A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Omnitrope (Somatropin) is a synthetic form of human growth hormone (HGH) used to treat growth failures in children and adults who lack natural growth hormone, and in those with chronic kidney failure, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, short stature at birth with no catch-up growth, and other causes. Somatropin is additionally employed to counteract significant weight loss in individuals with AIDS and to manage short bowel syndrome.
This medication mimics the behavior of natural growth hormone, which influences body growth and development, metabolism, and muscle growth. It is produced using recombinant DNA technology and has been approved by numerous health regulatory agencies, including the FDA. Before you buy Omnitrope, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Omnitrope cost.
Fact Table | |
---|---|
Formula | C990H1528N262O300S7 |
License | FDA approved |
Bioavailability | ~70-90% (subcutaneous injection) |
Legal status | Prescription Drugs |
Chemical Name | Somatropin |
Elimination half-life | 2-3 hours (subcutaneous injection) |
Dosage (Strength) | 5 mg, 10 mg cartridges (injectable solution) |
Pregnancy | Consult healthcare provider (Pregnancy Category C) |
Brands | Omnitrope |
Protein binding | ~40% |
PubChem CID | 16132299 |
MedlinePlus | a609048 |
ChEBI | 50114 |
ATC code | H01AC01 |
DrugBank | DB00052 |
KEGG | D00710 |
Routes of administration | Subcutaneous |
Omnitrope should be administered as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Typically, it is injected into a muscle or under the skin and should not be injected into the same place two times in a row. The dose and frequency depend on the condition being treated, the age and the medical profile of the patient.
The active ingredient in Omnitrope is somatropin.
Omnitrope injection must be used with caution in patients with:
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits. It remains unclear whether somatropin is transmitted through breast milk.
Do not use Omnitrope if you have serious complications from recent surgery, injuries, or medical trauma. Additionally, avoid using this medicine if you have active cancer, eye problems caused by diabetes, or are currently severely ill.
Omnitrope can interact with glucocorticoids, insulin and other hormones. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.
Common side effects of Omnitrope include:
What is Omnitrope?
Omnitrope is a brand of synthetic human growth hormone (somatropin) used to treat various conditions related to growth hormone deficiency in both children and adults. It is biologically equivalent to the natural growth hormone produced in the human body.
What is Omnitrope used for?
Omnitrope is used to treat growth failure in children and adults who lack natural growth hormone, and in those with chronic kidney failure, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, or other conditions. It is also used in adults to treat short bowel syndrome or to prevent severe weight loss related to AIDS.
Does Omnitrope need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Omnitrope must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) before and after it is first used. Do not freeze Omnitrope as it can damage the medication.
Is Omnitrope a steroid?
No, Omnitrope is not a steroid. It is a form of human growth hormone, which is a protein molecule, not a steroid. Growth hormones and steroids function differently in the body.
How long can Omnitrope go unrefrigerated?
Omnitrope should not be left unrefrigerated for extended periods. If it is exposed to room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F), it should be used within 3 hours. If left out longer, the medication may degrade and lose its effectiveness.
Does Omnitrope cause weight gain?
Omnitrope can potentially cause weight gain as it affects the body’s metabolism and can increase muscle mass. However, weight gain as a side effect is not universally experienced and may depend on the individual's condition and treatment response.
How long do you take Omnitrope for IVF?
In the context of IVF (in vitro fertilization), Omnitrope is sometimes used to improve follicular development and increase the chances of pregnancy. The duration of use varies depending on the individual treatment protocol but typically involves daily injections for about 10 to 20 days during a woman’s cycle.
How long does Omnitrope stay in your system?
Omnitrope has a relatively short half-life, and its effects on the metabolism are quick. Typically, it is active in the system for a few hours, with the biological effects lasting up to 24-48 hours depending on individual factors like dosage and the body’s response.
How to administer Omnitrope?
Omnitrope is administered via injection. It is available in vials or prefilled pens (Omnitrope Pen). The injection is typically given under the skin (subcutaneously) and the exact location can be rotated to prevent tissue breakdown. Proper training on injection technique and handling is essential and usually provided by healthcare providers.
Why is Omnitrope so expensive?
Omnitrope is expensive due to several factors, including the complexity of its production, which involves recombinant DNA technology, the costs associated with rigorous clinical testing and regulatory approval, and the need for special handling, storage, and distribution. Additionally, as it is used to treat a range of serious health conditions, pricing reflects the significant value it provides in terms of patient health outcomes.