Zorbtive

Pronunciation: SOE-ma-TROE-pin
Generic Name: Somatropin (rDNA origin - Nonrefrigerated)
Brand Name: Zorbtive

Zorbtive is used for:

Treating short bowel syndrome (SBS). It is used along with a specialized diet. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Zorbtive is a growth hormone. It works by increasing the flow of water, electrolytes, and nutrients into the bowels.

Do NOT use Zorbtive if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zorbtive or in the diluent


• you have active or recurring cancer or a brain tumor


• you have severe breathing problems (eg, respiratory failure) or a serious illness caused by complications from a surgery or injury

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Zorbtive:

Some medical conditions may interact with Zorbtive. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances (including benzyl alcohol)


• if you have a history of lung or breathing problems (eg, airway blockage, respiratory infection, sleep apnea), an underactive thyroid, heart problems, high blood pressure, pancreas problems, liver or kidney problems, ear or hearing problems (eg, repeated ear infections), or endocrine problems (eg, pituitary or adrenal gland problems)


• if you have a history of diabetes, high blood sugar levels, a certain type of eye problem caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy), or if a member of your family has had diabetes


• if you have a history of leukemia, other types of cancer (eg, skin cancer), or any unusual growths or tumors (especially in the brain)


• if you have curvature of the spine (scoliosis), carpal tunnel syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome


• if you are very overweight or have had a recent major surgery or injury

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zorbtive. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Estrogens because they may decrease Zorbtive's effectiveness


• Anticonvulsants (eg, carbamazepine) or cyclosporine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zorbtive


• Corticosteroids (eg, cortisone, prednisone), or insulin or other medicines for diabetes because their effectiveness may be decreased by Zorbtive

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zorbtive may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Zorbtive:

Use Zorbtive as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• An extra patient leaflet is available with Zorbtive. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.


• Zorbtive is given as an injection under the skin. A health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Zorbtive. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.


• Gently swirl Zorbtive to mix it. Do not shake Zorbtive.


• Zorbtive should be clear and colorless. Do not use Zorbtive if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the container is cracked or damaged.


• Be sure to rotate your injection site as directed to help avoid thickening or hardening of the skin. Do not inject Zorbtive into skin that is sore, red, infected, or damaged.


• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.


• If you miss a dose of Zorbtive, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once. Do not use more than 1 dose in a day. Contact your doctor if you miss more than 3 doses.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zorbtive.

Important safety information:

• Follow the diet plan given to you by your health care provider.


• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Zorbtive.


• If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or gas, check with your doctor for ways to lessen these effects.


• Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) has been reported rarely in patients who take Zorbtive. The risk may be greater in children, especially in girls who have Turner syndrome. Contact your doctor right away if you develop stomach or back pain.


• Rarely, children using Zorbtive have experienced a slipped growth plate in the hip. Contact the doctor right away if the patient develops hip or knee pain or a limp.


• Zorbtive may cause mild swelling (particularly in the hands or feet) or muscle pain or stiffness. These effects may go away on their own. If they persist or become bothersome, check with your doctor for ways to lessen these effects.


• Zorbtive may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.


• Diabetes patients - Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.


• Lab tests, including blood tests and eye exams, may be performed while you use Zorbtive. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Zorbtive with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.


• Zorbtive may have benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in NEWBORNS or INFANTS. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.


• Zorbtive should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zorbtive while you are pregnant. It is not known if Zorbtive is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zorbtive, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Zorbtive:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Gas; mild swelling (eg, of the hands or feet); muscle or joint pain; pain, swelling, redness, itching, or bruising at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast enlargement in males; burning, tingling, itching, or numbness in the palm of the hand, fingers, or wrist; change in appearance or size of a mole; confusion; ear pain, discharge, or discomfort; fever; hearing problems; hip or knee pain; limp; new growth on the skin; one-sided weakness; persistent or severe cough or sore throat; severe or persistent muscle or joint pain; severe or persistent swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; shortness of breath; slurred speech; snoring or irregular breathing during sleep; sudden, severe, or persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting; symptoms of dehydration (eg, very dry mouth or skin); symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; unusual weakness); symptoms of pancreas inflammation (eg, severe or persistent stomach or back pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, fast heartbeat, unusual sweating); thickened or hardened skin at the injection site; trouble breathing; unusual bruising; vision changes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Zorbtive side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include excessive thirst or hunger; frequent urination; headache; nausea or vomiting; swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands.

Proper storage of Zorbtive:

Store new (unopened) vials at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from heat, moisture, and light. Do not use Zorbtive past the expiration date on the product label.

If you mix Zorbtive with bacteriostatic water for injection, the mixed medicine may be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Throw away mixed vials after 14 days, even if they still contain medicine.

If you mix Zorbtive with sterile water for injection, use it right away. Throw away any medicine left in the vial. Do not save medicine mixed with sterile water for injection for use at a later time.

Contact your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to properly store Zorbtive. Keep Zorbtive out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Zorbtive, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Zorbtive is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Zorbtive. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Zorbtive resources

• Zorbtive Side Effects (in more detail)
• Zorbtive Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Zorbtive Drug Interactions
• Zorbtive Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Zorbtive - Add your own review/rating

• Zorbtive Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Zorbtive Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Zorbtive Consumer Overview


• Somatropin Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Genotropin Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Genotropin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Humatrope Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Norditropin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Nutropin Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Nutropin AQ Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Nutropin Depot Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Omnitrope Consumer Overview


• Omnitrope Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Saizen Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Serostim Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Tev-Tropin Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Zorbtive with other medications

• Short Bowel Syndrome
• Short Stature for Age