The prescribed dosage for Omnitrope (somatropin) may depend on a person’s individual treatment plan. Factors like your medical history and body weight may affect your dosage of Omnitrope.
Omnitrope (somatropin) is a prescription drug used to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults and children. The drug comes as an injection you receive under your skin. It may be administered either daily or weekly. Omnitrope is used in adults and certain children to treat:
- adult onset or childhood onset GHD
- growth failure in children due to:
- GHD
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- lower than expected body weight after birth
- Turner syndrome
- shorter than expected height for age without a clear cause
The active ingredient in Omnitrope is somatropin. Omnitrope belongs to a group of drugs called human growth hormones.
This article describes the dosages of Omnitrope, its strengths, and how to take it. To learn more about Omnitrope, including its side effects and uses, read this in-depth Omnitrope article.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following table highlights the basics of Omnitrope’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg). Some doses may be listed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg). For reference, 1 kilogram equals about 2.2 pounds (lb).
Always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown here.
| Condition | Recommended dose |
|---|---|
| GHD in adults | • If your doctor bases your dose on your body weight, you will start with 0.04 mg/kg per week. • If your doctor does not base your dose on your body weight, you will start with 0.2 mg per day. |
| GHD in children | 0.16 to 0.24 mg/kg per week |
| Prader-Willi syndrome in children | 0.24 mg/kg per week |
| Turner syndrome in children | 0.33 mg/kg per week |
| lower than expected body weight after birth in children | up to 0.48 mg/kg per week |
| shorter than expected height for age without a clear cause in children | up to 0.47 mg/kg per week |
Omnitrope forms
Omnitrope comes in two forms: Omnitrope cartridges and Omnitrope vials.
Omnitrope strengths
Omnitrope cartridges come in two strengths:
- 5 milligrams in 1.5 milliliters of solution (5 mg/1.5 mL)
- 10 mg/1.5 mL
The 5 mg/1.5 mL cartridge fits into the Omnitrope Pen 5 delivery system. The 10 mg/1.5 mL cartridge fits into the Omnitrope Pen 10 delivery system.
Omnitrope vials contain powder that you mix into a liquid that creates a solution you inject under your skin. Vials come in one strength: 5.8 mg per vial.
Omnitrope is approved to treat the following conditions:
- adult onset or childhood onset GHD
- growth failure in children due to:
- GHD
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- lower than expected body weight after birth
- Turner syndrome
- shorter than expected height for age without a clear cause
The prescribed Omnitrope dosage may vary depending on the condition it’s used to treat. Always follow your doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.
Dosage for GHD
The typical Omnitrope dosage for adults with GHD will depend on whether your doctor uses your body weight to guide your dose.
If they determine your dosage using your body weight, you’ll likely be prescribed a starting dose of no more than 0.04 mg/kg of body weight per week. (For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.) Your doctor will divide this weekly dose into a smaller daily dose and explain how much you’ll take each day.
If your doctor chooses not to use your body weight to determine your dosage, you’ll likely be prescribed a starting dose of 0.2 mg per day.
Regardless of how your doctor determines your starting dose, they may gradually increase your dose every 1 to 2 months, depending on how your body responds to this medication. For example, if you develop side effects from Omnitrope, your doctor will likely reduce your dose, but if you take certain medications, you may need a higher dose.
If you’re age 65 years or older, your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose to reduce your risk of side effects.
Omnitrope is used to help treat growth failure in children due to the following conditions:
- GHD
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- lower than expected body weight after birth
- Turner syndrome
- shorter than expected height for age without a clear cause
The dosage for children is based on the child’s body weight. Doses are listed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg). For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 lb.
| Condition | Recommended dose |
|---|---|
| GHD | 0.16 to 0.24 mg/kg per week |
| Prader-Willi syndrome | 0.24 mg/kg per week |
| Turner syndrome | 0.33 mg/kg per week |
| lower than expected body weight after birth | up to 0.48 mg/kg per week |
| shorter than expected height for age without a clear cause | up to 0.47 mg/kg per week |
Your child’s doctor will divide their weekly dosage into a smaller dose that you’ll inject 6 or 7 days per week. Your child’s doctor will explain how much Omnitrope you’ll give per dose.
For more information about Omnitrope’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you specific instructions for taking Omnitrope.
Omnitrope is available as a liquid solution in cartridge (pen) delivery systems.
It’s also available as a powder in vials that you’ll mix with a provided liquid to make a solution. When mixing, swirl the contents. Be sure not to shake the vial, as this could make the drug less effective.
Both forms of Omnitrope are taken as an injection under your skin. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will explain how to give yourself or your child these injections at home. They’ll also explain how much to inject and how often. Be sure to follow their instructions.
You should inject Omnitrope into your belly, thigh, or buttock. But do not inject the medication near your belly button or waist. Change your injection site each time to avoid side effects on your skin.
To learn more about how to inject Omnitrope, check out the drug’s prescribing information. Instructional guides and videos are also available on the drug manufacturer’s website.
Typically, your doctor will recommend that you inject your dose in the evening, 6 or 7 days per week. Your doctor will provide further instructions on how and when to inject each dose based on your age and the condition you’re using Omnitrope to treat.
Both forms of Omnitrope should be kept in the refrigerator in their original packaging.
How long do you take Omnitrope?
Omnitrope is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term once you reach your maintenance dose.
Do not take more Omnitrope than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
If you’ve taken too much Omnitrope over a short period, symptoms of an overdose may include:
- lower or higher blood sugar than usual
- retaining more fluid than usual
If you’ve taken too much Omnitrope over a long period, symptoms of an overdose may include:
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Omnitrope. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.