Embarking on a growth hormone therapy journey with Norditropin® can be a significant step towards wellness, and understanding the safety aspects is a cornerstone of the Novo Care Program. This program emphasizes patient education and support, ensuring you are well-informed about your treatment. It’s crucial to be aware of potential risks and contraindications to maximize the benefits of Norditropin® within a safe and supportive framework. This guide outlines critical safety information to help you navigate your treatment effectively and responsibly as part of the Novo Care Program.
Before considering Norditropin® as part of your care, it’s vital to understand when its use is contraindicated. The Novo Care Program prioritizes your safety, and therefore, Norditropin® should not be used if:
- You are critically ill due to complications from heart or stomach surgery, significant trauma, or severe breathing difficulties. These conditions require careful management, and Norditropin® could pose additional risks in such situations.
- You are a child diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome who is also severely obese or experiencing breathing problems, including sleep apnea. In these vulnerable patients, Norditropin® carries an increased risk of sudden death.
- You have been diagnosed with cancer or any type of tumor. Growth hormone can stimulate cell growth, which could be detrimental in the presence of malignancies.
- You have a known allergy to somatropin or any of the inactive ingredients formulated in Norditropin®. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and require immediate medical attention.
- Your healthcare provider has identified that you have specific eye problems related to diabetes, known as diabetic retinopathy. Norditropin® might exacerbate these conditions.
- You are a child whose bone growth plates (epiphyses) are closed. Norditropin® is intended to promote linear growth, which is not possible after the growth plates have fused.
Within the Novo Care Program, proactive communication with your healthcare provider is strongly encouraged. Before starting Norditropin®, it’s essential to inform your doctor about your complete medical history, particularly if you have or have had any of the following conditions:
- Recent or past critical illnesses related to heart or stomach surgery, trauma, or serious respiratory issues. These conditions might affect how your body responds to Norditropin®.
- A history of sleep apnea or other sleep-related breathing disorders. These conditions can increase the risk of complications with Norditropin®, especially in certain patient groups.
- Current or previous diagnoses of cancer or tumors. This is crucial for assessing the risk-benefit profile of Norditropin® therapy.
- Diabetes, as Norditropin® can impact blood sugar levels and may require adjustments to your diabetes management plan.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant or breastfeed. The effects of Norditropin® on pregnancy and lactation are not fully understood, and potential risks need to be carefully considered.
Furthermore, to ensure the safety and efficacy of your Novo Care Program involving Norditropin®, it is imperative to disclose all medications you are currently taking to your healthcare provider. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Drug interactions can alter how Norditropin® and other medications work in your body, potentially leading to adverse effects or reduced therapeutic benefits.
Using Norditropin® Safely as Part of Your Novo Care Program:
Adhering to your healthcare provider’s instructions is paramount for safe and effective Norditropin® use within the Novo Care Program. Always use Norditropin® exactly as prescribed. It is a tailored treatment, and deviations from the prescribed dosage or administration can lead to suboptimal outcomes or increased risks.
A critical safety measure emphasized by the Novo Care Program is never to share your Norditropin® pens and needles with anyone else. Even if the needle is changed, sharing injection equipment can transmit infections, posing a risk to both the user and others. This practice is fundamental to preventing cross-contamination and ensuring personal safety during treatment.
Potential Side Effects and What to Watch For:
While the Novo Care Program aims to maximize benefits and minimize risks, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects associated with Norditropin®. Norditropin® may cause serious side effects, and recognizing them promptly is crucial for timely intervention. These include:
- Increased mortality risk in critically ill patients: Individuals with critical illnesses due to heart or stomach surgery, trauma, or severe breathing problems face a higher risk of death when treated with Norditropin®.
- Sudden death risk in children with Prader-Willi syndrome: Severely obese children with Prader-Willi syndrome or those with breathing problems like sleep apnea have an elevated risk of sudden death.
- Increased cancer risk: Norditropin® may increase the risk of new cancers or the growth or recurrence of pre-existing tumors, especially in individuals who received radiation therapy to the brain or head as children. Report any new or changing headaches, behavioral changes, vision problems, or alterations in moles, birthmarks, or skin color to your doctor immediately.
- Hyperglycemia or diabetes: Norditropin® can lead to new or worsening high blood sugar levels. Monitor for symptoms of hyperglycemia and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
- Intracranial hypertension: Increased pressure inside the skull is a potential serious side effect. Seek medical attention if you or your child experiences persistent headaches, eye problems, nausea, or vomiting.
- Severe allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis is possible. Seek immediate medical help if you develop symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue, breathing difficulties, wheezing, severe itching, rash, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or sweating.
- Fluid retention: Your body may retain excess fluid, leading to swelling in extremities, joint or muscle pain, or nerve problems. Inform your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
- Cortisol deficiency: A decrease in cortisol levels can occur. Report symptoms such as skin darkening, severe fatigue, dizziness, weakness, or weight loss to your healthcare provider.
- Thyroid hormone level decrease: Norditropin® can affect thyroid function. Regular monitoring may be necessary.
- Hip and knee problems in children: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis can cause hip and knee pain or limping in children. Report these symptoms to your child’s doctor.
- Worsening scoliosis: Pre-existing spinal curvature may worsen during Norditropin® treatment.
- Pancreatitis: Severe and persistent abdominal pain can indicate pancreatitis. Seek medical advice if you experience new abdominal pain.
- Injection site lipoatrophy: Loss of fat and tissue weakness at injection sites can occur. Rotate injection sites to minimize this risk.
- Blood level changes: Increases in phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels in the blood are possible and will be monitored through blood tests.
Common side effects of Norditropin® are often less severe and may include injection site reactions, rashes, and headaches. These are typically manageable, but it’s important to discuss any persistent or bothersome side effects with your healthcare provider as part of your Novo Care Program follow-up.
For comprehensive prescribing information, please click here. This information is part of your commitment to safety and informed treatment within the Novo Care Program.
