Omnitrope
Brand Information
| Brand name | Omnitrope |
| Active ingredient | Somatropin |
| Schedule | S4 |
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using the Omnitrope.
Summary CMI
Omnitrope®
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) summary
The full CMI on the next page has more details. If you are worried about using this medicine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
1. Why am I using Omnitrope?
Omnitrope contains the active ingredient somatropin. Omnitrope is used to treat short stature caused by the lack of growth hormone, and reduced growth in girls with Turner syndrome and children with kidney disease to help them grow at a normal rate.
For more information, see Section 1. Why am I using Omnitrope? in the full CMI.
2. What should I know before I use Omnitrope?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to somatropin or any of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
For more information, see Section 2. What should I know before I use Omnitrope? in the full CMI.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Omnitrope and affect how it works.
A list of these medicines is in Section 3. What if I am taking other medicines? in the full CMI.
4. How do I use Omnitrope?
- The dose of Omnitrope is different for each person. Your doctor will tell you what the right dose for you or your child is.
- Follow the instructions provided and use Omnitrope until your doctor tells you to stop.
More instructions can be found in Section 4. How do I use Omnitrope? in the full CMI.
5. What should I know while using Omnitrope?
| Things you should do |
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| Things you should not do |
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| Driving or using machines |
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| Looking after your medicine |
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For more information, see Section 5. What should I know while using Omnitrope? in the full CMI.
6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects are reactions at the injection site, painful joints, muscle aches and pains, muscle stiffness and swelling of the arms or legs. Side effects such as severe or recurring headaches, problems with your vision, nausea or vomiting, extreme tiredness, change to thirst or appetite, increased need to pass urine, limping, discomfort or pain in the hip or knee, and curvature of the spine can be serious and you may need medical attention. These side effects are rare.
For more information, including what to do if you have any side effects, see Section 6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI.
Full CMI
1. Why am I using Omnitrope?
Omnitrope contains the active ingredient somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone, or biosynthetic human growth hormone). It is a man-made substance which is produced in a laboratory. Omnitrope is identical to the body's own growth hormone.
Omnitrope is used to treat:
- Short stature caused by the lack of growth hormone.
- Omnitrope promotes the growth of the long bones (for example, upper legs) in children with reduced height due to lower than normal levels of growth hormone.
- Reduced growth in girls with Turner syndrome.
- Turner syndrome is a genetic disorder found in females. The condition may cause short stature and ovaries to not fully develop.
- Children with kidney disease, to help them grow at a normal rate.
However, your doctor may prescribe Omnitrope for another purpose. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Omnitrope has been prescribed for you.
2. What should I know before I use Omnitrope?
Warnings
Do not use Omnitrope if:
- you are allergic to somatropin, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
- Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Your doctor will not prescribe Omnitrope if you:
- are a child and have closed epiphyses (this means that your bones have finished growing)
- have an active tumour (cancer) or evidence of cancer growth
- are currently being treated for cancer
- have a serious injury or illness, or surgical procedures, requiring intensive care
- have Prader-Willi syndrome and are severely overweight or have marked difficulty breathing
- are under the age of 3 years.
Tell your doctor if you:
- have or have had other medical conditions (diabetes mellitus, cancer, a kidney transplant, thyroid disease, adrenocortical insufficiency (also known as ACTH deficiency))
- take medicines for any other condition.
Your doctor should monitor you for glucose intolerance during treatment with Omnitrope. If you are treated with insulin, your doctor may need to adjust your insulin dose.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. It is not known whether Omnitrope passes into breast milk.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with Omnitrope and affect how it works.
Tell your doctor if you are taking:
- any medicine (including insulin) for the treatment of diabetes
- thyroxine (thyroid hormone) for the treatment of thyroid deficiency
- replacement therapy for ACTH deficiency e.g. hydrocortisone or fludrocortisone
- corticosteroids such as cortisol or dexamethasone e.g. for the treatment of severe asthma, some skin conditions or rheumatoid arthritis
- epilepsy medicines, e.g. carbamazepine, ethosuximide or tiagabine
- ciclosporin e.g. for the treatment of severe skin disease (psoriasis), rheumatoid arthritis or after transplant surgery
- hormone therapy e.g. HRT for oestrogen deficiency, menopause or osteoporosis (bone thinning), testosterone for hormone deficiency in men, or other hormone therapy for contraception ("the Pill"), endometriosis or some cancers.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect Omnitrope.
4. How do I use Omnitrope?
How much to use
- The dose of Omnitrope is different for each person. Your doctor will tell you what the right dose for you or your child is.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure of the correct dose for you. They will tell you exactly how much to use.
- Follow the instructions provided and use Omnitrope until your doctor tells you to stop.
When to use Omnitrope
- Omnitrope should be used in the evening if possible. Normally, growth hormone is made by the body at night. Giving the injection at night helps to copy this process.
How to use Omnitrope
- After taking Omnitrope out of the refrigerator allow glass cartridge to reach room temperature (about 30 mins) prior to injection.
- Change the site of injection every day.
- Inspect the product carefully before use.
Only use the injection if the solution is clear. If the solution is cloudy or contains particles, the contents must not be injected.
Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL, 10 mg/1.5 mL and 15 mg/1.5 mL Solution for Injection
Reconstitution is not required for Omnitrope Solution for Injection. This medicine is ready-to-use.
Put the glass cartridge containing the Omnitrope solution in the injector pen. Use
- Sure Pal 5 for Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL Solution for Injection for SurePal 5
- Sure Pal 10 for Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL Solution for Injection for SurePal 10 and
- SurePal 15 for Omnitrope 15 mg/1.5 mL Solution for Injection for SurePal 15
Follow the instructions that come with the pen.
Remove the needle from the injector pen after each injection. Return the injector pen with the cartridge to the refrigerator after each use.
If you are using Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL for SurePal 5 discard the cartridge 28 days after injecting the first dose.
If you are using Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL for SurePal 10 discard the cartridge 28 days after injecting the first dose.
If you are using Omnitrope 15 mg/1.5 mL discard the cartridge 28 days after injecting the first dose.
If you forget to use Omnitrope
Omnitrope should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you forget to use a dose, have your next injection at the usual time the next day.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you forget to use your Omnitrope.
If you use too much Omnitrope
If you think that you have used too much Omnitrope, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
- phone the Australian Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26), or the New Zealand National Poisons Information Centre (by calling 0800 POISONS or 0800 764 766), or - contact your doctor, or
- go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using Omnitrope?
Things you should do
Call your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following:
- rash, wheezing, swelling of the eyelids, face or lips. These may be symptoms of an allergic reaction
- nausea, vomiting, headaches or problems with your vision. These may be symptoms of raised pressure of the fluid around the brain
- limping
- pain in the hips and/or knees.
Tell your doctor if you:
- become pregnant while you are using Omnitrope
- start to have difficulty breathing or start to snore, or have an increase in snoring while you are using Omnitrope
- stop or change your oral estrogen therapy
- stop or change your glucocorticoid therapy
- have concerns about how the product looks e.g. if it looks different from normal.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Omnitrope.
Things you should not do
- Do not stop using this medicine without your doctor's permission
- Omnitrope should be used strictly according to the instructions you have been given. Do not change your dose unless your doctor has told you to
- Do not miss injections regularly. Missing injections can reduce effectiveness and you risk being taken off growth hormone altogether
- Do not freeze Omnitrope
- Do not give your Omnitrope to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Also do not let anyone use your injector pen.
Things to be careful of
Follow the instructions for administration of Omnitrope carefully.
Not following the instructions might decrease the activity of your medicine or lead to a broken pen injector or cartridge.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Omnitrope affects you.
Looking after your medicine
- Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
- Store Omnitrope in the refrigerator at 2-8°C. Do not freeze.
- Use an insulated container for transporting your medicine if you are travelling.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:
- in the bathroom or near a sink, or
- in the car or on window
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
Used needles and the empty cartridges or vials should be disposed of in a sharps container or a container of hard plastic or glass.
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.
Side effects
| Side effects | What to do |
Administration site disorders:
| Speak to your doctor if you have any of these side effects and they worry you. You must tell your doctor immediately if any of these side effects become serious as you may require medical attention. |
There have been very rare reports of leukaemia (a cancer that affects the blood system) developing in children using somatropin. A causal association of somatropin with the development of leukaemia has not been identified.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems or to Medsafe at pophealth.my.site.com/carmreportnz/s/. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Omnitrope contains
| Active ingredient (main ingredient) | somatropin |
| Other ingredients (inactive ingredients) | 5 mg/1.5 mL, 10 mg/ 1.5 mL and 15 mg/ 1.5 mL:
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| Potential allergens | mannitol (5 mg/1.5 mL only) |
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Omnitrope looks like
Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL Solution for Injection for SurePal 5 - clear and colourless solution. Each pack contains 1, 5 or 10 colourless glass cartridges (AUST R 224622).
Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL Solution for Injection for SurePal 10 - clear and colourless solution. Each pack contains 1, 5 or 10 colourless glass cartridges (AUST R 224623).
Omnitrope 15 mg/1.5 mL Solution for Injection for SurePal 15 - clear and colourless solution. Each pack contains 1, 5 or 10 colourless glass cartridges (AUST R 205625).
Not all pack sizes may be available.
Who distributes Omnitrope
Omnitrope is distributed in Australia by:
Sandoz Pty Ltd
100 Pacific Highway
North Sydney, NSW 2060
Australia
Tel 1800 726 369
Omnitrope is distributed in New Zealand by:
Sandoz New Zealand Limited
12 Madden Street
Auckland 1010
New Zealand
Tel 0800 726 369
This leaflet was prepared in December 2025.
® Registered Trade Mark. The trade marks mentioned in this material are the property of their respective owners.
Brand Information
| Brand name | Omnitrope |
| Active ingredient | Somatropin |
| Schedule | S4 |
MIMS Revision Date: 01 September 2025
1 Name of Medicine
Somatropin (rbe) (recombinant human growth hormone, r-hGH).
2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition
Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection contains 3.33 mg/mL somatropin.
Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 5 contains 3.33 mg/mL somatropin.
Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection contains 6.67 mg/mL somatropin (rbe).
Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 10 contains 6.67 mg/mL somatropin (rbe).
Omnitrope 15 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 15 contains 10 mg/mL somatropin (rbe).
Omnitrope 1.33 mg powder for injection contains 1.33 mg/mL somatropin (rbe) on reconstitution.
Omnitrope 5 mg powder for injection contains 5 mg/mL somatropin (rbe) on reconstitution.
List of excipients with known effect. Mannitol (Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection preparations).
Omnitrope is produced using recombinant DNA technology. The active substance somatropin (biosynthetic human growth hormone, rDNA-derived human growth hormone [r-hGH]) is produced in cell culture by Escherichia coli cells bearing the gene for human growth hormone.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.
3 Pharmaceutical Form
Omnitrope solution for injection is a clear, colourless solution.
Omnitrope powder for injection is a white to off-white powder.
4 Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic Indications
Omnitrope is intended for the long-term treatment of children (above three years of age) with:
growth disturbance due to insufficient secretion of pituitary growth hormone;
growth disturbance associated with gonadal dysgenesis (Turner syndrome);
growth disturbance associated with chronic renal insufficiency.
4.2 Dose and Method of Administration
Dosage. Therapy with somatropin should be initiated and monitored by physicians who are experienced in the diagnosis and management of patients with growth hormone deficiency.
The dose is based on bodyweight and must always be adjusted individually in accordance with the response to therapy.
Daily administration by subcutaneous injection in the evening is recommended. The injection sites have to be rotated to minimise the risk of local lipoatrophy.
Patients and caregivers have to receive appropriate training and instruction on the proper use of the Omnitrope vials, the cartridges with solvent, the transfer set and the pen from their physician or other suitably qualified health professionals.
Growth disturbance due to insufficient secretion of growth hormone in children. Generally, a dose of 0.025 to 0.035 mg/kg bodyweight per day or 0.7 to 1.0 mg/m2 body surface area per day is recommended. If the response to therapy is not satisfactory in the following years, the dose can be increased, as higher doses have been used.
Growth disturbance in girls due to Turner syndrome. A dose of 0.045 to 0.05 mg/kg bodyweight per day or 1.4 mg/m2 body surface area per day is recommended. If the response to therapy is not satisfactory in the following years, the dose can be increased.
Growth disturbance in chronic renal insufficiency. A dose of 0.045 to 0.05 mg/kg bodyweight per day or 1.4 mg/m2 body surface area per day is recommended. A dosage adjustment may be necessary after 6 months. If the response to therapy is not satisfactory, the dose can be increased.
Duration of treatment. There is no specific time limit for the duration of treatment with somatropin. Treatment is to be discontinued when the patient has reached a satisfactory final height, when the epiphyses are closed or when the patient no longer responds to growth hormone therapy. Response to somatropin therapy in paediatric patients tends to decrease with time. However, failure to increase growth velocity, particularly during the first year of treatment, suggests the need for close assessment of compliance and other causes of growth failure such as hypothyroidism, under-nutrition and advanced bone age.
Method of administration. Reconstitution and stability of solution. As with all parenteral drug products, the solution should be clear after reconstitution and storage. If the solution is cloudy, the contents must not be injected.
Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection. Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL is a ready to use solution, which is filled in glass cartridges. This presentation is intended for multiple use with a pen device. The Omnitrope Pen 5 needs to be used to administer Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL. After the first injection, the contents of the cartridge must be used within 28 days and the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept at 2°C to 8°C (in a refrigerator). For microbiological reasons, any remaining solution should be discarded after 28 days.
The Omnitrope Pen 5 is intended for use by a single patient only.
Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 5. Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL is a ready to use solution, which is filled in glass cartridges. This presentation is intended for multiple use with a pen device (SurePal). SurePal 5 needs to be used to administer Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL. The cartridges for SurePal 5 are irreversibly integrated in a transparent container called cartridge holder, which serves as an adaptor for SurePal 5. After the first injection, the contents of the cartridge must be used within 28 days and the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept at 2°C to 8°C (in a refrigerator). For microbiological reasons, any remaining solution should be discarded after 28 days.
SurePal 5 is intended for use by a single patient only.
Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection. Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL is a ready to use solution, which is filled in glass cartridges. This presentation is intended for multiple use with a pen device. The Omnitrope Pen 10 needs to be used to administer Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL. After the first injection, the contents of the cartridge must be used within 28 days and the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept at 2°C to 8°C (in a refrigerator). For microbiological reasons, any remaining solution should be discarded after 28 days.
The Omnitrope Pen 10 is intended for use by a single patient only.
Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 10. Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL is a ready to use solution, which is filled in glass cartridges. This presentation is intended for multiple use with a pen device (SurePal). SurePal 10 needs to be used to administer Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL. The cartridges for SurePal 10 are irreversibly integrated in a transparent container called cartridge holder, which serves as an adaptor for SurePal 10. After the first injection, the contents of the cartridge must be used within 28 days and the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept at 2°C to 8°C (in a refrigerator). For microbiological reasons, any remaining solution should be discarded after 28 days.
SurePal 10 is intended for use by a single patient only.
Omnitrope 15 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 15. Omnitrope 15 mg/1.5 mL is a ready to use solution, which is filled in glass cartridges. This presentation is intended for multiple use with a pen device (SurePal). SurePal 15 needs to be used to administer Omnitrope 15 mg/1.5 mL. The cartridges for SurePal 15 are irreversibly integrated in a transparent container called cartridge holder, which serves as an adaptor for SurePal 15. After the first injection, the contents of the cartridge must be used within 28 days and the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept at 2°C to 8°C (in a refrigerator). For microbiological reasons, any remaining solution should be discarded after 28 days.
SurePal 15 is intended for use by a single patient only.
Omnitrope 1.33 mg/mL powder for injection*. Omnitrope 1.33 mg/mL is supplied in a vial containing the active substance as a powder and the solvent filled in a vial for single use. Each vial must be reconstituted with the accompanying water for injection.
The reconstituted solution is clear and colourless. As the reconstituted solution contains no preservative, use once only and discard any residue. If storage is necessary, the reconstituted solution should be stored at 2°C to 8°C for not more than 24 hours.
The product is for single use in one patient only.
Omnitrope 5 mg/mL powder for injection. Omnitrope 5 mg/mL is supplied in a vial containing the active substance as a powder and a cartridge containing the solvent. It should be reconstituted with a transfer set as recommended in the information provided with the transfer set. Reconstitute the Omnitrope vial only with the accompanying solvent for parenteral use. Use the complete contents of the cartridge. This presentation is intended for multiple use with a pen device.
After reconstitution, the content of the cartridge is stable for at least 21 days when stored at 2°C to 8°C. The reconstituted solution is clear and colourless. For microbiological reasons, any remaining solution should be discarded after 21 days.
After reconstitution and first injection, the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept at 2°C to 8°C (in a refrigerator).
The pen is intended for use by a single patient only.
Not all presentations may be marketed.
4.3 Contraindications
Treatment with Omnitrope is contraindicated:
in patients with evidence of malignancies. Intracranial lesions have to be inactive and antitumour therapy has to be completed prior to treatment. Treatment with Omnitrope should be discontinued if there is any evidence of recurrent tumour activity;
for growth promotion in paediatric patients with closed epiphyses;
in patients with known hypersensitivity to somatropin or to any of the excipients;
in patients with acute critical illness due to complications following open heart surgery or abdominal surgery, multiple accident trauma, extensive burns or to patients having acute respiratory failure (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use);
in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese or have severe respiratory impairment (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use);
in newborns, Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection/Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 5 and Omnitrope 5 mg/mL powder for injection* (after reconstitution with the solvent) should not be used because of the presence of the preservative, benzyl alcohol.
*Not marketed.
4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use
Therapy with Omnitrope should be initiated and monitored by physicians who are appropriately qualified and experienced in the diagnosis and management of patients with growth hormone deficiency. The maximum recommended daily dose should not be exceeded (see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration).
There have been reports of fatalities associated with the use of growth hormone in paediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who had one or more of the following risk factors: severe obesity, history of respiratory impairment or sleep apnoea, or unidentified respiratory infection. Another possible risk factor may be male gender. (Omnitrope is not indicated for use in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome.)
Metabolism. Somatropin may induce a state of insulin resistance and in some patients hyperglycaemia. Therefore, patients should be observed for evidence of glucose intolerance during Omnitrope treatment. In rare cases, the diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus type II may be fulfilled as a result of the somatropin therapy, but risk factors such as obesity, family history, steroid treatment or pre-existing impaired glucose tolerance have been present in most cases where this occurred. Omnitrope should be used with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus or a family history of diabetes mellitus. In patients with already manifested diabetes mellitus, the antidiabetic therapy might require adjustment when somatropin is instituted.
Endocrine system. Hypothyroidism may develop during therapy with somatropin, and inadequate treatment of hypothyroidism may prevent optimal response to treatment with Omnitrope. Therefore, thyroid hormone levels must be checked periodically during Omnitrope therapy and patients should be treated with thyroid hormone, when indicated.
During treatment with somatropin, an enhanced T4 to T3 conversion has been found, which may result in a reduction in serum T4 concentrations and an increase in serum T3 concentrations. In general, the peripheral thyroid hormone levels have remained within the reference ranges for healthy subjects. The effects of somatropin on thyroid hormone levels may be of clinical relevance in patients with central subclinical hypothyroidism in whom hypothyroidism theoretically may develop. Conversely, in patients receiving replacement therapy with thyroxin, mild hyperthyroidism may occur. It is therefore advisable to test thyroid function after starting treatment with somatropin and after dose adjustment.
Large doses of glucocorticoids may inhibit the growth promoting effect of growth hormone. Patients with coexisting corticotropin deficiencies should have their glucocorticoid replacement doses carefully adjusted.
Somatropin has been reported to reduce serum cortisol levels. Changes to serum levels of unbound serum cortisol have not been reported. The clinical relevance of these findings seems limited. Nevertheless, corticosteroid replacement therapy should be optimised before initiation of Omnitrope therapy.
To achieve a satisfactory stimulation of growth, some girls with Turner syndrome may require a higher dose during the first year of treatment.
Patients with pan hypopituitarism are at risk of adrenal insufficiency after treatment with growth hormone is commenced, particularly if this has not previously been recognised or the patients are on inadequate replacement. Standard replacement therapy should be closely monitored in patients with (pan)hypopituitarism.
Patients with chronic renal disease may develop hyperparathyroidism which should be treated appropriately before initiation of somatropin therapy.
Introduction of somatropin treatment may result in inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD-1) and reduced serum cortisol concentrations. In patients treated with somatropin, previously undiagnosed central (secondary) hypoadrenalism may be unmasked and glucocorticoid replacement may be required. In addition, patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement therapy for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses, following initiation of somatropin treatment (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
Nervous system. In cases of severe or recurrent headache, visual problems, nausea and/or vomiting, a fundoscopy for papilloedema is recommended as some rare cases of benign intracranial hypertension have been reported during somatropin treatment. If papilloedema is confirmed, a diagnosis of benign intracranial hypertension has to be considered and, if appropriate, Omnitrope treatment should be interrupted. At present, insufficient experience exists on how to restart treatment in patients after normalisation of intracranial pressure. If restarting treatment is considered appropriate, the patient has to be carefully monitored for the absence of symptoms of increased intracranial pressure.
Musculoskeletal system. Progression of scoliosis can occur in patients who experience rapid growth. Physicians should be alert to this abnormality, which may become apparent during growth hormone therapy due to the rapid increase in growth rate. Signs of scoliosis should be monitored during treatment.
Patients with endocrine disorders, including growth hormone deficiency, hypopituitarism and renal osteodystrophy, may have an increased incidence of slipped capital femoral epiphyses. Any child who develops a limp or complains of hip or knee pain during Omnitrope treatment should be evaluated as this may indicate development of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects), Post-marketing experience).
Urinary system. In chronic renal insufficiency, the renal function should have decreased below 50% of normal before initiation of therapy. Growth should have been followed for a year preceding initiation of therapy with Omnitrope in order to verify the growth disturbance. Conservative treatment for the renal insufficiency should have been established and should be maintained during treatment. Treatment should be discontinued after renal transplantation.
Growth hormone treatment may represent an increased risk for acute rejection in patients with renal allograft and a history of two or more rejection episodes.
Neoplasms. Patients with growth hormone deficiency secondary to an intracranial lesion have to be examined frequently for progression or recurrence of the underlying disease process.
Newly diagnosed and recurrent cases of leukaemia have been reported in growth hormone deficient children treated with somatropin. These children had other risk factors for leukaemia. A causal association with somatropin has not been identified.
Critically ill patients. Two placebo controlled clinical trials of patients in intensive care units have demonstrated an increased mortality among patients suffering from acute critical illness due to complications following open heart surgery, abdominal surgery, multiple accidental trauma or acute respiratory failure who were treated with somatropin in high doses (5.3 mg to 8 mg/day). These types of patients should not be treated with somatropin (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Because there is no information available on the safety of growth hormone therapy in acutely critically ill patients, the benefits of continued treatment in this situation should be weighed against the potential risks involved. In all patients developing other or similar acute critical illness, the possible benefits of treatment with somatropin must be weighed against the potential risk involved.
Use in the elderly. No data available.
Paediatric use. See Section 4.3 Contraindications.
Effects on laboratory tests. No data available.
4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions
Concomitant glucocorticoid therapy may inhibit growth and thereby oppose the growth promoting effect of Omnitrope. If glucocorticoid replacement therapy is required, the glucocorticoid dose and compliance have to be monitored carefully to avoid either adrenal insufficiency or inhibition of the growth promoting effects of Omnitrope.
Growth hormone decreases the conversion of cortisone to cortisol and may unmask previously undiscovered central hypoadrenalism or render low glucocorticoid replacement dose ineffective (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Data from an interaction study conducted in growth hormone deficient adults, suggest that somatropin administration may increase the clearance of compounds known to be metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 (e.g. sex steroids, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants and cyclosporin). The clinical significance of this is unknown.
Also see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, regarding diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorder and corticotropin deficiencies.
Insulin dosage may need to be adjusted when Omnitrope is administered to patients with diabetes mellitus.
4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation
Effects on fertility. No specific study has been conducted in animals to examine the effect of Omnitrope on fertility. However, somatropin is known to have adverse effects on reproduction. Inhibition of reproduction was reported in male and female rats at somatropin doses of 1 mg/kg/day or more, with reduced copulation and conception rates, lengthened or absent oestrus cycles and, at 3.3 mg/kg/day, a lack of responsiveness of females to males and slight reductions in sperm motility and survival. Rat reproduction was unaffected by 0.3 mg/kg/day somatropin, which resulted in a systemic exposure (based on body surface area) of approximately 2 times that anticipated in adult patients at the maximal clinical dose of 0.01 mg/kg/day.
Use in pregnancy. (Category B2)
No specific study has been conducted in animals to examine the reproductive toxicity of Omnitrope. However, somatropin was not teratogenic and did not affect foetal growth at subcutaneous maternal doses up to 3.3 mg/kg/day in rats or 1.3 mg/kg/day in rabbits, which resulted in systemic exposures based on body surface area of approximately 40 times the anticipated maximum clinical exposure.
There is no experience with somatropin during pregnancy, nor has the need for such use been established. Treatment with Omnitrope should be interrupted if pregnancy occurs.
Use in lactation. It is not known whether somatropin is excreted in breast milk, but the possibility cannot be excluded. However, absorption of intact protein from the gastrointestinal tract of the infant is extremely unlikely. As a general precaution, treatment with Omnitrope should be interrupted during breastfeeding.
4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines
The effects of this medicine on a person's ability to drive and use machines were not assessed as part of its registration.
4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)
In general, mild to moderate uncommon (0.1% to 1%) adverse effects related to fluid retention, such as peripheral oedema, face oedema, stiffness in the extremities, arthralgia, myalgia and paraesthesia are observed within the first months of treatment, but they usually subside either spontaneously or with dose reduction.
Somatropin has been reported to reduce serum cortisol levels, possibly by affecting carrier proteins or by increasing hepatic clearance. The clinical relevance of these findings may be limited. Nevertheless, corticosteroid replacement therapy should be optimised before initiation of therapy.
The following events have been reported in patients treated with somatropin preparations. See Table 1.

Post-marketing experience. In the post-marketing experience, rare cases of sudden death have been reported in patients affected by Prader-Willi syndrome treated with somatropin, although no causal relationship has been demonstrated. Omnitrope is not indicated for use in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease have been reported in children treated with growth hormone.
Rash, pruritus and urticaria have been reported in paediatric patients (frequency uncommon).
Reporting suspected adverse effects. Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.
4.9 Overdose
An acute overdose may lead initially to hypoglycaemia and subsequently to hyperglycaemia.
Long-term overdosing could result in signs and symptoms similar to gigantism or acromegaly, consistent with the known effects of excess exposure to growth hormone.
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. There is no antidote for somatropin overdose. It is recommended to monitor thyroid function following an overdose.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poison Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).
5 Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties
Mechanism of action. Human growth hormone (somatropin) is a 191 amino acid polypeptide hormone (molecular weight 22 kilodaltons) normally synthesised and secreted by the somatotropic cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The secretion of growth hormone is controlled by two hypothalamic hormones: growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) and growth hormone inhibiting hormone (somatostatin), and is tightly regulated by an integrated system of neural, metabolic and hormonal factors. Growth hormone is present throughout life and its secretion is both age and sex dependent.
Growth hormone binds to specific receptors that have recently been described and identified on hepatocytes, fibroblasts and lymphoid cells. Its known physiological roles are probably due to both direct actions of growth hormone and indirect actions that are mediated by the somatomedins (also called insulin-like growth factors, IGFs).
The somatomedins are themselves peptide hormones whose secretion is stimulated predominantly by the action of growth hormone and include IGF-1 (somatomedin C) and IGF-2. The major site of somatomedin production is the liver but they may also be synthesised at peripheral sites.
Growth hormone has effects not only on growth but also on body composition and metabolism. The following actions have been demonstrated for somatropin:
Skeletal growth. Somatropin and its mediator IGF-1 stimulate skeletal growth in children with inadequate endogenous secretion of growth hormone. The measurable increase in body length after administration of somatropin results from an effect on the epiphysial plates of long bones. Concentrations of IGF-1 tend to increase during treatment with somatropin.
Cell growth. It has been shown that there are fewer skeletal muscle cells in short statured children who lack endogenous growth hormone when compared to normal children and that treatment with somatropin results in an increase in both the number and size of muscle cells.
Protein metabolism. Linear growth is facilitated in part by increased cellular protein synthesis. This synthesis and growth are reflected by nitrogen retention which can be quantitated by observing the decline in urinary nitrogen excretion following the initiation of somatropin therapy.
Carbohydrate metabolism. Growth hormone is a well known modulator of carbohydrate metabolism. Children with hypopituitarism sometimes experience hypoglycaemia that is improved by somatropin. Large doses of somatropin may impair glucose tolerance.
Lipid metabolism. Somatropin administration has resulted in lipid mobilisation, reduction in body fat stores and increased plasma free fatty acids in patients with growth hormone deficiency.
Mineral metabolism. Retention of sodium, potassium and phosphorus is induced by somatropin. Serum concentrations of inorganic phosphate are increased in patients with growth hormone deficiency after therapy with somatropin due to metabolic activity associated with bone growth and increased tubular reabsorption in the kidney. Serum calcium is not significantly altered by somatropin.
Connective tissue metabolism. Somatropin stimulates the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate and collagen as well as the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline.
Clinical trials. The efficacy and safety of Omnitrope were compared with Genotropin in a randomised controlled open study involving a total of 89 prepubertal children (49 boys, 40 girls) with growth hormone deficiency. Inclusion criteria were height of < -2 standard deviation score (SDS) for chronological age, spontaneous growth velocity < -1 SDS assessed over an interval of at least 6 months before enrolment, and documented results of two standard pharmacological provocation tests with growth hormone peak < 10 microgram/L.
Forty four children with a mean age of 7.8 years (3.0-13.0 years) received Omnitrope powder for injection and 45 children with a mean age of 7.6 years (2.0-14.0 years) received Genotropin powder for injection. Both Omnitrope and Genotropin were administered subcutaneously at a daily dose of 0.03 mg/kg for 9 months.
The following results of the primary efficacy endpoints, obtained in the intention to treat population, demonstrated a comparable efficacy profile between Omnitrope and Genotropin.
Mean body height at the start of treatment was 113.3 cm ± 13.33 and 109.3 cm ± 15.68 in the Omnitrope and Genotropin groups, respectively. After 9 months of treatment, mean body height was 121.9 cm ± 13.06 and 117.7 cm ± 14.71, showing an increase of 8.6 cm and 8.4 cm, respectively.
Mean height velocity (HV) at the start of treatment was 3.8 cm/year ± 1.23 and 4.0 cm/year ± 0.83 in the Omnitrope and Genotropin groups, respectively. After 9 months of treatment, mean HV was 10.7 cm/year ± 2.57 and 10.7 cm/year ± 2.90, showing an increase of 6.9 cm/year and 6.7 cm/year, respectively.
The mean height standard deviation score (HSDS) at the start of treatment was -3.0 ± 0.72 SDS and -3.1 ± 0.89 SDS in the Omnitrope and Genotropin groups. After 9 months of treatment, mean HSDS had increased to -2.3 ± 0.68 SDS and -2.5 ± 0.73 SDS, respectively.
The mean height velocity standard deviation score (HVSDS) at the start of treatment was -2.4 ± 1.30 in the Omnitrope and -2.3 ± 1.12 in the Genotropin group. Over the 9 months of treatment, patients grew at an average rate of 6.1 ± 3.67 and 5.4 ± 3.16, respectively, above the mean growth rate for the normal population.
Mean levels of the two pharmacodynamic markers IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were also comparable between the two treatment groups.
The study was extended to compare the efficacy and safety of Omnitrope powder for injection with Omnitrope solution for injection. Children were eligible for the study if they had completed 9 months of treatment in the previous study. Forty two children who had received Omnitrope powder for injection continued with the same treatment, whereas 44 children who had previously received Genotropin powder for injection were switched to Omnitrope solution for injection. Both treatments were administered subcutaneously at a daily dose of 0.03 mg/kg for 6 months.
After a total of 15 months of treatment, i.e. 15 months with Omnitrope powder for injection or 9 months with Genotropin powder for injection plus 6 months with Omnitrope solution for injection, body height had increased significantly by an average of 12.7 cm in both groups, to a mean body height of 126.1 cm ± 12.95 and 122.0 cm ± 14.68, respectively.
Average HV after 15 months of treatment was 8.5 cm/year ± 1.80 in the Omnitrope powder for injection group and 8.6 cm/year ± 2.04 in the Omnitrope solution for injection group.
Mean HSDS after 15 months of treatment had increased to -2.0 ± 0.72 SDS in the Omnitrope powder for injection group and to -2.2 ± 0.73 SDS in the Omnitrope solution for injection group.
The mean HVSDS after 15 months of treatment was 3.4 ± 2.55 SDS in the Omnitrope powder for injection group and 3.2 ± 2.89 SDS in the Omnitrope solution for injection group.
To obtain long-term efficacy and safety data on Omnitrope solution for injection, the study was further extended. Children were eligible for the study if they had completed 15 months of treatment in the previous studies. Forty two children who had previously received Omnitrope powder for injection were switched to Omnitrope solution for injection, whereas 44 children who had received Omnitrope solution for injection continued with the same treatment. Both treatments were administered subcutaneously at a daily dose of 0.03 mg/kg for 15 months.
After a total of 30 months, i.e. 15 months with Omnitrope powder for injection plus 15 months with Omnitrope solution for injection or 9 months with Genotropin powder for injection plus 21 months with Omnitrope solution for injection, 78 patients had completed treatment. Body height had increased by an average of 21.3 cm, to a mean body height of 132.6 cm ± 14.01. Average HV after 30 months of treatment was 7.4 cm/year ± 1.60. Mean HSDS had increased to -1.7 ± 0.87 SDS. The mean HVSDS after 30 months of treatment was 2.5 ± 3.25 SDS.
The results obtained in these studies are consistent with other somatropin preparations in the treatment of children with growth hormone deficiency.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties
Absorption. Maximum somatropin concentrations are reached approximately 4 hours after administration. The elimination half-life is approximately 3 hours. Somatropin serum concentrations return to baseline within 24 hours.
Bioequivalence. Bioequivalence between Omnitrope powder for injection and Genotropin powder for injection was demonstrated in a double blind, randomised, two way crossover study in 24 healthy volunteers (12 males, 12 females) receiving a single dose of 5 mg somatropin subcutaneously. The pharmacokinetic parameters are summarised in Table 2.

Bioequivalence between Omnitrope powder for injection and Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection was demonstrated in a double blind, randomised, two way crossover study in 24 healthy volunteers (12 males, 12 females) receiving a single dose of 5 mg somatropin subcutaneously. The pharmacokinetic parameters are summarised in Table 3.

In a double blind, randomised, 3 way crossover study in 36 healthy volunteers receiving a single dose of 5 mg somatropin subcutaneously, the bioequivalence between Omnitrope powder for injection, Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection and Genotropin 5 mg powder for injection was demonstrated. The pharmacokinetic parameters are summarised in Table 4.


The pharmacokinetic parameters are summarised in Table 6.

For the comparison of Omnitrope powder for injection to Genotropin 5 mg/mL, the ratios of AUClast and Cmax were 103.9% and 101.8%, respectively. The associated 90% CIs were 100.5% to 107.4% for AUClast and 95.2% to 108.9% for Cmax.
For the comparison of Omnitrope 10 mg/mL solution for injection to Genotropin 5 mg/mL, the ratios of AUClast and Cmax were 97.6% and 98.9%, respectively. The associated 90% CIs were 94.5% to 100.9% for AUClast and 92.5% to 105.8% for Cmax.
The upper and lower boundaries of the 90% confidence intervals were well within the bioequivalence limits of 80%-125% for all comparisons.
Distribution. No data available.
Metabolism. No data available.
Excretion. No data available.
5.3 Preclinical Safety Data
Genotoxicity. No specific study has been conducted to examine the genotoxic potential of Omnitrope. However, there was no evidence for somatropin genotoxicity in assays for gene mutation in bacteria and mouse lymphoma cells or chromosomal damage in human lymphocytes and rat bone marrow cells.
Carcinogenicity. Somatropin raises the serum levels of IGF-1. Associations between elevated serum IGF-1 concentrations and risks of certain cancers have been reported in epidemiological studies. Causality has not been demonstrated. The clinical significance of these associations, especially for subjects treated with somatropin who do not have growth hormone deficiency and who are treated for prolonged periods, is not known. Serum IGF-1 levels can be affected by factors other than growth hormone status including nutrition.
6 Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List of Excipients
Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection. Dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, poloxamer, mannitol, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and water for injections. Contains benzyl alcohol as preservative.
Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 5. Dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, poloxamer, mannitol, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and water for injections. Contains benzyl alcohol as preservative.
Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection. Monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, poloxamer, phenol, glycine, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and water for injections.
Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 10. Monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, poloxamer, phenol, glycine, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and water for injections.
Omnitrope 15 mg/1.5 mL solution for injection for SurePal 15. Monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, poloxamer, phenol, sodium chloride, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide and water for injections.
Omnitrope 1.33 mg powder for injection. Dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, monobasic sodium phosphate, glycine, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and water for injections on reconstitution.
Omnitrope 5 mg powder for injection. Dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, monobasic sodium phosphate, glycine, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid. Each cartridge of solvent contains 1.14 mL of water for injection and 1.5% benzyl alcohol as preservative on reconstitution.
6.2 Incompatibilities
Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine.
For information on interactions with other medicines and other forms of interactions, see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions.
6.3 Shelf Life
In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.
6.4 Special Precautions for Storage
Store at 2°C to 8°C (in a refrigerator).
Do not freeze.
Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
6.5 Nature and Contents of Container
Solution for injection. Colourless Type 1 glass cartridges.
5 mg/1.5 mL. Each pack contains 1, 5 or 10 cartridges.
10 mg/1.5 mL. Each pack contains 1, 5 or 10 cartridges.
Not all presentations may be marketed in Australia.
Solution for injection for SurePal. Colourless Type 1 glass cartridges (irreversibly integrated in a transparent container called cartridge holder).
5 mg/1.5 mL for SurePal 5. Each pack contains 1, 5 or 10 cartridges for SurePal 5.
10 mg/1.5 mL for SurePal 10. Each pack contains 1, 5 or 10 cartridges for SurePal 10.
15 mg/1.5 mL for SurePal 15. Each pack contains 1, 5 or 10 cartridges for SurePal 15.
Not all presentations may be marketed in Australia.
Powder for injection. Colourless Type 1 glass vials of Omnitrope and diluent.
1.33 mg. Each pack contains 1 vial of Omnitrope and 1 vial of diluent.
5 mg. Each pack contains 8 vials of Omnitrope, 8 cartridges of diluent and 8 transfer needles.
Not all presentations may be marketed in Australia.
6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal
In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
6.7 Physicochemical Properties
Chemical structure. N/A.
CAS number. 12629-01-5.
7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)
S4 - Prescription Only Medicine.
Date of Revision
23 July 2025
Summary Table of Changes

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