Omnitrope® Use for Fertility Treatment

For the past 25 years or more, synthetic growth hormones (GH) have helped innumerable women dealing with infertility issues. Reproductive endocrinologists have been specifically using synthetic GH like Omnitrope® in women identified as “poor responders” as per the standard protocols of IVF (in vitro fertilization). Since then, growth hormones have been integrated with IVF treatment for women - 

• With poor results in ovarian reserve testing.
• Aged 30 years or more.
• Who needs higher doses in their gonadotropin treatments?

Among all the synthetic growth hormones available and recommended by infertility experts, Omnitrope® is the most popular.

What Is Omnitrope®?

Omnitrope® is a human growth hormone used to enhance the growth of muscles and bones. It is the brand name for Somatropin. In addition to being used with IVF protocols, Omnitrope® is also used to treat growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and other conditions like Prader-Willi Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Idiopathic Short Stature.

When Is Omnitrope® Used?

For women who lack the natural growth hormone in their bodies, Omnitrope® is used in treating infertility plans. The therapy is used for enhancing aromatase activity that is required for converting testosterone into estrogen within the human body. Increased estrogen levels stimulate the ovulation process. 

The reason for prescribing Omnitrope® is to boost follicle maturation and improve oocyte quality in women with low GH levels. It has been observed that oocytes from follicles with normal GH concentrations in the antral fluid are more fertile than the oocytes from follicles with low GH concentrations.

Dosage and Administration of Omnitrope®

Omnitrope® is administered subcutaneously. It is usually available in pre-filled cartridges (5 mg or 10 mg/1.5 mL) with an injector pen or in a vial (5.8 mg/mL) for reconstitution and injection. 

The dosage varies from person to person and depends on various factors. Your physician will study all the related medical factors before prescribing the dose to obtain the desired results. 

Special Precautions for Using Omnitrope®

Even though Omnitrope® has shown encouraging results in most cases, it may not be the ideal solution for all adult patients over 30 years old. For example, those suffering from tumors or cancers may not benefit from the treatment. Women allergic to growth hormones or any of the ingredients present in the pre-filled cartridges may also not be the right candidates for the therapy.

Women suffering from diabetes-related eye problems, Prader-Willi syndrome, sleep apnea, or any critical illness arising out of heart or stomach surgeries, other types of serious injuries, or severe breathing problems may not be prescribed Omnitrope®.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers also need to avoid the drug,

Possible Side Effects of Omnitrope®

Omnitrope® injections can cause side effects in some adult patients over 30 years, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common side effects are:

• Headache
• Changes in vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Edema (fluid retention)
•  Local injection site pain, numbness, redness, or swelling
• Hypothyroidism
• Muscle or joint pain
• Tingling and numbness in hands or extremities
• Elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and sugar in the urine (glucosuria)

Serious side effects can include:

• Return of tumor or cancerous growth
• Increased mortality risk in adult patients with Prader-Willi syndrome
• Increased pressure in the brain
• Pancreatitis

Proper Storage and Disposal of Omnitrope®

• The drug needs to be stored in the original box in a refrigerator. The temperature should be between 36-46°F. 
• However, it should not be stored in the freezer.
• Used cartridges and vials should be discarded 28 days after the first injection.
• The medication should be out of the reach of children.
• It should not be kept or used beyond its expiration date or in cases where it is no longer needed. 
• Unused medication, needles, and syringes should be disposed of safely in the garbage.

Conclusion

Omnitrope® has emerged as a valuable adjunct in fertility treatments, particularly for women with poor ovarian reserve or requiring higher gonadotropin doses. However, understanding its potential drawbacks is paramount. It’s not a magic formula that will give instant desired results. It is a treatment that gives varied results from person to person.

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