥5% overall occurrence rate during 12 or 18 months of replacement therapy with HUMATROPE are shown in Table 6 (adult-onset patients) and in Table 7 (childhood-onset patients). […]
Drug interactions
Table 8 includes a list of drugs with clinically important drug interactions when administered concomitantly with HUMATROPE and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 8: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with HUMATROPE Replacement Glucocorticoid Treatment Clinical Impact: Microsomal enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD-1) is required for conversion of cortisone to its active metabolite, cortisol, in hepatic and adipose tissue. HUMATROPE inhibits 11βHSD-1. Consequently, individuals with untreated GH deficiency have relative increases in 11βHSD-1 and serum cortisol. Initiation of HUMATROPE may result in inhibition of 11βHSD-1 and reduced serum cortisol concentrations. Intervention: Patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of HUMATROPE [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]. Examples: Cortisone acetate and prednisone may be effected more than others since conversion of these drugs to their biologically active metabolites is dependent on the activity of 11βHSD-1. Non-Replacement Glucocorticoid Treatment in Pediatric Patients Clinical Impact: Non-replacement glucocorticoid treatment, including supraphysiologic glucocorticoid treatment, may attenuate the growth promoting effects of HUMATROPE in pediatric patients. Intervention: Carefully adjust glucocorticoid dosing in pediatric patients receiving glucocorticoid treatments to avoid both hypoadrenalism and an inhibitory effect on growth. Cytochrome P450-Metabolized Drugs Clinical Impact: Limited published data indicate that somatropin treatment increases cytochrome P450 (CP450)-mediated antipyrine clearance. HUMATROPE may alter the clearance of compounds known to be metabolized by CP450 liver enzymes. Intervention: Careful monitoring is advisable when HUMATROPE is administered in combination with drugs metabolized by CP450 liver enzymes. Oral Estrogen Clinical Impact: Oral estrogens may reduce the serum IGF-1 response to HUMATROPE. Intervention: Patients receiving oral estrogen may require greater HUMATROPE dosages [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] . Insulin and/or Other Hypoglycemic Agents Clinical Impact: Treatment with HUMATROPE may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Intervention: Patients with diabetes mellitus may require adjustment of their doses of insulin and/or other hypoglycemic agents [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]. Replacement Glucocorticoid Treatment: Patients treated with glucocorticoids for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of HUMATROPE. ( 7 ) Non-Replacement Glucocorticoid Treatment in Pediatric Patients: Adjust glucocorticoid dosing in pediatric patients receiving glucocorticoid treatment to avoid both hypoadrenalism and an inhibitory effect on growth. ( 7 ) Cytochrome P450-Metabolized Drugs: HUMATROPE may alter the clearance. Monitor carefully if used with HUMATROPE. ( 7 ) Oral Estrogen: Patients may require larger doses of HUMATROPE. ( 7 ) Insulin and/or Other Hypoglycemic Agents: Dose adjustment of insulin or hypoglycemic agent may be required. ( 5.4 , 7 )
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited available data with somatropin use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with HUMATROPE. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There is no information regarding the presence of somatropin in human milk. Limited published data indicate that exogenous somatropin does not increase normal breastmilk concentrations of growth hormone. No adverse effects related to somatropin in the breastfed infant have been reported. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for HUMATROPE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from HUMATROPE or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of HUMATROPE in pediatric patients have been established in growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone, short stature associated with Turner syndrome, idiopathic short stature (ISS), short stature or growth failure in SHOX deficiency, and short stature in children born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by 2 years to 4 years of age. Growth Failure due to Inadequate Secretion of Endogenous Growth Hormone Safety and effectiveness of HUMATROPE have been established in pediatric patients with growth failure due to growth hormone deficiency based on data from an open-label, uncontrolled, multicenter study with HUMATROPE in 314 pediatric patients conducted for up to 8 years [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . Short Stature Associated with Turner Syndrome Safety and effectiveness of HUMATROPE have been established in pediatric patients with short stature associated with Turner syndrome based on data from one long-term, randomized, open-label, multicenter, concurrently controlled study; two long-term, open-label multicenter, historically controlled US studies; and one long-term, randomized, US dose-response study with HUMATROPE in 181 pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] . Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS) Safety and effectiveness of HUMATROPE have been established in pediatric patients with ISS based on data from two randomized, multicenter studies, one placebo-controlled study and one dose-response study with HUMATROPE in 310 pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . Short Stature or Growth Failure in SHOX Deficiency Safety and effectiveness of HUMATROPE have been established in pediatric patients with short stature or growth failure in SHOX deficiency based on data from a randomized, controlled, two-year, three-arm, open-label study with HUMATROPE in 52 pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )] . Short Stature in Children Born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) with No Catch-up Growth by 2 Years to 4 Years of Age Safety and effectiveness of HUMATROPE have been established in pediatric patients with short stature born SGA with no catch-up growth based on data from two clinical studies with HUMATROPE in 214 pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14.5 )] .
8.5 Geriatric Use The safety and effectiveness of HUMATROPE in patients aged 65 years and over has not been evaluated in clinical studies. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the action of somatropin, and therefore may be more prone to development of adverse reactions. A lower starting dose and smaller dose increments should be considered for older patients [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.3 )] .
How it works
Somatropin binds to dimeric GH receptors located within the cell membranes of target tissue cells. This interaction results in intracellular signal transduction and subsequent induction of transcription and translation of GH-dependent proteins including IGF-1, IGF BP-3 and acid-labile subunit. Somatropin has direct tissue and metabolic effects or mediated indirectly by IGF-1, including stimulation of chondrocyte differentiation, and proliferation, stimulation of hepatic glucose output, protein synthesis and lipolysis. Somatropin stimulates skeletal growth in pediatric patients with GHD as a result of effects on the growth plates (epiphyses) of long bones. The stimulation of skeletal growth increases linear growth rate (height velocity) in most somatropin-treated pediatric patients. Linear growth is facilitated in part by increased cellular protein synthesis.
Are there biosimilars to Somatropin?
No. The FDA has not approved a biosimilar yet.
Biologics have biosimilars rather than generics: highly similar versions with no clinically meaningful differences. Only biosimilars the FDA designates as interchangeable can be swapped at the pharmacy without asking the prescriber, where state law allows; the FDA Purple Book lists which ones are.
Brand-name versions
- Humatrope Lilly, approved 1986
- Nutropin Genentech, approved 1993 Discontinued
- Zomacton Ferring, approved 1995
- Genotropin Pharmacia, approved 1995
- Nutropin Aq Genentech, approved 1995
- Serostim Emd Serono, approved 1996
- Saizen Emd Serono, approved 1996
- Norditropin Novo Nordisk Inc, approved 2000
- Zorbtive Emd Serono, approved 2003
- Omnitrope Sandoz, approved 2006
- Accretropin Emergent, approved 2008 Discontinued
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Somatropin in the news
We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news
Products being discontinued
| Product | Availability | Expected supply / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Norditropin, Injection, 30 mg/3 mL (NDC 0169-7703-21) Novo Nordisk, Inc. |
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug Being discontinued · November 14, 2025 |
Recalls
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID a774e1ae-3997-49ee-8b0e-99a2b315d409.