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Saizen

Generic name: somatropinsoe-ma-TROE-pin ]
Brand names: Saizen

Drug class: Growth hormones

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 29, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Saizen?

Saizen is a form of human growth hormone important for the growth of bones and muscles.

Saizen is used to treat growth failure in children and adults who lack natural growth hormone. This includes people with short stature at birth with no catch-up growth, and other causes.

Saizen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Saizen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Serious breathing problems may occur in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who use Saizen. If you have Prader-Willi syndrome, call your doctor promptly if you develop signs of lung or breathing problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, or new or increased snoring.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Saizen may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Saizen if you have cancer, diabetic retinopathy, or if you are being treated for Prader-Willi syndrome and you are overweight or have severe breathing problems. You should not use this medicine if you have a serious illness due to lung failure or complications from recent surgery, injury, or medical trauma.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Saizen if you are allergic to Saizen or benzyl alcohol, or if you have:

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

In some cases, Saizen should not be used in a child. Certain brands of somatropin contain an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young infants or premature babies. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use Saizen?

Your dose and brand of somatropin, and how often you use it will depend on the condition you are treating. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Saizen is injected into a muscle or under the skin. A healthcare provider can teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.

Do not inject the subcutaneous injection (under the skin) into the same place two times in a row.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use Saizen if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not shake the medicine. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

If your medicine comes with a syringe, cartridge, or injection pen, use only that device to give your medicine.

You may need frequent medical tests.

Follow any diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor to help control your condition.

How you store this medicine will depend on the Saizen brand and the diluent you are using. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about proper storage of your medication.

Throw away any Saizen left over after the expiration date on the label has passed.

Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Call your doctor if you miss more than 3 doses in a row.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause tremors or shaking, cold sweats, increased hunger, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, fast heartbeat, and nausea. Long-term overdose may cause excessive growth.

What should I avoid while using Saizen?

If you use Zorbtive to treat short bowel syndrome, avoid drinking fruit juices or soda beverages.

Avoid drinking alcohol if you have short bowel syndrome. Alcohol can irritate your stomach and could make your condition worse.

What other drugs will affect Saizen?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Saizen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Genotropin, Norditropin, Omnitrope, Ngenla, Nutropin, Zomacton, somatropin, Norditropin FlexPro, Sogroya

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.