Zorbtive

Generic name:somatropin [ soe-ma-TROE-pin ]
Drug class:Growth hormones

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 5, 2022.

What is Zorbtive?

Zorbtive is a form of human growth hormone important for the growth of bones and muscles. It is similar to the growth hormone your body manufactures.

Zorbtive is used to treat Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) in patients who are on a specialized diet.

When used with along with special diet, Zorbtive helps your bowel take in more water, electrolytes and nutrients and lowers the need for I.V. (intravenous) feedings.

Zorbtive is not cure for Short Bowel Syndrome.

Warnings

When taking Zorbtive to treat short bowel syndrome, it is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor.

Call your doctor at once if you have sudden and severe pain in your upper stomach with nausea and vomiting, fast heartbeat, increased thirst or urination, weight loss, or vision changes and sudden, severe pain behind your eyes.

Do not stop using a steroid suddenly or change any of your medication doses without your doctor's advice

You should not use somatropin if you have cancer, eye problems caused by diabetes. You should not use Zorbtive 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 Zorbtive if you are allergic to somatropin or benzyl alcohol, or if you have:

• a serious illness due to lung failure or complications from recent surgery, injury, or medical trauma;

• closed epiphyses;

• active cancer;

• eye problems caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy); or

To make sure Zorbtive is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• cancer (especially during childhood);

• diabetes;

• breathing problems, sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);

• a pituitary gland disorder;

• abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis);

• underactive thyroid;

• a head injury or brain tumor; or

• childhood brain cancer and radiation treatment.

It is not known whether Zorbtive will cause harm to an unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Zorbtive contains benzyl alcohol, an ingredient that can cause serious side effects or death in very young or premature babies. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

How should I use Zorbtive?

Use Zorbtive exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Zorbtive is injected into a muscle or under the skin. You may be shown how to...