This site is intended only for U.S. Healthcare Providers
Lilly has made the decision to permanently discontinue the production and supply of its human growth hormone,
Humatrope® (somatropin). Lilly is permanently discontinuing the distribution of
Humatrope® (somatropin) on December 31, 2026. After that date, limited product will be available in
the U.S. until remaining supply is exhausted.
If you are currently taking Humatrope, it is encouraged that you connect with your healthcare provider to
discuss other treatment options. If you have any questions, please call Lilly Support Services™ at
1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).
Thank you.
Humatrope (somatropin) for injection is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients
with:
growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH),
short stature associated with Turner syndrome,
Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), height standard deviation score (SDS) <-2.25, and associated with
growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range,
short stature or growth failure in short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) deficiency,
short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by 2 years to 4 years of
age.
Humatrope is indicated for the replacement of endogenous GH in adults with GH deficiency.
Contraindications
Acute Critical Illness: Humatrope should not be used to treat patients with acute
critical illness after open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or
those with acute respiratory failure due to the risk of increased mortality with use of pharmacologic doses
of somatropin.
Dosing Chart
Recommended pediatric dosing for Humatrope administration
Indication
Daily (mg/kg/day)
Weekly (mg/kg/week)
Indication Growth hormone deficiency1
Daily (mg/kg/day) 0.026 to 0.043
Weekly (mg/kg/week) 0.18 to 0.30
Indication Turner syndrome1
Daily (mg/kg/day) Up to 0.054
Weekly (mg/kg/week) Up to 0.375
Indication Idiopathic short stature (ISS)1
Daily (mg/kg/day) Up to 0.053
Weekly (mg/kg/week) Up to 0.37
Indication SHOX deficiency1
Daily (mg/kg/day) 0.050
Weekly (mg/kg/week) 0.35
Indication Small for gestational age (SGA)1
Daily (mg/kg/day) Up to 0.067
Weekly (mg/kg/week) Up to 0.47
Larger doses of somatropin (e.g., 0.067 mg/kg/day) are recommended especially in children with height SDS
< -3, and/or older pubertal children, and a reduction in dosage (e.g., gradually toward 0.033 mg/kg/day)
should be considered if substantial catch-up growth is observed during the first few years of therapy.
For SGA children less than 4 years old and with less baseline height DSD values between -2 and -3, consider
initiating treatment at a lower dose (e.g., 0.033 mg/kg/day), and titrating the dose as needed over time.
1 Dosage should be individualized within recommended range based on growth response; failure to
increase height velocity should prompt close assessment.
Recommended adult dosing for Humatrope administration2
Weight-based starting dose (Maximum dose)4 Not more than
0.006 mg/kg/day (Max: 0.0125 mg/kg/day)
2 Dose should be adjusted based on clinical response, side effects, and determination of age- and
gender-adjusted serum IGF-1 concentration.
3 May be used without consideration of body weight, and can be increased gradually every 1 to 2
months by increments of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mg/day.
4 The dose may be increased to a maximum of 0.0125 mg/kg (12.5 µg/kg) daily.
Pen Selection Chart
After calculating the appropriate dose, locate that dose in the columns below and then look to the far left
to determine the number of doses that a single cartridge may provide. This can help you prescribe the
appropriate number of cartridges and let you inform patients how often they will need to change the
cartridge in their Pen.
Injection site should be rotated to avoid tissue atrophy. Patients should be informed that local or
systemic allergic reactions may occur and that prompt medical attention should be sought in such cases.
Humatrope cartridges must be refrigerated before and after reconstitution.
Humatrope cartridges should not be used if the patient is allergic to metacresol or glycerin, which are
components of the Diluent for Humatrope.
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge
6 mg
12 mg
24 mg
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 28
6 mg 0.025 - 0.20*
12 mg 0.05 - 0.40*†
24 mg 0.10 - 0.80*‡
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 26
6 mg 0.225
12 mg 0.45
24 mg 0.90
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 24
6 mg 0.25
12 mg 0.50
24 mg 1.00
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 21
6 mg 0.275
12 mg 0.55
24 mg 1.10
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 20
6 mg 0.30
12 mg 0.60
24 mg 1.20
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 18
6 mg 0.325
12 mg 0.65
24 mg 1.30
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 17
6 mg 0.35
12 mg 0.70
24 mg 1.40
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 16
6 mg 0.375
12 mg 0.75
24 mg 1.50
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 15
6 mg 0.40
12 mg 0.80
24 mg 1.60
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 14
6 mg 0.425
12 mg 0.85
24 mg 1.70
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 13
6 mg 0.45
12 mg 0.90
24 mg 1.80
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 12
6 mg 0.475 - 0.50
12 mg 0.95 - 1.00
24 mg 1.90 - 2.00
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 11
6 mg 0.525
12 mg 1.05
24 mg 2.10
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 10
6 mg 0.55 - 0.60
12 mg 1.10 - 1.20
24 mg 2.20 - 2.40
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 9
6 mg 0.625 - 0.65
12 mg 1.25 - 1.30
24 mg 2.50 - 2.60
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 8
6 mg 0.675 - 0.75
12 mg 1.35 - 1.50
24 mg 2.70 - 3.00
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 7
6 mg 0.775 - 0.85
12 mg 1.55 - 1.70
24 mg 3.10 - 3.40
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 6
6 mg 0.875 - 1.00
12 mg 1.75 - 2.00
24 mg 3.50 - 4.00
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 5
6 mg 1.025 - 1.20
12 mg 2.05 - 2.40
24 mg 4.10 - 4.80
Number of Doses Provided by a Single Cartridge 4
6 mg 1.225 - 1.50
12 mg 2.45 - 3.00
24 mg 4.90 - 6.00
* The number of doses provided by a cartridge within this dose range is limited to 28 because a
reconstituted cartridge is stable for 28 days when refrigerated.
† The 6 mg cartridge may be more appropriate in this dose range.
‡ The 12 mg cartridge may be more appropriate in this dose range.
When taking Humatrope (somatropin) for injection remember
Below are some answers to questions you may have about the HumatroPen® 6 mg, 12 mg, and 24
mg injection devices.
See Full Pen User Manual that accompanies the HumatroPen® 6 mg, 12 mg, and 24 mg.
If you miss a dose of Humatrope, you should simply take the next dose at the regularly scheduled
time. Do not
double up on doses.
Pen Needles are not included with the HumatroPen® injection device. You may need a
prescription
to obtain the Needles from your pharmacist.
BD Pen Needles are suitable for use with the HumatroPen®.
Ask your healthcare professional what Needle gauge and length is best to use.
Follow your healthcare professional's instructions on safe handling of Needles.
BD and BD Logo are trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company.
Yes, a new needle must be used for each injection.
Remove the needle immediately after each injection and discard into a puncture-proof container. Use
a new
needle for each injection. This will help minimize the risk of infection, prevent leakage of
Humatrope, keep out
air bubbles, and reduce needle clogs.
Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container. Follow your healthcare professional's
instructions on
how to do this safely.
No. The New Cartridge Setup should be performed only once for each Cartridge, just before a new
Cartridge is
used for the first time.
The purpose of the setup is to make sure the HumatroPen® and Cartridge are ready to
use.
If you repeat the New Cartridge Setup before each routine dose, you may run out of Humatrope early.
The small
amount of product used in the New Cartridge Setup will not affect the supply of Humatrope. Confirm
that you have
a 6 mg, 12 mg, or 24 mg Humatrope cartridge to match the corresponding HumatroPen®.
This is
important to ensure the prescribed dose of Humatrope is given. If it does not match, DO NOT
USE
and call Lilly Support ServicesTM at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979), or
call your
healthcare professional.
DO NOT USE the HumatroPen® if the mg number (6 mg, 12 mg, or 24 mg)
on the
Humatrope Cartridge label does not match the number on the end of the Dose Knob and Front Housing of
the
HumatroPen®. This is important to ensure the correct dose of Humatrope is given.
Contact Lilly Support ServicesTM(1-800-545-5979) or your healthcare
professional
for assistance or to obtain a replacement HumatroPen.
Do not use the Pen if the liquid is cloudy or contains particles. Contact your healthcare provider
or call
Lilly at 1-800-545-5979 or go to https://humatrope.lilly.com/.
Air bubbles may remain in the Cartridge after mixing.
If the HumatroPen is stored with a Needle attached, air bubbles may form in the Cartridge.
DO NOT
STORE the HumatroPen with a Needle attached.
Follow the instructions in Section 2, Step 2D of the User Manual for your pen (Remove air from new
Cartridge)
to remove air bubbles from the Cartridge.
It is normal to see small air bubbles. It will not cause any harm or affect the dose.
The Screw may not move out when you push the Injection Button unless there is a Cartridge in the
HumatroPen®. This feature allows you to easily push the Screw into the
HumatroPen®
Body when replacing a Cartridge.
Once a Cartridge is attached, the Screw will move out when the Injection Button is pushed.
Check that the Cartridge is not damaged or broken.
Carefully line up the Cartridge with the HumatroPen® Body and screw together until
secure. If
the Cartridge and HumatroPen® cannot be screwed together, contact your healthcare
professional.
The Needle may be clogged. Try attaching a new Needle.
Pushing the Injection Button down quickly may make the Injection Button harder to push. Pushing the
Injection
Button more slowly may make it easier.
Using a larger-diameter Needle will make it easier to push the Injection Button during injection.
Ask your
healthcare professional which Needle is best for you or your child.
The Injection Button may become harder to push if the inside of the HumatroPen® gets
dirty.
This can happen if the HUMATROPE Cartridge does not have enough HUMATROPE left in it for the full
dose.
At the end of the injection, the number in the dose window should be 0.00. If you see any number
other than
0.00, this is the amount of HUMATROPE you did not receive. Write this number down and follow the steps
below to
get the rest of your dose.
To get the rest of your dose:
Remove the needle and empty Cartridge from the Pen.
Insert a new Cartridge, attach a new needle, and remove air from the new Cartridge (see Steps
2A through
2D in your Pen User Manual).
Complete your dose by injecting only the amount you did not receive (see Step 3C in your Pen
User
Manual).
If you still do not think you received your full dose, do not take another dose. Call Lilly at
1-800-545-5979 or your healthcare provider for assistance.
It is normal for a single drop to remain on the tip of the needle after the injection is complete. If
you see
more than one drop:
The full dose may not have been delivered. DO NOT INJECT another dose. Consult with your
healthcare
professional for assistance.
To prevent this, for the next dose, firmly push and hold the Injection Button in and slowly
count to
five.
The injection is complete when:
You place your thumb on the injection button, then slowly and firmly push the injection button
until it
stops moving.
Continue to hold the injection button for 5 seconds, then remove the needle from the skin.
You will see 0.00 in the center of the dose window.
Call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) to receive additional guidance/information.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS -
Acute Critical Illness: Humatrope should not be used to treat patients with acute critical illness after open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental traumas, or those with acute respiratory failure due to the risk of increased mortality with use of pharmacologic doses of somatropin. Prader-Willi Syndrome in Children: Humatrope should not be used in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese, have a history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or have severe respiratory impairment due to the risk of sudden death. Humatrope is not indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients who have growth failure due to genetically confirmed Prader-Willi syndrome.
Active Malignancy: Humatrope is contraindicated in patients with any evidence of active malignancy.
Hypersensitivity: Humatrope is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to somatropin or any of the excipients in Humatrope.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Humatrope is contraindicated in patients with active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Closed Epiphyses: Humatrope is contraindicated in pediatric patients with closed epiphyses.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Acute Critical Illness: Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness from complications after open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental traumas, or those with acute respiratory failure has been reported after treatment with pharmacologic amounts of Humatrope. Humatrope is not indicated for the treatment of non-GH deficient adults.
Sudden Death in Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome: There have been reports of sudden death after starting therapy with somatropin in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who had one or more of the following risk factors: severe obesity, history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or unidentified respiratory infection. Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome should be evaluated for signs of upper airway obstruction and sleep apnea before initiation of treatment with somatropin.
Increased risk of Neoplasms: There is an increased risk of malignancy progression with somatropin treatment in patients with active malignancy. Any preexisting malignancy should be inactive and its treatment complete prior to instituting therapy with Humatrope. Discontinue Humatrope if there is evidence of recurrent activity. An increased risk of a second neoplasm has been reported for pediatric cancer survivors treated with somatropin for GH deficiency that developed following radiation to the brain/head. Intracranial tumors, in particular meningiomas, were the most common of these second neoplasms. In adults, it is unknown whether there is any relationship between somatropin replacement therapy and CNS tumor recurrence. Monitor for progression or recurrence in all patients receiving Humatrope who have a history of GH deficiency secondary to an intracranial neoplasm.
Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus: Previously undiagnosed impaired glucose tolerance and overt diabetes mellitus may be unmasked during somatropin treatment. New-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported. Blood glucose concentrations should be monitored periodically in all patients taking Humatrope, especially in those with risk factors for diabetes mellitus and those with pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance. The dose of antidiabetic agents may require adjustment when somatropin treatment is instituted.
Intracranial Hypertension: Intracranial hypertension with papilledema, visual changes, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting have been reported in a small number of patients treated with somatropin. If papilledema is observed by fundoscopy during treatment with Humatrope, treatment should be stopped and the patient’s condition should be reassessed before treatment is resumed.
Severe Hypersensitivity: Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported with use of somatropin products.
Fluid Retention: Transient and dose-dependent fluid retention during somatropin replacement therapy may occur frequently.
Hypoadrenalism: Patients receiving somatropin therapy who have or are at risk for pituitary hormone deficiencies may be at risk for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or unmasking of central hypoadrenalism. Patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of Humatrope treatment. Monitor patients for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or need for glucocorticoid dose increases in those with known hypoadrenalism.
Hypothyroidism: Patients treated with somatropin should have periodic thyroid function tests, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy should be initiated or adjusted in cases of unmasked or worsening hypothyroidism.
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Pediatric Patients: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may occur more frequently in patients undergoing rapid growth. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may lead to osteonecrosis. Cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis with or without osteonecrosis have been reported in pediatric patients with short stature receiving somatropin. Evaluate pediatric patients receiving Humatrope with the onset of a limp or complaints of hip or knee pain for slipped capital femoral epiphysis and osteonecrosis and manage accordingly.
Progression of Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients: Humatrope increases the growth rate and progression of existing scoliosis can occur in patients who experience rapid growth. Monitor patients with a history of scoliosis for progression of scoliosis. Somatropin has not been shown to increase the occurrence of scoliosis.
Pancreatitis: Cases of pancreatitis have been reported in children and adults receiving somatropin products. Pancreatitis should be considered in patients who develop abdominal pain.
Lipoatrophy: Tissue atrophy may result when somatropin products are administrated subcutaneously at the same site over a long period of time. Rotate injection sites when administering Humatrope to reduce this risk.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Common adverse reactions reported in adult and pediatric patients include upper respiratory infection, fever, pharyngitis, headache, otitis media, edema, arthralgia, paresthesia, myalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral edema, flu syndrome, hypothyroidism, hyperglycemia, and impaired glucose tolerance.
Humatrope® (somatropin) for injection is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with:
growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH),
short stature associated with Turner syndrome,
Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), height standard deviation score (SDS) <-2.25, and associated with growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range,
short stature or growth failure in short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) deficiency,
short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by 2 years to 4 years of age.
Humatrope is indicated for the replacement of endogenous GH in adults with GH deficiency.