Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) may cause certain growth, muscle, and bone-related problems. To treat these problems, Omnitrope can be an effective medication.
Omnitrope supports linear growth in those with inadequate HGH. It helps improve their normal growth, body composition, and bone density.
If you are considering Omnitrope, here is a complete guide on how it works with the recommended dosage for pediatric patients and adults having GHD.
What is Omnitrope?
Omnitrope is a synthetic form of human growth hormone (HGH). It is also known as somatotropin. This FDA-approved medication is generally prescribed to treat certain growth-related problems.
It is generally taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional to treat these problems. It is a bioidentical polypeptide of naturally occurring growth hormone. Omnitrope is made by recombinant technology keeping the amino acid sequence same as that of the growth hormone.
How does the Omnitrope growth hormone work?
Omnitrope’s mechanism of action is similar to the work of growth hormone. Normally, growth hormone is released by the somatotroph cells of the pituitary gland. After being released, it influences our height and other functions in the body.
When there is growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Omnitrope is generally administered to the body via injection. Once in the body, it travels like a normal growth hormone through the bloodstream and stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
IGF-1 binds to its receptors on the cells to stimulate metabolic activities like protein synthesis, cell growth, and division. These activities are necessary for treating growth-related problems.
What is Omnitrope used for?
Omnitrope is used for the treatment of various growth-related medical conditions. These conditions include the following.
- Turner syndrome: Omnitrope is used to promote growth in individuals with Turner syndrome.
- Growth hormone deficiency: When there is inadequate production of HGH, Omnitrope is generally prescribed to maintain the optimal level of growth hormone in such conditions.
- Prader-Willi syndrome: Omnitrope is generally taken to treat a genetic disorder, Prader-Willi syndrome.
- Idiopathic short stature: It is a condition characterized by short stature without any underlying known cause. Omnitrope is prescribed to mitigate such conditions.
- Small for Gestational Age (SGA): When a baby is smaller than normal during its gestational age. Medical doctors generally prescribe Omnitrope to treat this condition.
- Improve bone density: Omnitrope is also used for getting normal bone density.
How to dose omnitrope
Dosing Omnitrope requires a consultation with a medical professional. Also, the Omnitrope dosing schedule should be individualized for each patient because the growth response may vary for individuals. Here are certain recommended Omnitrope doses for different individuals.
1. Dosage for pediatric patients
The recommended dosage for pediatric patients is listed below.
- Pedriatic growth hormone deficiency (GHD): 0.16 to 0.24 mg/kg body weight/week: divided into 6 or 7 subcutaneous injections.
- Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS): 0.24 mg/kg body weight/week: divided into 6 or 7 injections
- Small for Gestational Age (SGA): 0.48 mg/kg body weight/week: divided into 6 or 7 injections
- Turner Syndrome (TS): 0.47 mg/kg of body weight/week: divided into 6 or 7 injections
2. Dosage for adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)
The recommended Omnitrope dosage is individualized based on tolerance and IGF-1 levels. This starts at the beginner-level dosage, which may be increased later on if necessary. It is generally done with a proper medical doctor’s monitoring.
- The starting dosage: Not more than 0.04 mg/kg/week via subcutaneous injection.
- Increasing dosage: Later it may be increased to 0.08 mg/kg/week at 4- to 8-week intervals depending on individual requirements and response to the medication.
NOTE: It is advisable to consult a medical professional before using Omnitrope growth hormone.
About Omnitrope injections
There are two types of Omnitrope injections. One is the injection pen and another is a syringe and a vial. A healthcare provider determines which type of Omnitrope injection is appropriate for a given condition.
How to take Omnitrope
Omnitrope can be taken via subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Usually, the injection site is first cleared and then injection is applied at the site. It is generally done by an expert who has expertise in doing injections. However, it is better to consult a medical professional before taking Omnitrope.
Why a medical prescription is necessary for taking Omnitrope?
Everyone wants their medication to work for them. A medical prescription is necessary for the safe use of Omnitrope. It is also required to ensure its effective work in growth-related medical problems.
How long does Omnitrope take to work?
Generally, Omnitrope takes 3 to 6 months to realize some noticeable results in height. However, it differs and depends on the individual’s condition and protocol of use.
how long does Omnitrope stay in your system?
According to a clinical study, the mean terminal half-life of Omnitrope is 2.5-2.8 hours for adults. However, it may differ for different individuals.
What to do if I miss a dose of Omnitrope growth hormone
If you miss an Omnitrope dose, skip that dose and take your next dose the following day. You should also consult a medical doctor for missing doses.
Who should not take Omnitrope?
Generally, those people should avoid taking Omnitrope who have normal HGH levels. Similarly, people with some other medical conditions like cancer should also avoid taking Omnitrope.
Omnitrope precautions and instructions
Omnitrope is widely used for growth purposes. If you are planning to get omnitrope, you should consider various precautions and instructions. These are:
- Consult a medical doctor and provide your all medical history.
- After careful examination and tests, the doctor will prescribe Omnitrope in case of need.
- It is better to get Omnitrope injection therapy with the help of an expert.
- Always use a new syringe before administering Omnitrope into the body.
- Properly clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
- Take the injection in controlled conditions.
Side effects of Omnitrope
Omnitrope is generally considered safe. However, some side effects associated with Omnitrope include headache and redness at the injection site.
Final thoughts
Human growth hormone deficiency can lead to various growth-related problems. It promotes normal growth in children and supports other functions like muscle and building as well. Omnitrope is more commonly used for growth in children and metabolic improvements in adults with GHD. Consult with a healthcare provider to see if Omnitrope is appropriate for your growth-related issues.