Norditropin Drug Information

Generic name: SOMATROPIN

Recombinant Human Growth Hormone [EPC]

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Uses of Norditropin

Pediatric Patients NORDITROPIN is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with: • growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH), • short stature associated with Noonan syndrome, • short stature associated with Turner syndrome, • short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by age 2 years to 4 years of age, • Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS), height standard deviation score (SDS) <-2.25, and associated with growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range, • growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Adult Patients NORDITROPIN is indicated for the replacement of endogenous GH in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)

Dosage & Administration of Norditropin

Administration and Use Instructions • Therapy with NORDITROPIN should be supervised by a physician who is experienced in the diagnosis and management of patients with the conditions for which NORDITROPIN is indicated. • Fundoscopic examination should be performed routinely before initiating treatment with NORDITROPIN to exclude preexisting papilledema, and periodically thereafter. • Administer NORDITROPIN by subcutaneous injection to the back of the upper arm, abdomen, buttocks, or thigh with regular rotation of injection sites to avoid lipoatrophy. • Inspect visually for particulate matter and discoloration. NORDITROPIN should be clear and colorless. If the solution is cloudy or contains particulate matter do not use. • Instructions for delivering the dosage are provided in the PATIENT INFORMATION and INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE leaflets enclosed with the NORDITROPIN FlexPro prefilled pen.

Pediatric Dosage •

Individualize dosage for each patient based on the growth response. • Divide the calculated weekly NORDITROPIN dosage into equal doses given either 6, or 7 days per week. • The recommended weekly dose in milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight for pediatric patients is: o Pediatric GH Deficiency: 0.17 mg/kg/week to 0.24 mg/kg/week (0.024 to 0.034 mg/kg/day) o Noonan Syndrome: Up to 0.46 mg/kg/week (up to 0.066 mg/kg/day) o Turner Syndrome: Up to 0.47 mg/kg/week (up to 0.067 mg/kg/day) o Small for Gestational Age (SGA): Up to 0.47 mg/kg/week (up to 0.067 mg/kg/day) • In very short pediatric patients, HSDS less than -3, and older pubertal pediatric patients consider initiating treatment with a larger dose of NORDITROPIN (up to 0.067 mg/kg/day). Consider a gradual reduction in dosage if substantial catch-up growth is observed during the first few years of therapy. In pediatric patients less than 4 years of age with less severe short stature, baseline HSDS values between -2 and -3, consider initiating treatment at 0.033 mg/kg/day and titrate the dose as needed. o Idiopathic Short Stature: Up to 0.47 mg/kg/week (up to 0.067 mg/kg/day) o Prader-Willi Syndrome: 0.24 mg/kg/week (0.034 mg/kg/day) • Assess compliance and evaluate other causes of poor growth such as hypothyroidism, under-nutrition, advanced bone age and antibodies to recombinant human growth hormone if patients experience failure to increase height velocity, particularly during the first year of treatment. • Discontinue NORDITROPIN for stimulation of linear growth once epiphyseal fusion has occurred.

Adult Dosage • Patients who were treated with somatropin for GH deficiency in childhood and whose epiphyses are closed should be reevaluated before continuation of somatropin for GH deficient adults. • Consider using a lower starting dose and smaller dose increment increases for geriatric patients as they may be at increased risk for adverse reactions with NORDITROPIN than younger individuals. • Estrogen-replete women and patients receiving oral estrogen may require higher doses. • Administer the prescribed dose daily. • Either of two NORDITROPIN dosing regimens may be used: o Non-weight based • Initiate NORDITROPIN with a dose of approximately 0.2 mg/day (range, 0.15 mg/day to 0.3 mg/day) and increase the dose every 1-2 months by increments of approximately 0.1 mg/day to 0.2 mg/day, according to individual patient requirements based on the clinical response and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations. • Decrease the dose as necessary on the basis of adverse reactions and/or serum IGF-1 concentrations above the age- and gender-specific normal range. • Maintenance dosages will vary considerably from person to person, and between male and female patients. o Weight-based • Initiate NORDITROPIN at 0.004 mg/kg daily and increase the dose according to individual patient requirements to a maximum of 0.016 mg/kg daily. • Use the patient’s clinical response, adverse reactions, and determination of age- and gender-adjusted serum IGF-1 concentrations as guidance in dose titration. • Not recommended for obese patients as they are more likely to experience adverse reactions with this regimen

Side Effects of Norditropin

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed during the clinical trials performed with one somatropin product cannot always be directly compared to the rates observed during the clinical trials performed with another somatropin product, and may not reflect the adverse reaction rates observed in practice. Pediatric Patients Growth Failure due to Inadequate Secretion of Endogenous Growth Hormone In one randomized, open label, clinical study the most frequent adverse reactions were headache, pharyngitis, otitis media and fever. There were no clinically significant differences between the three doses assessed in the study (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg/day).

After the two-year study, patients continued NORDITROPIN treatment until final height was achieved; randomized dose groups were not maintained. Adverse reactions were later collected retrospectively from 18 pediatric patients; total follow-up was 11 years. An additional 6 pediatric patients were not randomized, but followed the protocol and are included in this assessment of adverse reactions.

The most frequent adverse reactions were upper respiratory infection, gastroenteritis, ear infection, and influenza. Cardiac disorders was the system organ class with the second most adverse reactions reported. The following additional adverse reactions also occurred once: insulin resistance and panic reaction for the 0.033 mg/kg/day dose group; injection site pruritus, bone development abnormal, depression, and self-injurious ideation in the 0.066 mg/kg/day dose group.

Headache occurred in 2 cases in the 0.066 mg/kg/day dose group. Short Stature Associated with Turner Syndrome In two clinical studies in pediatric patients that were treated until final height with various doses of NORDITROPIN, the most frequently reported adverse reactions were influenza-like illness, otitis media, upper respiratory tract infection, otitis externa, gastroenteritis, eczema and, impaired fasting glucose. Adverse reactions in study 1 were most frequent in the highest dose groups.

Three patients in study 1 had excessive growth of hands and/or feet in the high dose groups. Two patients in study 1 had a serious adverse reaction of exacerbation of preexisting scoliosis in the 0.045 mg/kg/day group. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were influenza-like illness, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, otitis media, pharyngitis, arthralgia, headache, gynecomastia, and increased sweating.

In addition, small increases in mean fasting blood glucose and insulin levels after 1 and 2 years of NORDITROPIN treatment appeared to be dose-dependent. Adverse reactions were otitis media, arthralgia and impaired glucose tolerance. Arthralgia and transiently impaired glucose tolerance were reported in the 0.067 mg/kg/day treatment group.

Idiopathic Short Stature In two open-label clinical studies with another somatropin product in pediatric patients, the most common adverse reactions were upper respiratory tract infections, influenza, tonsillitis, nasopharyngitis, gastroenteritis, headaches, increased appetite, pyrexia, fracture, altered mood, and arthralgia. Growth Failure Due to Prader-Willi Syndrome In two clinical studies in pediatric patients with PWS carried out with another somatropin product, the following adverse reactions were reported: edema, aggressiveness, arthralgia, benign intracranial hypertension, hair loss, headache, and myalgia. Adult Patients Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency Adverse reactions with an incidence of ≥5% occurring in patients with AO GHD during the 6 month placebo-controlled portion of a clinical trial for NORDITROPIN are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 – Adverse Reactions with ≥5% Overall Incidence in Adult Onset Growth Hormone Deficient Patients Treated with NORDITROPIN During a Six Month Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial 0 5

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of somatropin or NORDITROPIN. Because these adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Immune system disorders — Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema Skin — Increase in size or number of cutaneous nevi Endocrine disorders — Hypothyroidism - Gynecomastia Metabolism and nutrition disorders — Hyperglycemia Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders — Slipped capital femoral epiphysis and osteonecrosis (including Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease) have been reported in pediatric patients treated with growth hormone.

Cases have been reported with NORDITROPIN. Investigations — Increase in blood alkaline phosphatase level — Decrease in serum thyroxin (T4) levels Gastrointestinal — Pancreatitis Neoplasm — Leukemia has been reported in a small number of GH deficient children treated with somatropin, somatrem (methionylated rhGH) and GH of pituitary origin

Placebo (N=52)NORDITROPIN (N=53)
Adverse Reactions%%
Peripheral Edema842
Edema025
Arthralgia1519
Leg Edema415
Myalgia815
Infection (non-viral)813
Paraesthesia611
Skeletal Pain211
Headache69
Bronchitis09
Flu-like symptoms48
Hypertension28
Gastroenteritis88
Other Non-Classifiable Disorders (excludes accidental injury)68
Increased sweating28
Glucose tolerance abnormal26
Laryngitis66
Type 2 diabetes mellitus05

Warnings & Cautions for Norditropin

Increased Mortality in Patients with Acute Critical Illness

Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness due to complications following open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure has been reported after treatment with pharmacologic amounts of somatropin. Two placebo-controlled clinical trials in non-growth hormone deficient adult patients (n=522) with these conditions in intensive care units revealed a significant increase in mortality (42% vs. 19%) among somatropin-treated patients (doses 5.3-8 mg/day) compared to those receiving placebo. The safety of continuing NORDITROPIN treatment in patients receiving replacement doses for approved indications who concurrently develop these illnesses has not been established.

NORDITROPIN is not indicated for the treatment of non-GH deficient adults.

Sudden Death in Pediatric Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome There have been reports of sudden death after initiating therapy with somatropin in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who had one or more of the following risk factors: severe obesity, history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or unidentified respiratory infection. Male patients with one or more of these factors may be at greater risk than females. Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome should be evaluated for signs of upper airway obstruction and sleep apnea before initiation of treatment with somatropin.

If, during treatment with NORDITROPIN, patients show signs of upper airway obstruction (including onset of or increased snoring) and/or new onset sleep apnea, treatment should be interrupted. All patients with Prader-Willi syndrome treated with NORDITROPIN should also have effective weight control and be monitored for signs of respiratory infection, which should be diagnosed as early as possible and treated aggressively.

Increased Risk of Neoplasms Active Malignancy There is an increased risk of malignancy progression with somatropin treatment in patients with active malignancy. Any preexisting malignancy should be inactive and its treatment complete prior to instituting therapy with NORDITROPIN. Discontinue NORDITROPIN if there is evidence of recurrent activity.

Risk of Second Neoplasm in Pediatric Patients There is an increased risk of a second neoplasm in pediatric cancer survivors who were treated with radiation to the brain/head and who developed subsequent GH deficiency and were treated with somatropin. Intracranial tumors, in particular meningiomas, were the most common of these second neoplasms. In adults, it is unknown whether there is any relationship between somatropin replacement therapy and CNS tumor recurrence.

Monitor all patients receiving NORDITROPIN who have a history of GH deficiency secondary to an intracranial neoplasm for progression or recurrence of the tumor. New Malignancy During Treatment Because pediatric patients with certain rare genetic causes of short stature have an increased risk of developing malignancies, thoroughly consider the risks and benefits of starting NORDITROPIN in these patients. If NORDITROPIN is initiated, carefully monitor patients for development of neoplasms.

Monitor all patients receiving NORDITROPIN carefully for increased growth, or potential malignant changes, of preexisting nevi. Advise patients/caregivers to report marked changes in behavior, onset of headaches, vision disturbances and/or changes in skin pigmentation or changes in the appearance of pre-existing nevi.

Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus Treatment with somatropin may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. New onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported in patients taking somatropin. Previously undiagnosed impaired glucose tolerance and overt diabetes mellitus may be unmasked.

Monitor glucose levels periodically in all patients receiving NORDITROPIN, especially in those with risk factors for diabetes mellitus, such as obesity, Turner syndrome, or a family history of diabetes mellitus. Patients with preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance should be monitored closely. The doses of antidiabetic agents may require adjustment when NORDITROPIN is initiated.

Intracranial Hypertension

Intracranial hypertension (IH) with papilledema, visual changes, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting has been reported in a small number of patients treated with somatropins. Symptoms usually occurred within the first eight weeks after the initiation of somatropin therapy. In all reported cases, IH-associated signs and symptoms rapidly resolved after cessation of therapy or a reduction of the somatropin dose.

Funduscopic examination should be performed routinely before initiating treatment with NORDITROPIN to exclude preexisting papilledema, and periodically thereafter. If papilledema is observed by funduscopy during somatropin treatment, treatment should be stopped. If somatropin-induced IH is diagnosed, treatment with NORDITROPIN can be restarted at a lower dose after IH-associated signs and symptoms have resolved.

Patients with Turner syndrome may be at increased risk for the development of IH.

Severe Hypersensitivity

Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropins. Patients and caregivers should be informed that such reactions are possible and that prompt medical attention should be sought if an allergic reaction occurs.

Fluid Retention

Fluid retention during somatropin replacement therapy in adults may frequently occur. Clinical manifestations of fluid retention (e.g. edema, arthralgia, myalgia, nerve compression syndromes including carpal tunnel syndrome/paraesthesias) are usually transient and dose dependent.

Hypoadrenalism

Patients receiving somatropin therapy who have or are at risk for pituitary hormone deficiency(s) may be at risk for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or unmasking of central (secondary) hypoadrenalism. In addition, patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of NORDITROPIN treatment. Monitor patients for reduced serum cortisol levels and/or need for glucocorticoid dose increases in those with known hypoadrenalism.

Hypothyroidism

Undiagnosed/untreated hypothyroidism may prevent an optimal response to NORDITROPIN, in particular, the growth response in pediatric patients. Patients with Turner syndrome have an inherently increased risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease and primary hypothyroidism. In patients with GH deficiency, central (secondary) hypothyroidism may first become evident or worsen during somatropin treatment.

Therefore, patients should have periodic thyroid function tests and thyroid hormone replacement therapy should be initiated or appropriately adjusted when indicated.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Pediatric Patients

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may occur more frequently in patients with endocrine disorders (including GH deficiency and Turner syndrome) or in patients undergoing rapid growth. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may lead to osteonecrosis. Cases of slipped capital femoral epiphysis with or without osteonecrosis have been reported in pediatric patients with short stature receiving somatropin, including NORDITROPIN.

Evaluate pediatric patients receiving NORDITROPIN with the onset of a limp or complaints of hip or knee pain for slipped capital femoral epiphysis and osteonecrosis and manage accordingly.

Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis in Pediatric Patients

Somatropin increases the growth rate, and progression of existing scoliosis can occur in patients who experience rapid growth. Somatropin has not been shown to increase the occurrence of scoliosis. Monitor patients with a history of scoliosis for progression of scoliosis.

Pancreatitis Cases of pancreatitis have been reported in pediatric patients and adults receiving somatropin products. There may be a greater risk in pediatric patients compared with adults. Published literature indicates that females who have Turner syndrome may be at greater risk than other pediatric patients receiving somatropin products.

Pancreatitis should be considered in patients who develop persistent severe abdominal pain.

Lipoatrophy

When somatropin products are administered subcutaneously at the same site over a long period of time, tissue atrophy may result. Rotate injection sites when administering NORDITROPIN to reduce this risk.

Laboratory Tests

Serum levels of inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and IGF-I may increase after NORDITROPIN treatment.

Drug Interactions with Norditropin

  • Table 2 includes a list of drugs with clinically important drug interactions when administered concomitantly with NORDITROPIN and instructions for preventing or managing them. Table 2: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with NORDITROPIN Glucocorticoids Clinical Impact: Microsomal enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD-1) is required for conversion of cortisone to its active metabolite, cortisol, in hepatic and adipose tissue. NORDITROPIN inhibits 11βHSD-1. Intervention: Patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of NORDITROPIN. Patients receiving oral estrogen replacement may require greater NORDITROPIN dosages. Insulin and/or Other Hypoglycemic Agents Clinical Impact: Treatment with NORDITROPIN may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses. Intervention: Patients with diabetes mellitus may require adjustment of their doses of insulin and/or other hypoglycemic agents.
  • Glucocorticoids: Patients treated with glucocorticoid for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of NORDITROPIN
  • Pharmacologic Glucocorticoid Therapy and Supraphysiologic Glucocorticoid Treatment: Adjust glucocorticoid replacement dosing in pediatric patients receiving glucocorticoid treatment to avoid both hypoadrenalism and an inhibitory effect on growth.
  • Cytochrome P450-Metabolized Drugs: NORDITROPIN may alter the clearance. Monitor carefully if used with NORDITROPIN
  • Oral Estrogen: Larger doses of NORDITROPIN may be required
  • Insulin and/or Other Hypoglycemic Agents: Dose adjustment of insulin or hypoglycemic agent may be required
Glucocorticoids
Clinical Impact:Microsomal enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD-1) is required for conversion of cortisone to its active metabolite, cortisol, in hepatic and adipose tissue. NORDITROPIN inhibits 11βHSD-1. Consequently, individuals with untreated GH deficiency have relative increases in 11βHSD-1 and serum cortisol. Initiation of NORDITROPIN may result in inhibition of 11βHSD-1 and reduced serum cortisol concentrations.
Intervention:Patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of NORDITROPIN [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ].
Examples:Cortisone acetate and prednisone may be effected more than others since conversion of these drugs to their biologically active metabolites is dependent on the activity of 11βHSD-1.
Pharmacologic Glucocorticoid Therapy and Supraphysiologic Glucocorticoid Treatment
Clinical Impact:Pharmacologic glucocorticoid therapy and supraphysiologic glucocorticoid treatment may attenuate the growth promoting effects of NORDITROPIN in pediatric patients.
Intervention:Carefully adjust glucocorticoid replacement dosing in pediatric patients receiving glucocorticoid treatments to avoid both hypoadrenalism and an inhibitory effect on growth.
Cytochrome P450-Metabolized Drugs
Clinical Impact:Limited published data indicate that somatropin treatment increases cytochrome P450 (CP450)-mediated antipyrine clearance. NORDITROPIN may alter the clearance of compounds known to be metabolized by CP450 liver enzymes.
Intervention:Careful monitoring is advisable when NORDITROPIN is administered in combination with drugs metabolized by CP450 liver enzymes.
Oral Estrogen
Clinical Impact:Oral estrogens may reduce the serum IGF-1 response to NORDITROPIN.
Intervention:Patients receiving oral estrogen replacement may require greater NORDITROPIN dosages [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ].
Insulin and/or Other Hypoglycemic Agents
Clinical Impact:Treatment with NORDITROPIN may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses.
Intervention:Patients with diabetes mellitus may require adjustment of their doses of insulin and/or other hypoglycemic agents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ].

Pregnancy Safety for Norditropin

Pregnancy Risk Summary Limited available data with somatropin use in pregnant women are insufficient to determine a drug-associated risk of adverse developmental outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there was no evidence of fetal or neonatal harm when pregnant rats were administered subcutaneous NORDITROPIN during organogenesis or during lactation at doses approximately 10-times higher than the maximal clinical dose of 0.016 mg/kg, based on body surface area (see Data). The estimated background risk of birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Animal Data In an embryo-fetal development study, NORDITROPIN was administered via subcutaneous injection to pregnant rats from gestation Day 6 to 17, corresponding with the period of organogenesis. NORDITROPIN did not adversely affect fetal viability or developmental outcomes at maternal doses that were approximately 10-times the clinical dose of 0.016 mg/kg, based on body surface area.

In a pre- and post-natal development study in pregnant rats, NORDITROPIN was administered from gestation Day 17 through lactation Day 21 (weaning). No adverse developmental effects were observed in the offspring at doses up to 1.1 mg/kg (approximately 10 times the clinical dose of 0.016 mg/kg, based on body surface area).

Pediatric Use of Norditropin

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of NORDITROPIN in pediatric patients have been established in growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone, short stature associated with Noonan syndrome, short stature associated with Turner syndrome, short stature in children born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by age 2 years to 4 years of age, idiopathic short stature (ISS), and growth failure due to Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Growth Failure due to Inadequate Secretion of Endogenous Growth Hormone Safety and effectiveness of NORDITROPIN have been established in pediatric patients with growth failure due to growth hormone deficiency in a multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, dose-response study in 111 pediatric patients conducted for a two-year period. Short Stature Associated with Noonan Syndrome Safety and effectiveness of NORDITROPIN have been established in pediatric patients with Noonan syndrome in a prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel group study in 21 pediatric patients conducted for 2 years.

Short Stature Associated with Turner Syndrome Safety and effectiveness of NORDITROPIN have been established in pediatric patients with short stature associated with Turner syndrome in two randomized, parallel group, open-label, multicenter studies in 87 pediatric patients. Short Stature in Pediatric Patients Born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) with No Catch-up Growth by Age 2 Years to 4 Years of Age Safety and effectiveness of NORDITROPIN have been established in pediatric patients with short stature born SGA with no catch-up growth in a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, two-arm study to final height in 53 pediatric patients and in a randomized study of 84 prepubertal, non-GHD, Japanese pediatric patients. Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS) Safety and effectiveness of NORDITROPIN have been established in pediatric patients with ISS based on data from a randomized, open-label clinical study with another somatropin product in 105 pediatric patients.

Growth Failure Due to Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) Safety and effectiveness of NORDITROPIN have been established in pediatric patients with growth failure due to Prader-Willi Syndrome based on data from two randomized, open label, controlled clinical trials with another somatropin product in pediatric patients. There have been reports of sudden death after initiating therapy with somatropin in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who had one or more of the following risk factors: severe obesity, history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or unidentified respiratory infection. Male patients with one or more of these factors may be at greater risk than females.

Patients with Prader-Willi syndrome should be evaluated for signs of upper airway obstruction and sleep apnea before initiation of treatment with somatropin.

Contraindications for Norditropin

  • NORDITROPIN is contraindicated in patients with:
  • Acute critical illness after open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or multiple accidental trauma, or those with acute respiratory failure due to the risk of increased mortality with use of pharmacologic doses of somatropin.
  • Pediatric patients with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese, have a history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or have severe respiratory impairment due to the risk of sudden death.
  • Active Malignancy.
  • Hypersensitivity to NORDITROPIN or any of its excipients. Systemic hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropins.
  • Active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
  • Pediatric patients with closed epiphyses.
  • Acute Critical Illness
  • Active Malignancy
  • Hypersensitivity to somatropin or excipients

Overdosage Information for Norditropin

Short-term overdosage could lead initially to hypoglycemia and subsequently to hyperglycemia. Overdose with somatropin is likely to cause fluid retention. Long-term overdosage could result in signs and symptoms of gigantism and/or acromegaly consistent with the known effects of excess growth hormone.

Clinical Studies of Norditropin

Growth

Failure due to Inadequate Secretion of Endogenous Growth Hormone The efficacy and safety of NORDITROPIN was assessed in a multicenter, prospective randomized, open label, dose response study with three doses (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg/day). A total of 111 pediatric patients with GH deficiency were randomized to each dose; 37(0.025 mg/kg/day):38(0.05 mg/kg/day):36(0.1 mg/kg/day). Patients met the following entry criteria: chronological age ≥ 3 years with a skeletal age < 10 years if male and < 8 years if female; pubertal stage = stage 1; previously untreated GH deficiency; peak plasma hormone concentration < 7 ng/ml or < 10 ng/ml (depending on assay used) in two tests.

The results are displayed in Table 4. There was no significant difference in ΔHSDS between the 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg/day treatment groups. Height velocity (HV, cm/year) and HVSDS increased considerably after initiation of treatment, with the greatest response observed during the first year of treatment.

Table 4 – Efficacy of *Significant (p <0.05) change from baseline compared to the 0.025 mg/kg/group *Significant (p <0.05) change from baseline compared to both other groups

Short Stature Associated with Noonan Syndrome

A prospective, open label, randomized, parallel group study with 21 pediatric patients was conducted for 2 years to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NORDITROPIN. Additional 6 children were not randomized, but did follow the protocol. Inclusion criteria included bone age determination showing no significant acceleration, prepubertal status, height SDS <-2, and HV SDS <1 during the 12 months pre-treatment.

Exclusion criteria were previous or ongoing treatment with growth hormone, anabolic steroids or corticosteroids, congenital heart disease or other serious disease perceived to possibly have major impact on growth, FPG >6.7 mmol/L (>120 mg/dL), or growth hormone deficiency (peak GH levels <10 ng/mL). After the initial two-year study, NORDITROPIN treatment continued until final height. Retrospective final height was collected from 18 patients in the study and the 6 who had followed the protocol without randomization.

Historical reference materials of height velocity and adult height analyses of Noonan patients served as the controls. Patients obtained a final height (FH) gain from baseline of 1.5 and 1.6 SDS estimated according to the national and the Noonan reference, respectively. Patients were treated to final height in both studies.

Changes in height were expressed as standard deviation scores (SDS) utilizing reference data for untreated Turner syndrome patients as well as the national Dutch population. At baseline, mean age was 6.5 years, mean height SDS (National standard) was -2.7, and mean HV during the previous year was 6.5 cm/year. Patients also received estrogen therapy after age 12 and following four years of NORDITROPIN treatment if they did not have spontaneous puberty.

Patients were treated for a mean of 8.4 years. As seen in Table 5, overall mean final height was 161 cm in the 46 children who attained final height. Seventy percent of these children reached a final height within the normal range (height SDS > -2 using the National standard).

A greater percentage of children in the two escalated dose groups reached normal final height. The mean changes from baseline to final height in height SDS after treatment with Dose B and Dose C were significantly greater than the mean changes observed after treatment with Dose A (utilizing both the National and Turner standards). The mean changes from baseline to final height in height SDS (Turner standard) in Table 5 correspond to mean height gains of 9.4, 14.1 and 14.4 cm after treatment with Doses A, B and C, respectively.

In each treatment group, peak HV was observed during treatment Year 1, and then gradually decreased each year; during Year 4, HV was less than the pre-treatment HV. However, between Year 2 and Year 6, a greater HV was observed in the two dose escalation groups compared to the 0.045 mg/kg/day group. Table 5 – Final Height-Related Results After Treatment of Patients with Turner Syndrome with S: Standard deviation score. 1 Unadjusted (raw) means; 2 Adjusted (least squares) means based on an ANCOVA model including terms for treatment, duration of treatment, age at baseline, bone age at baseline, height SDS at baseline, age at onset of puberty and mid-parental target height SDS; 3 p=0.005 vs.

Dose A; 4 p=0.006 vs. Dose A; 5 p=0.008 vs. All subjects were treated with concomitant ethinyl estradiol.

Patients were treated for a mean of 3.6 years. In that there were no significant differences between the two treatment groups for any linear growth variables, the data from all patients were pooled. Overall mean final height was 155 cm in the 17 children who attained final height.

Height SDS changed significantly from -3.5 at baseline to -2.4 at final height (National standard), and from 0.7 to 1.3 at final height (Turner standard).

Short Stature in Pediatric Patients Born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) with No Catch-up Growth by Age 2-4 Years A multi-center, randomized, double-blind, two-arm study to final height (Study 1) and a 2-year, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study (Study 2) were conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of NORDITROPIN. Changes in height and height velocity were compared to a national reference population in both studies. Catch-up growth was defined as obtaining a height of ≥ 3 rd percentile within the first 2 years of life or at a later stage.

Inclusion criteria included: birth length < 3 rd percentile for gestational age, and height velocity (cm/year) for chronological age < 50 th percentile. Exclusion criteria included chromosomal abnormalities, signs of a syndrome (except for Silver-Russell syndrome), serious/chronic co-morbid disease, malignancy, and previous rhGH therapy. NORDITROPIN was administered subcutaneously daily at bedtime at a dose of approximately 0.033 (Dose A) or 0.067 mg/kg/day (Dose B) for the entire treatment period.

Final height was defined as a height velocity below 2 cm/year. Treatment with NORDITROPIN was continued to final height for up to 13 years. Sixty-three percent (24 out of 38) of the children who reached final height were within the normal range of their healthy peers (Dutch national reference).

As seen in Table 6, for boys and girls combined, both mean final height SDS, and increase in height SDS from baseline to final height, were significantly greater after treatment with Dose B (0.067 mg/kg/day). A similar dose response was observed for the increase in height SDS from baseline to Year 2 ( Table 6 ). Overall mean height velocity at baseline was 5.4 cm/y (SD 1.2; n=29).

Height velocity was greatest during the first year of NORDITROPIN treatment and was significantly greater after treatment with Dose B (mean 11.1 cm/y ) compared with Dose A (mean 9.7 cm/y ). Table 6 – Study 1: Results for Final Height SDS and Change from Baseline to Final Height in Height SDS Using National Standard After Long-Term Treatment of SGA Children with Adjusted least-squares mean ± standard error (N), Treatment Difference S: Standard deviation score. 1 Adjusted (least-squares) means based on an ANCOVA model including terms for treatment, gender, age at baseline, bone age at baseline, height SDS at baseline, duration of treatment, peak GH after stimulation and baseline IGF-1. 2 Adjusted (least-squares) means based on an ANCOVA model including terms for treatment, gender, age at baseline, height SDS at baseline, and pubertal status. 3 p<0.05 In study 2, 84 randomized, prepubertal, non-GHD, Japanese children (age 3-8) were treated for 2 years with 0.033 or 0.067 mg/kg/day of NORDITROPIN subcutaneously daily at bedtime or received no treatment for 1 year. Additional inclusion criteria included birth length or weight SDS ≤ -2 or < 10 th percentile for gestational age, height SDS for chronological age ≤ -2, and height velocity SDS for chronological age < 0 within one year prior to Visit 1.

Exclusion criteria included diabetes mellitus, history or presence of active malignancy, and serious co-morbid conditions. As seen in Table 7, for boys and girls combined, there was a dose-dependent increase in height SDS at Year 1 and Year 2. In addition, the increase in height SDS at Year 1 was significantly greater in both active treatment groups compared to the untreated control group.

All children remained prepubertal during the study. 2 p< 0.0001

Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS)

The efficacy and safety of another somatropin product was evaluated in 105 patients who were retrospectively identified as having ISS in a randomized, open-label, clinical study. Patients were enrolled on the basis of short stature, stimulated GH secretion > 10 ng/mL, and prepubertal status. All patients were observed for height progression for 12 months and were subsequently randomized to this other somatropin product or observation only and followed to final height.

Patients were treated for a median duration of 5.7 years. Results for final height SDS are displayed by treatment arm in Table 8. The observed mean gain in final height was 9.8 cm for females and 5.0 cm for males for both doses combined compared to untreated control subjects.

Table 8 – Final height SDS results for pre-pubertal patients with ISS* 0 Least square means based on ANCOVA (final height ) are observed values *p<0.05

Growth Failure Due to Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)

The safety and efficacy of another somatropin product were evaluated in two randomized, open-label, controlled clinical studies. Patients received either this other somatropin product or no treatment for the first year of the studies, while all patients received this other somatropin product during the second year. This other somatropin product was administered as a daily SC injection, and the dose was calculated for each patient every 3 months.

In Study 1, the treatment group received this other somatropin product at a dose of 0.24 mg/kg/week during the entire study. During the second year, the control group received this other somatropin product at a dose of 0.48 mg/kg/week. The results are presented in Table 9.

Linear growth continued to increase in the second year, when both groups received treatment with this other somatropin product. Table 9 – Efficacy of Another Somatropin Product in Pediatric Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) A total of six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were performed. Two representative studies, one in adult onset (AO) GHD patients and a second in childhood onset (CO) GHD patients, are described below.

Study 1 A single center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, six month clinical trial was conducted in 31 adults with AO GHD comparing the effects of NORDITROPIN (somatropin) injection and placebo on body composition. Patients in the active treatment arm were treated with NORDITROPIN 0.017 mg/kg/day (not to exceed 1.33 mg/day). The changes from baseline in lean body mass (LBM) and percent total body fat (TBF) were measured by total body potassium (TBP) after 6 months.

Treatment with NORDITROPIN produced a significant increase from baseline in LBM compared to placebo ( Table 10 ). Table 10 – Lean Body Mass (kg) by TBP 4 p=0.0028* *Least square mean based on an ANOVA model including treatment and sex as factors Analysis of the treatment difference on the change from baseline in percent TBF revealed a significant decrease in the NORDITROPIN-treated group compared to the placebo group ( Table 11 ). Table 11 – *Least square mean based on an ANOVA model including treatment and sex as factors NORDITROPIN also significantly increased serum osteocalcin (a marker of osteoblastic activity).

Study 2 A single center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-finding, six month clinical trial was conducted in 49 men with CO GHD comparing the effects of NORDITROPIN and placebo on body composition. Patients were randomized to placebo or one of three active treatment groups (0.008, 0.016, and 0.024 mg/kg/day). Table 12 – Lean Body Mass (kg) by TBP 0 p=0.0079* *Least square mean based on an ANOVA model including treatment as a factor Analysis of the treatment difference on the change from baseline in percent TBF revealed a significant decrease in the NORDITROPIN-treated groups (pooled data) compared to the placebo group ( Table 13 ).

NORDITROPIN
0.025 mg/kg/day0.05 mg/kg/day0.1 mg/kg/day
NMeanSDNMeanSDNMeanSD
Change in Standing Height (cm)
Baseline to Month 12379.52.13713.2*2.63413.7*2.7
Baseline to Month 243417.63.43722.2*4.73323.7*4.0
Change in Sitting Height (cm)
Baseline to Month 12325.42.4366.5*1.6327.4*1.5
Baseline to Month 24299.32.53510.8*2.63112.2*2.0
Change in Bone Age (yr)
Baseline to Month 12371.30.9381.70.8341.60.8
Month 12 to Month 24370.62.5381.42.7341.6*0.8
Dose A 0.045 mg/kg/day (n = 19)Dose B up to 0.067 mg/kg/day (n = 15)Dose C up to 0.089 mg/kg/day (n = 12)Total (n = 46)
Baseline height (cm) 1105 (12)108 (12.7)107 (11.7)106 (11.9)
Final height (cm) 1157 (6.7)163 (6.0)163 (4.9)161 (6.5)
Number (%) of patients reaching normal height (height SDS >-2 using National standard)10 (53%)12 (80%)10 (83%)32 (70%)
Height SDS (Turner standard) 2
Final [95% CI]1.7 [1.4, 2.0]2.5 [2.1, 2.8] 32.5 [2.1, 2.9] 4NA
Change from baseline [95% CI]1.5 [1.2, 1.8]2.2 [1.9, 2.5] 32.2 [1.9, 2.6] 4NA
Height SDS (National standard) 2
Final [95% CI]-1.9 [-2.2, -1.6]-1.2 [-1.5, -0.9] 4-1.2 [-1.6, -0.8] 5NA
Change from baseline [95% CI]0.7 [0.4, 1.0]1.4 [1.1, 1.7] 41.4 [1.1, 1.8] 5NA
Raw Mean ± SD (N)
Dose A 0.033 mg/kg/dayDose B 0.067 mg/kg/dayTotal
Baseline Height SDS-3.2 ± 0.7 (26)-3.2 ± 0.7 (27)-3.2 ± 0.7 (53)
Adjusted least-squares mean ± standard error (N), Treatment Difference [95% confidence intervals]
Height SDS: Change from Baseline at Year 2 21.4 ± 0.1 (26)1.8 ± 0.1 (26)Treatment Diff = 0.4 [0.2, 0.7] 3
Height SDS: Change from Baseline at Final Height 11.4 ± 0.2 (19)1.8 ± 0.2 (19)Treatment Diff = 0.5 [0.0, 0.9] 3
Final Height SDS 1-1.8 ± 0.2 (19)-1.3 ± 0.2 (19)
Final Height SDS > -213/19 (68%)11/19 (58%)24/38 (63%)
Raw Mean ± SD (N)
No Treatment0.033 mg/kg/day0.067 mg/kg/day
Height SDS: Baseline-2.9 ± 0.5 (15)-3.0 ± 0.6 (35)-2.9 ± 0.7 (34)
Height SDS: Year 1-2.8 ± 0.5 (15)-2.4 ± 0.6 (33)-2.0 ± 0.8 (34)
Height SDS: Year 2NA-2.2 ± 0.7 (33)-1.4 ± 0.7 (32)
Adjusted least-squares mean ± standard error (N), Treatment Diff [95% confidence intervals]
Height SDS: Change from Baseline at Year 1 10.1 ± 0.1 (15)0.6 ± 0.1 (33)0.9 ± 0.1 (34)
0.033 vs. No Treatment: Treatment Diff = 0.5, [0.3, 0.7] 2 0.067 vs. No Treatment: Treatment Diff = 0.8, [0.6, 1.0] 2 0.067 vs. 0.033: Treatment Diff = 0.3, [0.2, 0.5] 2
Height SDS: Change from Baseline at Year 2 1NA0.8 ± 0.1 (33)1.4 ± 0.1 (32)
0.067 vs. 0.033: Treatment Diff = 0.6, [0.5, 0.8], p-value < 0.0001
Another Somatropin Product
Untreated (n=30)0.033 mg/kg/day (n=30)0.067 mg/kg/day (n=42)0.033 vs Untreated (95% CI)0.067 vs Untreated (95% CI)
Baseline height SDS Final height SDS minus baseline0.41 (0.58)0.95 (0.75)1.36 (0.64)+0.53 (0.20, 0.87)+0.94 (0.63, 1.26)
Baseline predicted ht Final height SDS minus baseline predicted final height SDS0.23 (0.66)0.73 (0.63)1.05 (0.83)+0.60 (0.09, 1.11)+0.90 (0.42, 1.39)
Table 9 – Efficacy of Another Somatropin Product in Pediatric Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (Mean ± SD)
Study 1Study 2
Another Somatropin Product (0.24 mg/kg/week) (n=15)Untreated Control (n=12)Another Somatropin Product (0.36 mg/kg/week) (n=7)Untreated Control (n=9)
Linear growth (cm) Baseline height112.7 ± 14.9109.5 ± 12.0120.3 ± 17.5120.5 ± 11.2
Growth from 0 to 12 months11.6* ± 2.35.0 ± 1.210.7* ± 2.34.3 ± 1.5
Baseline SDS-1.6 ± 1.3-1.8 ± 1.5-2.6 ± 1.7-2.1 ± 1.4
SDS at 12 months-0.5* ± 1.3-1.9 ± 1.4-1.4* ± 1.5-2.2 ± 1.4
NORDITROPIN (n=15)Placebo (n=16)
Baseline (mean)50.2751.72
Change from baseline at 6 months (mean)1.12-0.63
Treatment difference (mean) 95% confidence interval p-value1.74 (0.65, 2.83) p=0.0028*
NORDITROPIN (n=15)Placebo (n=16)
Baseline (mean)44.7442.26
Change from baseline at 6 months (mean)-2.831.92
Treatment difference (mean) 95% confidence interval p-value-4.74 (-7.18, -2.30) p=0.0004*
NORDITROPIN (n=36)Placebo (n=13)
Baseline (mean)48.1848.90
Change from baseline at 6 months (mean)2.060.70
Treatment difference (mean) 95% confidence interval p-value1.40 (0.39, 2.41) p=0.0079*
NORDITROPIN (n=36)Placebo (n=13)
Baseline (mean)34.5534.07
Change from baseline at 6 months (mean)-6.00-1.78
Treatment difference (mean) 95% confidence interval p-value-4.24 (-7.11, -1.37) p=0.0048*

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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