Norditropin® is a brand name for somatropin, a synthetic human growth hormone. It’s prescribed for both children and adults to treat growth hormone deficiency and other conditions. Like all medications, it’s crucial to understand the safety information associated with Norditropin®. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, emphasizes patient safety and support. While the term “Novo Nordisk Care Program” might broadly refer to their commitment to patient well-being, it’s essential to be informed about the specific safety guidelines for using Norditropin®. This article will break down the critical safety information, helping you understand if Norditropin® is appropriate for you or your child and what precautions to take.
When Norditropin® Should Not Be Used
It’s vital to know when Norditropin® is contraindicated, meaning it should not be used. Using Norditropin® in these situations can lead to serious health risks. You should not use Norditropin® under the following conditions:
- Critical Illness: If you are suffering from a critical illness due to complications from heart or stomach surgery, significant trauma, or severe breathing problems, Norditropin® is contraindicated. In these situations, the risks associated with Norditropin® use are significantly heightened.
- Prader-Willi Syndrome in Children with Specific Risk Factors: For children diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, Norditropin® should not be used if they are severely obese or have pre-existing breathing problems, including sleep apnea. This is due to an increased risk of sudden death in these vulnerable patients.
- Active Cancer or Tumors: If you currently have cancer or any type of tumor, you should not use Norditropin®. Growth hormone can potentially stimulate the growth of certain types of tumors.
- Allergy to Somatropin or Norditropin® Ingredients: If you have a known allergy to somatropin or any of the inactive ingredients present in the Norditropin® formulation, using this medication is contraindicated. Allergic reactions can be severe and life-threatening.
- Diabetic Retinopathy (Certain Types): If your healthcare provider has diagnosed you with specific types of eye problems caused by diabetes, known as diabetic retinopathy, Norditropin® might not be suitable. Discuss your specific situation with your doctor.
- Closed Bone Growth Plates (Epiphyses) in Children: Norditropin® is intended to promote growth. In children whose bones have finished growing, indicated by closed bone growth plates (epiphyses), Norditropin® is no longer effective for height increase and should not be used for this purpose.
Important Precautions Before Starting Norditropin®
Before beginning Norditropin® treatment, it’s crucial to have an open and thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about your medical history. Inform them if you have any of the following conditions:
- History of Critical Illness: Even if you are not currently critically ill, inform your doctor if you have a history of critical illness related to heart or stomach surgery, trauma, or serious respiratory issues.
- Sleep Apnea History: If you have a history of sleep apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
- Cancer or Tumor History: A past history of cancer or tumors is an important factor to consider before starting Norditropin®. Your healthcare provider will need to evaluate the potential risks and benefits carefully.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, or a family history of diabetes, it’s essential to inform your doctor. Norditropin® can affect blood sugar levels, and your diabetes management may need to be adjusted.
- Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, or Planning to Become Pregnant: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your doctor. The effects of Norditropin® on pregnancy and breastfeeding are not fully known, and your doctor can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
It is also vital to provide a complete list of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Norditropin® can interact with other medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
Safe Usage of Norditropin®
To ensure the safe and effective use of Norditropin®, adhere strictly to your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Dosage and Administration: Use Norditropin® exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not alter the dosage or frequency of injections without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Injection Technique: Your healthcare provider will instruct you on the correct injection technique. Proper administration is crucial to minimize injection site reactions and ensure you receive the intended dose.
- Avoid Sharing Needles and Pens: Never share your Norditropin® pens and needles with another person, even if you change the needle. Sharing needles can transmit infections, posing a risk to both you and others. This is a critical safety instruction to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens.
Possible Side Effects of Norditropin®
Norditropin®, like all medications, can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.
Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Increased Risk in Critically Ill Patients: As mentioned earlier, there is a heightened risk of death in critically ill individuals.
- Increased Risk in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome (with obesity or breathing problems): Sudden death risk is elevated in children with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese or have breathing issues.
- Increased Cancer Risk: There is a potential increased risk of cancer growth or recurrence, especially in individuals with a history of childhood cancer treated with radiation to the brain or head. Report any new headaches, behavioral changes, vision changes, or changes in skin moles, birthmarks, or color to your healthcare provider immediately.
- Hyperglycemia or Diabetes: Norditropin® can lead to new or worsening high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or diabetes. Monitor for symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss.
- Intracranial Hypertension: Increased pressure inside the skull (intracranial hypertension) is a possible serious side effect. Symptoms include headaches, eye problems, nausea, and vomiting. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience these.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions are possible. Seek immediate medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue, trouble breathing, wheezing, severe itching, skin rashes, redness, swelling, dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat, or sweating.
- Fluid Retention: Your body may retain too much fluid (fluid retention), leading to swelling in the hands and feet, joint or muscle pain, or nerve problems causing pain, burning, or tingling in extremities. Inform your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms.
- Decreased Cortisol Levels: Norditropin® can decrease cortisol levels, a crucial hormone. Symptoms of low cortisol include darkening of the skin, severe fatigue, dizziness, weakness, or weight loss. Report these to your doctor.
- Decreased Thyroid Hormone Levels: Norditropin® can affect thyroid hormone levels. Your doctor may monitor your thyroid function.
- Hip and Knee Pain or Limping in Children: Children may experience hip and knee pain or develop a limp (slipped capital femoral epiphysis). Report these symptoms to the child’s healthcare provider.
- Worsening Scoliosis: Pre-existing curvature of the spine (scoliosis) may worsen during Norditropin® treatment.
- Pancreatitis: Severe and constant abdominal pain can be a sign of pancreatitis. Report any new abdominal pain to your or your child’s healthcare provider.
- Injection Site Lipoatrophy: Loss of fat and tissue weakness at the injection site is possible. Rotate injection sites to minimize this.
- Abnormal Blood Test Results: Norditropin® can cause increases in phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels in your blood, which may be detected in blood tests.
Common Side Effects: The most common side effects of Norditropin® are typically less severe and may include:
- Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
- Rashes
- Headaches
For comprehensive prescribing information, you can click here to access the official Norditropin® Prescribing Information.
Understanding the safety information for Norditropin® is a vital part of responsible medication use. While this article provides a detailed overview, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always discuss any questions or concerns you have about Norditropin® with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health situation and ensure that if Norditropin® is prescribed, it is used safely and effectively as part of a comprehensive care plan. Remember, Novo Nordisk is committed to patient well-being, and understanding the safe use of their medications is a key component of this commitment.
