Omnitrope Kit
FDA Label NDC 0781-4004

Omnitrope (somatropin) injection is indicated for the treatment of children with growth failure due to inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone (GH).

Omnitrope (somatropin) injection is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients who have growth failure due to Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). The diagnosis of PWS should be confirmed by appropriate genetic testing [see Contraindications (4.2) and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Omnitrope (somatropin) injection is indicated for the treatment of growth failure in children born small for gestational age (SGA) who fail to manifest catch-up growth by age 2 years.

Omnitrope (somatropin) injection is indicated for the treatment of growth failure associated with Turner syndrome.

Omnitrope (somatropin) injection is indicated for the treatment of idiopathic short stature (ISS), also called non-growth hormone-deficient short stature, defined by height standard deviation score (SDS) ≤ -2.25, and associated with growth rates unlikely to permit attainment of adult height in the normal range, in pediatric patients whose epiphyses are not closed and for whom diagnostic evaluation excludes other causes associated with short stature that should be observed or treated by other means.

Omnitrope (somatropin) injection is indicated for the replacement of endogenous GH in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) who meet either of the following two criteria:

• Adult Onset (AO): Patients who have GHD, either alone or associated with multiple hormone deficiencies (hypopituitarism), as a result of pituitary disease, hypothalamic disease, surgery, radiation therapy, or trauma; or
• Childhood Onset (CO): Patients who were GH deficient during childhood as a result of congenital, genetic, acquired, or idiopathic causes.

Patients who were treated with somatropin for growth hormone deficiency in childhood and whose epiphyses are closed should be reevaluated before continuation of somatropin therapy at the reduced dose level recommended for growth hormone deficient adults. Confirmation of the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency in both groups involves an appropriate growth hormone provocative test with two exceptions: (1) patients with multiple other pituitary hormone deficiencies due to organic disease; and (2) patients with congenital/genetic growth hormone deficiency.

The weekly dose should be divided over 6 or 7 days of subcutaneous injections.

Therapy with Omnitrope should be supervised by a physician who is experienced in the diagnosis and management of pediatric patients with short stature associated with GHD, Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), Turner syndrome (TS), those who were born small for gestational age (SGA), Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS) and adult patients with either childhood onset or adult onset GHD.

The Omnitrope dosage and administration schedule should be individualized based on the growth response of each patient.

Response to somatropin therapy in pediatric patients tends to decrease with time. However, in pediatric patients, the failure to increase growth rate, particularly during the first year of therapy, indicates the need for close assessment of compliance and evaluation for other causes of growth failure, such as hypothyroidism, undernutrition, advanced bone age and antibodies to recombinant human GH (rhGH).

Treatment with Omnitrope for short stature should be discontinued when the epiphyses are fused.

Generally, a dosage of 0.16 to 0.24 mg/kg body weight /week is recommended. The weekly dose should be divided over 6 or 7 days of subcutaneous injections.

Generally, a dosage of 0.24 mg/kg body weight/week is recommended. The weekly dose should be divided over 6 or 7 days of subcutaneous injections.

Generally, a dosage of up to 0.48 mg/kg body weight/week is recommended. The weekly dose should be divided over 6 or 7 days of subcutaneous injections.

Generally, a dose of 0.33 mg/kg body weight/week is recommended. The weekly dose should be divided over 6 or 7 days of subcutaneous injections.

Generally, a dose up to 0.47 mg/kg of body weight/week is recommended. The weekly dose should be divided over 6 or 7 days of subcutaneous injections.

Based on the weight-based dosing utilized in clinical studies with another somatropin product, the recommended dosage at the start of therapy is not more than 0.04 mg/kg/week given as a daily subcutaneous injection. The dose may be increased at 4- to 8-week intervals according to individual patient requirements to not more than 0.08 mg/kg/week. Clinical response, side effects, and determination of age- and gender-adjusted serum IGF-1 levels may be used as guidance in dose titration.

Alternatively, taking into account recent literature, a starting dose of approximately 0.2 mg/day (range, 0.15-0.30 mg/day) may be used without consideration of body weight. This dose can be increased gradually every 1-2 months by increments of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mg/day, according to individual patient requirements based on the clinical response and serum IGF-1 concentrations. During therapy, the dose should be decreased if required by the occurrence of adverse events and/or serum IGF-1 levels above the age- and gender-specific normal range. Maintenance dosages vary considerably from person to person.

A lower starting dose and smaller dose increments should be considered for older patients, who are more prone to the adverse effects of somatropin than younger individuals. In addition, obese individuals are more likely to manifest adverse effects when treated with a weight-based regimen. In order to reach the defined treatment goal, estrogen-replete women may need higher doses than men. Oral estrogen administration may increase the dose requirements in women.

Each cartridge of Omnitrope must be inserted into its corresponding Omnitrope Pen 5 or Omnitrope Pen 10 delivery system. Instructions for delivering the dosage are provided in the Omnitrope INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE booklet enclosed with the Omnitrope drug and the Omnitrope Pens.

Instructions for delivering the dosage are provided in the INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE leaflets enclosed with the Omnitrope drug.

Once the diluent is added to the lyophilized powder, swirl gently; do not shake. Shaking may cause denaturation of the active ingredient.

Parenteral drug products should always be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Omnitrope MUST NOT BE INJECTED if the solution is cloudy or contains particulate matter. Use it only if it is clear and colorless. Omnitrope must be refrigerated at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).

Patients and caregivers who will administer Omnitrope in medically unsupervised situations should receive appropriate training and instruction on the proper use of Omnitrope from the physician or other suitably qualified health professional.

The dosage of Omnitrope must be adjusted for the individual patient. The dose should be given daily by subcutaneous injections (administered preferably in the evening). Omnitrope may be given in the thigh, buttocks, or abdomen.

Injection sites should always be rotated to avoid lipoatrophy.

Omnitrope Cartridges and vials (for injection) are available:

• 5 mg/1.5 mL Cartridge is a prefilled sterile somatropin solution containing benzyl alcohol in a glass cartridge ready to be administered with the Omnitrope Pen 5.
• 10 mg/1.5 mL Cartridge is a prefilled sterile somatropin solution in a glass cartridge ready to be administered with the Omnitrope Pen 10.
• 5.8 mg/vial is supplied with two vials, one containing somatropin as a powder and the other vial containing diluent (Bacteriostatic Water for Injection containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative).

• Acute Critical Illness

Treatment with pharmacologic amounts of somatropin is contraindicated 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

• Prader-Willi Syndrome in Children

Somatropin is contraindicated in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome who are severely obese, have a history of upper airway obstruction or sleep apnea, or have severe respiratory impairment. There have been reports of sudden death when somatropin was used in such patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

• Active Malignancy

In general, somatropin is contraindicated in the presence of active malignancy. Any preexisting malignancy should be inactive and its treatment complete prior to instituting therapy with somatropin. Somatropin should be discontinued if there is evidence of recurrent activity. Since GHD may be an early sign of the presence of a pituitary tumor (or, rarely, other brain tumors), the presence of such tumors should be ruled out prior to initiation of treatment. Somatropin should not be used in patients with any evidence of progression or recurrence of an underlying intracranial tumor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

• Hypersensitivity

Omnitrope is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to somatropin or any of its excipients. Systemic hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropin products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

• Diabetic Retinopathy

Somatropin is contraindicated in patients with active proliferative or severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

• Closed Epiphyses

Somatropin should not be used for growth promotion in pediatric patients with closed epiphyses.

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 [see Contraindications (4)]. 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 somatropin treatment in patients receiving replacement doses for approved indications who concurrently develop these illnesses has not been established. Therefore, the potential benefit of treatment continuation with somatropin in patients experiencing acute critical illnesses should be weighed against the potential risk.

There have been reports of fatalities 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 (including onset of or increased snoring) and sleep apnea before initiation of treatment with somatropin. If, during treatment with somatropin, 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 somatropin 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 [see Contraindications (4)].

In childhood cancer survivors who were treated with radiation to the brain/head for their first neoplasm and who developed subsequent GHD and were treated with somatropin, an increased risk of a second neoplasm has been reported. 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 [see Contraindications (4.3)]. Monitor all patients with a history of GHD secondary to an intracranial neoplasm routinely while on somatropin therapy for progression or recurrence of the tumor [see Contraindications (4)].

Because children with certain rare genetic causes of short stature have an increased risk of developing malignancies, practitioners should thoroughly consider the risks and benefits of starting somatropin in these patients. If treatment with somatropin is initiated, these patients should be carefully monitored for development of neoplasms.

Monitor patients on somatropin therapy carefully for increased growth, or potential malignant changes, of preexisting nevi.

Treatment with somatropin may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses in susceptible patients. As a result, previously undiagnosed impaired glucose tolerance and overt diabetes mellitus may be unmasked, and new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported in patients taking somatropin. Therefore, glucose levels should be monitored periodically in all patients treated with somatropin, 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 during somatropin therapy. The doses of antihyperglycemic drugs (i.e., insulin or oral agents) may require adjustment when somatropin therapy is instituted in these patients. [See Drug Interactions (7.5)]

Intracranial hypertension (IH) with papilledema, visual changes, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting has been reported in a small number of patients treated with somatropin products. Symptoms usually occurred within the first eight (8) 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 somatropin to exclude preexisting papilledema, and periodically during the course of somatropin therapy. If papilledema is observed by funduscopy during somatropin treatment, treatment should be stopped. If somatropin-induced IH is diagnosed, treatment with somatropin can be restarted at a lower dose after IH-associated signs and symptoms have resolved. Patients with Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi Syndrome may be at increased risk for the development of IH.

Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions includinganaphylactic reactions and antioedema have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropin products. Patients and caregivers should be informed that such reactions are possible and that prompt medical attention should be sought if an allergic reaction occurs [see Contraindications (4)].

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.

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 somatropin treatment [see Section 7.1, 11-β Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1].

Undiagnosed/untreated hypothyroidism may prevent an optimal response to somatropin, in particular, the growth response in children. Patients with Turner syndrome have an inherently increased risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease and primary hypothyroidism and should have their thyroid function checked prior to initiation of somatropin therapy. In patients with GHD, central (secondary) hypothyroidism may first become evident or worsen during somatropin treatment. Therefore, patients treated with somatropin should have periodic thyroid function tests and thyroid hormone replacement therapy should be initiated or appropriately adjusted when indicated.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may occur more frequently in patients with endocrine disorders (including GHD and Turner syndrome) or in patients undergoing rapid growth. Any pediatric patient with the onset of a limp or complaints of hip or knee pain during somatropin therapy should be carefully evaluated.

Progression of scoliosis can occur in patients who experience rapid growth. Because somatropin increases growth rate, patients with a history of scoliosis who are treated with somatropin should be monitored for progression of scoliosis. However, somatropin has not been shown to increase the occurrence of scoliosis. Skeletal abnormalities including scoliosis are commonly seen in untreated Turner syndrome patients. Scoliosis is also commonly seen in untreated patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome. Physicians should be alert to these abnormalities, which may manifest during somatropin therapy.

Patients with epiphyseal closure who were treated with somatropin replacement therapy in childhood should be reevaluated according to the criteria in Indications and Usage (1.2) before continuation of somatropin therapy at the reduced dose level recommended for GH deficient adults.

Patients with Turner syndrome should be evaluated carefully for otitis media and other ear disorders since these patients have an increased risk of ear and hearing disorders. Somatropin treatment may increase the occurrence of otitis media in patients with Turner syndrome. In addition, patients with Turner syndrome should be monitored closely for cardiovascular disorders (e.g., stroke, aortic aneurysm/dissection, hypertension) as these patients are also at risk for these conditions.

When somatropin is administered subcutaneously at the same site over a long period of time, tissue atrophy may result. This can be avoided by rotating the injection site [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

Serum levels of inorganic phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and IGF-1 may increase after somatropin therapy.

Cases of pancreatitis have been reported rarely in children and adults receiving somatropin treatment, with some evidence supporting a greater risk in children compared with adults. Published literature indicates that girls who have Turner syndrome may be at greater risk than other somatropin-treated children. Pancreatitis should be considered in any somatropin treated patient, especially a child, who develops persistent severe abdominal pain.

Benzyl alcohol, a component of Omnitrope Cartridge 5 mg/1.5 mL and the diluent for Omnitrope for injection 5.8 mg/vial, has been associated with serious adverse events and death, particularly in pediatric patients. The “gasping syndrome,” (characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, gasping respirations, and high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites found in the blood and urine) has been associated with benzyl alcohol dosages >99 mg/kg/day in neonates and low-birth weight neonates. Additional symptoms may include gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Practitioners administering this and other medications containing benzyl alcohol should consider the combined daily metabolic load of benzyl alcohol from all sources.

The following important adverse reactions area also described elsewhere in labeling:

• Increased mortality in patients with acute critical illness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Fatalities in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
• Neoplasms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• ^aGlucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus [Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Intracranial hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Severe hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Fluid retention [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Hypoadrenalism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• Hypothyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
• Progression of preexisting scoliosis in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
• Otitis media and cardiovascular disorders in patients with Turner syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]
• Lipoatrophy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)]
• Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)]
• Benzyl Alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.17)]

Because clinical trials are conducted under varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed during the clinical trials performed with one somatropin formulation cannot always be directly compared to the rates observed during the clinical trials performed with a second somatropin formulation, and may not reflect the adverse reaction rates observed in practice.

The following events were observed during clinical studies with Omnitrope Cartridge conducted in children with GHD:

The following events were observed during clinical studies with Omnitrope for injection conducted in children with GHD:

In two clinical studies in pediatric patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome carried out with another somatropin product, the following drug-related events were reported: edema, aggressiveness, arthralgia, benign intracranial hypertension, hair loss, headache, and myalgia.

In clinical studies of 273 pediatric patients born small for gestational age treated with another somatropin product, the following clinically significant events were reported: mild transient hyperglycemia, one patient with benign intracranial hypertension, two patients with central precocious puberty, two patients with jaw prominence, and several patients with aggravation of preexisting scoliosis, injection site reactions, and self-limited progression of pigmented nevi.

In two open-label clinical studies conducted with another somatropin product in pediatric patients with ISS, the most commonly encountered adverse events were upper respiratory tract infections, influenza, tonsillitis, nasopharyngitis, gastroenteritis, headaches, increased appetite, pyrexia, fracture, altered mood, and arthralgia. In one of the two studies during treatment with this other somatropin product, the mean IGF-1 standard deviation (SD) scores were maintained in the normal range. IGF-1 SD scores above +2 SD were observed as follows: 1 subject (3%), 10 subjects (30%) and 16 subjects (38%) in the untreated control, 0.23 and the 0.47 mg/kg/week groups respectively, had at least one measurement; while 0 subjects (0%), 2 subjects (7%) and 6 subjects (14%) had two or more consecutive IGF-1 measurements above +2 SD.

In two clinical studies with another somatropin product in pediatric patients with Turner syndrome, the most frequently reported adverse events were respiratory illnesses (influenza, tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis), joint pain, and urinary tract infection. The only treatment-related adverse event that occurred in more than 1 patient was joint pain.

In clinical trials with another somatropin product in 1,145 GHD adults, the majority of the adverse events consisted of mild to moderate symptoms of fluid retention, including peripheral swelling, arthralgia, pain and stiffness of the extremities, peripheral edema, myalgia, paresthesia, and hypoesthesia. These events were reported early during therapy, and tended to be transient and/or responsive to dosage reduction.

Table 3 displays the adverse events reported by 5% or more of adult GHD patients in clinical trials after various durations of treatment with another somatropin product. Also presented are the corresponding incidence rates of these adverse events in placebo patients during the 6-month double-blind portion of the clinical trials.

In expanded post-trial extension studies, diabetes mellitus developed in 12 of 3,031 patients (0.4%) during treatment with another somatropin product. All 12 patients had predisposing factors, e.g., elevated glycated hemoglobin levels and/or marked obesity, prior to receiving this other somatropin product. Of the 3,031 patients receiving this other somatropin product, 61 (2%) developed symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which lessened after dosage reduction or treatment interruption (52) or surgery (9). Other adverse events that have been reported include generalized edema and hypoesthesia.

As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to Omnitrope with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading. In the case of growth hormone, antibodies with binding capacities lower than 2 mg/mL have not been associated with growth attenuation. In a very small number of patients treated with somatropin, when binding capacity was greater than 2 mg/mL, interference with the growth response was observed.

Because these adverse events 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. The adverse events reported during post-marketing surveillance do not differ from those listed/discussed above in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 in children and adults.

Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropin products [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Leukemia has been reported in a small number of GH deficient children treated with somatropin, somatrem (methionylated rhGH) and GH of pituitary origin. It is uncertain whether these cases of leukemia are related to GH therapy, the pathology of GHD itself, or other associated treatments such as radiation therapy. On the basis of current evidence, experts have not been able to conclude that GH therapy per se was responsible for these cases of leukemia. The risk for children with GHD, if any, remains to be established [see Contraindications (4) and Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

The following additional adverse reactions have been observed during the use of somatropin: headaches (children and adults), gynecomastia (children), and pancreatitis (children and adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)].

New-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported.

The 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. GH and somatropin inhibit 11βHSD-1. Consequently, individuals with untreated GH deficiency have relative increases in 11βHSD-1 and serum cortisol. Introduction of somatropin treatment may result in inhibition of 11βHSD-1 and reduced serum cortisol concentrations. As a consequence, previously undiagnosed central (secondary) hypoadrenalism may be unmasked and glucocorticoid replacement may be required in patients treated with somatropin. In addition, patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following initiation of somatropin treatment; this may be especially true for patients treated with cortisone acetate and prednisone since conversion of these drugs to their biologically active metabolites is dependent on the activity of 11βHSD-1 [see Warnings and Precautions(5.8)].

Pharmacologic glucocorticoid therapy and supraphysiologic glucocorticoid treatment may attenuate the growth promoting effects of somatropin in children. Therefore, glucocorticoid replacement dosing should be carefully adjusted in children receiving concomitant somatropin and glucocorticoid treatments to avoid both hypoadrenalism and an inhibitory effect on growth.

Limited published data indicate that somatropin treatment increases cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated antipyrine clearance in man. These data suggest that somatropin administration may alter the clearance of compounds known to be metabolized by CYP450 liver enzymes (e.g., corticosteroids, sex steroids, anticonvulsants, cyclosporine). Careful monitoring is advisable when somatropin is administered in combination with other drugs known to be metabolized by CYP450 liver enzymes. However, formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted.

In adult women on oral estrogen replacement, a larger dose of somatropin may be required to achieve the defined treatment goal [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

In patients with diabetes mellitus requiring drug therapy, the dose of insulin and/or oral agent may require adjustment when somatropin therapy is initiated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Omnitrope. It is not known whether Omnitrope®can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity.

Reproduction studies carried out with another somatropin product at doses of 0.3, 1, and 3.3 mg/kg/day administered subcutaneously in the rat and 0.08, 0.3, and 1.3 mg/kg/day administered intramuscularly in the rabbit (highest doses approximately 24 times and 19 times the recommended human therapeutic levels, respectively, based on body surface area) resulted in decreased maternal body weight gains but were not teratogenic. In rats receiving subcutaneous doses during gametogenesis and up to 7 days of pregnancy, 3.3 mg/kg/day (approximately 24 times human dose) produced anestrus or extended estrus cycles in females and fewer and less motile sperm in males. When given to pregnant female rats (days 1 to 7 of gestation) at 3.3 mg/kg/day a very slight increase in fetal deaths was observed. At 1 mg/kg/day (approximately seven times human dose) rats showed slightly extended estrus cycles, whereas at 0.3 mg/kg/day no effects were noted.

In perinatal and postnatal studies in rats, doses of 0.3, 1, and 3.3 mg/kg/day of this other somatropin product produced growth-promoting effects in the dams but not in the fetuses. Young rats at the highest dose showed increased weight gain during suckling but the effect was not apparent by 10 weeks of age. No adverse effects were observed on gestation, morphogenesis, parturition, lactation, postnatal development, or reproductive capacity of the offspring due to this other somatropin product. There are, however, no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether Omnitrope is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Omnitrope is administered to a nursing woman.

The safety and effectiveness of Omnitrope in patients aged 65 and over have not been evaluated in clinical studies. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the action of somatropin, and therefore may be more prone to develop adverse reactions. A lower starting dose and smaller dose increments should be considered for older patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].

Short-term overdosage could lead initially to hypoglycemia and subsequently to hyperglycemia. Furthermore, 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 [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Omnitrope (somatropin) is a polypeptide hormone of recombinant DNA origin. It has 191 amino acid residues and a molecular weight of 22,125 daltons. The amino acid sequence of the product is identical to that of human growth hormone of pituitary origin (somatropin). Omnitrope is synthesized in a strain of Escherichia coli that has been modified by the addition of the gene for human growth hormone. Omnitrope Cartridge is a clear, colorless, sterile solution for subcutaneous injection. Omnitrope for Injection is a lyophilized powder that is reconstituted for subcutaneous injection.

Figure 1 (Image 01)

Figure 1. Schematic amino acid sequence of human growth hormone including the disulfide bonds

Each Omnitrope Cartridge or vial contains the following (see Table 4):

Somatropin (as well as endogenous GH) binds to a dimeric GH receptor in the cell membrane of target cells resulting in intracellular signal transduction and a host of pharmacodynamic effects. Some of these pharmacodynamic effects are primarily mediated by IGF-1 produced in the liver and also locally (e.g., skeletal growth, protein synthesis), while others are primarily a consequence of the direct effects of somatropin (e.g., lipolysis) [see Pharmacodynamics (12.2)].

The primary and most intensively studied action of somatropin is the stimulation of linear growth. This effect is demonstrated in children with GHD and children who have PWS, were born SGA, have TS or have ISS.

The measurable increase in bone length after administration of somatropin results from its effect on the cartilaginous growth areas of long bones. Studies in vitro have shown that the incorporation of sulfate into proteoglycans is not due to a direct effect of somatropin, but rather is mediated by the somatomedins or insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). The somatomedins, among them IGF-1, are polypeptide hormones which are synthesized in the liver, kidney, and various other tissues. IGF-1 levels are low in the serum of hypopituitary dwarfs and hypophysectomized humans or animals, and increase after treatment with somatropin.

It has been shown that the total number of skeletal muscle cells is markedly decreased in children with short stature lacking endogenous GH compared with normal children, and that treatment with somatropin results in an increase in both the number and size of muscle cells.

Somatropin influences the size of internal organs, and it also increases red cell mass.

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 and blood urea nitrogen following the initiation of somatropin therapy.

Hypopituitary children sometimes experience fasting hypoglycemia that may be improved by treatment with somatropin. In healthy subjects, large doses of somatropin may impair glucose tolerance. Although the precise mechanism of the diabetogenic effect of somatropin is not known, it is attributed to blocking the action of insulin rather than blocking insulin secretion. Insulin levels in serum actually increase as somatropin levels increase. Administration of human growth hormone to normal adults and patients with growth hormone deficiency results in increases in mean serum fasting and postprandial insulin levels, although mean values remain in the normal range. In addition, mean fasting and postprandial glucose and hemoglobin A_1C levels remain in the normal range.

Somatropin stimulates intracellular lipolysis, and administration of somatropin leads to an increase in plasma free fatty acids and triglycerides. Untreated GHD is associated with increased body fat stores, including increased abdominal visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Treatment of growth hormone deficient patients with somatropin results in a general reduction of fat stores, and decreased serum levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Administration of somatropin results in an increase in total body potassium and phosphorus and to a lesser extent sodium. This retention is thought to be the result of cell growth. Serum levels of phosphate increase in children with GHD after somatropin therapy due to metabolic activity associated with bone growth. Serum calcium levels are not altered. Although calcium excretion in the urine is increased, there is a simultaneous increase in calcium absorption from the intestine. Negative calcium balance, however, may occasionally occur during somatropin treatment.

Somatropin stimulates the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate and collagen, and increases the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline.

There are no pharmacokinetic studies using Omnitrope Cartridges in patients with growth hormone deficiency.

Following a subcutaneous injection of single dose of 5 mg Omnitrope 5 mg/1.5 mL Cartridge or 5 mg Omnitrope 10 mg/1.5 mL Cartridge in healthy male and female adults, the peak concentration (C_max) was 72-74 mcg/L. The time to reach C_max (t_max) for Omnitrope was 4.0 hours.

The aqueous formulations of 5 mg/1.5 mL Omnitrope cartridge and 10 mg/mL Omnitrope cartridge are bioequivalent to the lyophilized 5.8 mg/vial Omnitrope formulation.

Somatropin is metabolized in both the liver and kidneys by proteolytic degradation. In renal cells, at least a portion of the breakdown products are returned to the systemic circulation.

The mean terminal half-life of somatropin after subcutaneous administration of Omnitrope Cartridge in healthy adults is 2.5-2.8 hours. The mean clearance of subcutaneously administered Omnitrope Cartridge in healthy adults was about 0.14 L/hr/kg.

Pediatric: No pharmacokinetic studies of Omnitrope have been conducted in pediatric patients.

Gender: The effect of gender on pharmacokinetics of Omnitrope has not been evaluated in pediatric patients.

Race: No studies have been conducted with Omnitrope to assess pharmacokinetic differences among races.

Renal or hepatic impairment: No pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted with Omnitrope in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and fertility studies have not been conducted with Omnitrope See Use In Specific Populations (8.1) for effect on fertility.

The efficacy and safety of Omnitrope were compared with another somatropin product approved for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in pediatric patients. In sequential clinical trials involving a total of 89 GHD children, 44 patients received Omnitrope for Injection (lyophilized powder) 5.8 mg/vial and 45 patients received the comparator somatropin product for 9 months. After 9 months of treatment patients who had received the comparator somatropin product were switched to Omnitrope Cartridge (liquid) 5 mg/1.5 mL. After 15 months of treatment, all patients were switched to Omnitrope Cartridge to collect long-term efficacy and safety data.

In both groups, somatropin was administered as a daily subcutaneous injection at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg. Similar effects on growth were observed between Omnitrope for Injection and the comparator somatropin product during the initial 9 months of treatment.

The efficacy results after 9 months of treatment (Omnitrope for Injection vs. the comparator somatropin product) and after 15 months (Omnitrope Cartridge) are summarized in Table 5.

Another somatropin product was compared with placebo in six randomized clinical trials involving a total of 172 adult GHD patients. These trials included a 6-month double-blind treatment period, during which 85 patients received this other somatropin product and 87 patients received placebo, followed by an open-label treatment period in which participating patients received this other somatropin product for up to a total of 24 months. This other somatropin product was administered as a daily SC injection at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg/week for the first month of treatment and 0.08 mg/kg/week for subsequent months.

Beneficial changes in body composition were observed at the end of the 6-month treatment period for the patients receiving this other somatropin product as compared with the placebo patients. Lean body mass, total body water, and lean/fat ratio increased while total body fat mass and waist circumference decreased. These effects on body composition were maintained when treatment was continued beyond 6 months. Bone mineral density declined after 6 months of treatment but returned to baseline values after 12 months of treatment.

The safety and efficacy of another somatropin product in the treatment of pediatric patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) were evaluated in two randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trials. 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. In Study 2, the treatment group received this other somatropin product at a dose of 0.36 mg/kg/week during the entire study. During the second year, the control group received this other somatropin product at a dose of 0.36 mg/kg/week.

Patients who received this other somatropin product showed significant increases in linear growth during the first year of study, compared with patients who received no treatment (see Table 6). Linear growth continued to increase in the second year, when both groups received treatment with this other somatropin product.

Changes in body composition were also observed in the patients receiving this other somatropin product (see Table 7). These changes included a decrease in the amount of fat mass, and increases in the amount of lean body mass and the ratio of lean-to-fat tissue, while changes in body weight were similar to those seen in patients who received no treatment. Treatment with this other somatropin product did not accelerate bone age, compared with patients who received no treatment.

The safety and efficacy of another somatropin product in the treatment of children born small for gestational age (SGA) were evaluated in 4 randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trials. Patients (age range of 2 to 8 years) were observed for 12 months before being randomized to receive either this other somatropin product (two doses per study, most often 0.24 and 0.48 mg/kg/week) as a daily SC injection or no treatment for the first 24 months of the studies. After 24 months in the studies, all patients received this other somatropin product.

Patients who received any dose of this other somatropin product showed significant increases in growth during the first 24 months of study, compared with patients who received no treatment (see Table 8). Children receiving 0.48 mg/kg/week demonstrated a significant improvement in height standard deviation score (SDS) compared with children treated with 0.24 mg/kg/week. Both of these doses resulted in a slower but constant increase in growth between months 24 to 72 (data not shown).

The long-term efficacy and safety of another somatropin product in patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS) were evaluated in one randomized, open-label, clinical trial that enrolled 177 children. Patients were enrolled on the basis of short stature, stimulated GH secretion > 10 ng/mL, and prepubertal status (criteria for idiopathic short stature were retrospectively applied and included 126 patients). 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. Two somatropin doses were evaluated in this trial: 0.23 mg/kg/week (0.033 mg/kg/day) and 0.47mg/kg/week (0.067 mg/kg/day). Baseline patient characteristics for the ISS patients who remained prepubertal at randomization (n= 105) were: mean (± SD): chronological age 11.4 (1.3) years, height SDS -2.4 (0.4), height velocity SDS -1.1 (0.8), and height velocity 4.4 (0.9) cm/yr, IGF-1 SDS -0.8 (1.4). Patients were treated for a median duration of 5.7 years. Results for final height SDS are displayed by treatment arm in Table 9. Therapy with this other somatropin product improved final height in ISS children relative to untreated controls. 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. A height gain of 1 SDS was observed in 10 % of untreated subjects, 50% of subjects receiving 0.23 mg/kg/week and 69% of subjects receiving 0.47 mg/kg/week.

Two randomized, open-label, clinical trials were conducted that evaluated the efficacy and safety of another somatropin product in Turner syndrome patients with short stature. Turner syndrome patients were treated with this other somatropin product alone or this other somatropin product plus adjunctive hormonal therapy (ethinylestradiol or oxandrolone). A total of 38 patients were treated with this other somatropin product alone in the two studies. In Study 1, 22 patients were treated for 12 months, and in Study 2, 16 patients were treated for 12 months. Patients received this other somatropin product at a dose between 0.13 to 0.33 mg/kg/week.

SDS for height velocity and height are expressed using either the Tanner (Study 1) or Sempé (Study 2) standards for age-matched normal children as well as the Ranke standard (both studies) for age-matched, untreated Turner syndrome patients. As seen in Table 10, height velocity SDS and height SDS values were smaller at baseline and after treatment with this other somatropin product when the normative standards were utilized as opposed to the Turner syndrome standard.

Both studies demonstrated statistically significant increases from baseline in all of the linear growth variables (i.e., mean height velocity, height velocity SDS, and height SDS) after treatment with this other somatropin product (see Table 10). The linear growth response was greater in Study 1 wherein patients were treated with a larger dose of this other somatropin product.

Store Omnitrope refrigerated at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F).

Do not freeze.

Omnitrope is light sensitive and should be stored in the carton.

Omnitrope Cartridge (somatropin) 5 mg/1.5 mL is supplied in the following package sizes:

• One cartridge (NDC 0781-3001-07)
• Five cartridges (NDC 0781-3001-26)

For use only with the Omnitrope Pen 5 delivery system, which is sold separately After the first use the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) for a maximum of 28 days (see Table 11).

Omnitrope Cartridge (somatropin) injection 10 mg/1.5 mL is supplied in the following package sizes:

• One cartridge (NDC 0781-3004-07)
• Five cartridges (NDC 0781-3004-26)

For use only with the Omnitrope Pen 10 delivery system, which is sold separately. After the first use the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) for a maximum of 28 days (see Table 11).

After reconstitution, the concentration is 5 mg/mL.

• Carton contains 8 vials of Omnitrope 5.8 mg and 8 vials of diluent (Bacteriostatic Water for injection containing 1.5% benzyl alcohol as a preservative.)

NDC 0781-4004-36

Omnitrope 5.8 mg is supplied with a diluent containing benzyl alcohol as a preservative. After reconstitution, the contents of the vial must be used within 3 weeks. After the first injection, the vial should be stored in the carton in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) (see Table 11).

Table 11. Storage Options

Omnitrope Product Formulation	Storage Requirement
	Before Use	In-use (after 1st injection)
5 mg/1.5 mL Cartridge	2-8°C/ 36-46°F Until exp date	2-8 °C/36-46 °F 4 weeks
10 mg/1.5 mL Cartridge		2-8 °C/36-46 °F 4 weeks
5.8 mg/vial		2-8 °C/36-46 °F 3 weeks

See FDA-approved patient labeling (Instructions For Use: Omnitrope Pen 5 Instructions For Use, Omnitrope Pen 10 Instructions For Use, Instructions For Omnitrope 5.8 mg/Vial).

Patients being treated with Omnitrope (and/or their parents) should be informed about the potential risks and benefits associated with somatropin treatment. This information is intended to better educate patients (and caregivers); it is not a disclosure of all possible adverse or intended effects.

Patients and caregivers who will administer Omnitrope should receive appropriate training and instruction on the proper use of Omnitrope® from the physician or other suitably qualified health care professional. A puncture-resistant container for the disposal of used syringes and needles should be strongly recommended. Patients and/or parents should be thoroughly instructed in the importance of proper disposal, and cautioned against any reuse of needles and syringes. Counsel patients and parents that they should never share an Omnitrope Pen with another person, even if the needle is changed. Sharing of the pen between patients may pose a risk of transmission of infection.

If patients are prescribed Omnitrope Cartridge 5 mg/1.5 mL or 10 mg/1.5 mL (to be inserted into Omnitrope Pen 5 or Pen 10 delivery systems), physicians should instruct patients to read the corresponding Instructions For Use provided with the Omnitrope Pens delivery systems and the Omnitrope Cartridges.

If patients are prescribed Omnitrope for injection, physicians should instruct patients to read the Instructions For Use leaflets provided with the Omnitrope for injection 5.8 mg/vial.

Omnitrope is a registered trademark of Novartis AG.

Manufactured in Austria by Sandoz GmbH

Distributed by Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540

Rev. December 2016

For use with Omnitrope^® (om-KNEE-trope)

(somatropin) injection 5 mg/1.5 mL cartridges

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Safety Information

DOs and DON’Ts

Pen Parts

Auto-positioning Feature

Pen Components

How to Use Your Omnitrope Pen 5

Loading the Cartridge into the Pen

Attaching the Pen Needle

Priming

Dose Dialing

Making the Injection

Removing the Pen Needle

Trouble Shooting

Care and Storage

Guarantee

Important Personal Notes

READ FIRST: Important Safety Information

• 1.Read the following instructions before using the Omnitrope Pen 5. Ask your healthcare professional if there is something you do not understand.
• 2.The Omnitrope Pen 5 is a pen injector. It is for use with Omnitrope cartridges 5 mg/1.5 mL and BD^® pen needles (29G x 12.7 mm or 31G x 8 mm or 31G x 5 mm).
• 3.People with very poor vision should not use the Omnitrope Pen 5 unless someone with good eyesight is able to help.

DOS AND DON’TS

DOs

• 1.Always keep Omnitrope cartridges refrigerated.
• 2.Cartridges should be handled with care at all times.
• 3.After taking a cartridge out of the refrigerator, allow it to reach room temperature (about 30 minutes) before injecting the medicine.
• 4.When starting a new cartridge, always ready (prime) the pen.
• 5.When making an injection, insert the pen needle into the skin in the way that your healthcare professional teaches you. After pen needle insertion, push the injection button in as far as it will go and continue to press firmly for at least five seconds, before you remove the pen needle from the skin. If medicine continues to drip from the pen needle after injection, hold the pen needle in the skin longer the next time you inject.
• 6.This device must not be shared with other patients even if the needle is changed. Sharing of the pen between patients may pose a risk of transmission of infection. However, if you are giving an injection to another person, be careful when removing the pen needle. Accidental pen needle sticks can transmit infections.
• 7.For safety and injection comfort, use a new, sterile pen needle with each injection.

DON’Ts

• 1.Do not share the Omnitrope Pen 5 even if the needle is changed. It is made for only one person to use.
• 2.The pen needle unit is sterile. To avoid contaminating the pen needle after opening, do not place it on a surface or touch exposed parts.
• 3.Never dial your dose or attempt to correct a dialing error with the pen needle in your skin. This may result in a wrong dose.
• 4.Never store or carry your Omnitrope Pen 5 with a pen needle attached.

Never recap pen with pen needle on.

Storing or carrying your Omnitrope Pen 5 with a pen needle attached may lead to needle pricks and leaves an open passage for:

• Air to enter the cartridge
• medicine to leak out

Both of these conditions can affect the dose of the injection.

• 5.Do not use your Omnitrope Pen 5 if the cap or other parts are missing.

PEN PARTS

AUTO-POSITIONING FEATURE

The Omnitrope Pen 5 has a black rod with an auto-positioning feature. This auto-positioning feature makes priming easier (fewer steps), especially when a new cartridge is used.

How it works

(Pictures are included only to demonstrate the auto-positioning feature. These steps are not necessary to operate pen).

Notice that the black rod moves into the pen easily and returns to the fully extended position automatically. This automatic extension of the black rod positions it correctly against the cartridge plunger.

PEN PARTS

	PEN CAP 1. Clip
	CARTRIDGE HOLDER
	PEN BODY 2. Black rod 3. Dose window with arrow indicator 4. White dose knob 5. Red injection button
	PEN NEEDLE UNIT 6. Outer pen needle shield 7. Inner pen needle shield 8. Pen needle 9. Hub 10. Paper tab

Note – Pen Needle Unit is supplied assembled and sterile. Do not disassemble at this point.

CARTRIDGE 11. Rubber septum 12. Metal Cap 13. Cartridge plunger

HOW TO USE YOUR OMNITROPE PEN 5

LOADING THE CARTRIDGE INTO THE PEN

• 1.Remove the pen cap by pulling it off the pen.
• 2.Unscrew the cartridge holder from the pen body
• 3.Insert the cartridge, metal cap first, into the cartridge holder
• 4.Lower the pen body onto the cartridge holder so that the black rod presses against the cartridge plunger. Screw the cartridge holder onto the pen body until no gap remains. One of the blue arrows must line-up with the yellow line mark on the pen body.

Note – Do not overtighten.

ATTACHING THE PEN NEEDLE

• 5.Remove the paper tab from the back of a new pen needle.
•  6a. Holding the cartridge holder, push the pen needle unit onto the pen. Then screw the threaded hub of the pen needle onto the cartridge holder as shown.
•  6b. With a gentle pull, remove the outer pen needle shield. Save the outer shield. You will use it to remove the pen needle from the pen after your injection is finished.
•  6c. Do not remove the inner pen needle shield at this time.
•  6d. Check that the cartridge holder is attached to the pen body, with the blue arrow lined-up with the yellow mark on the pen body before each injection.
•  PRIMING

Important – Before using a new cartridge, you must prime the Omnitrope Pen 5.

For a New Cartridge Only

• 7.Hold the pen with the needle pointing upwards. Gently tap the cartridge holder with your finger to help air bubbles rise to the top of the cartridge. Set the dose to 0.05 mg (one click) by turning the dose knob.
• 8.Remove the inner pen needle shield. With the pen needle pointing up, firmly turn the dose knob back to the “0” position and hold for at least 5 seconds. At least 2 drops of medicine must flow out of the pen needle for the pen to be properly primed. If at least 2 drops do not flow out, set the dose to 0.05 mg and repeat the steps until at least 2 drops of medicine appear at the tip of the pen needle. When medicine appears, the Omnitrope Pen 5 is properly primed for injection and ready to use.

For a previously used Cartridge

No priming is needed. Remove the inner pen needle shield and continue with dose dialing.

DOSE DIALING

• 9.To set your dose, turn the dose knob until you see the number of mg for your dose in the middle of the dose window lined-up with the arrow. You will hear a click for each dose increment you dial. However, do not rely on counting these clicks to measure the right dose.

Important – Dose Correction

If you turn the dose knob past your dose, do not dial backwards.

Hold the pen body and turn the dose knob until it is fully extended as shown in picture 9a. You will see a bent arrow () in the dose dialing window. The injection button can now be fully pressed, resetting the dial to “0” without giving medicine. The right dose can now be redialed as described in step 9.

Note – Check that the cartridge holder is still attached to the pen body, with the blue arrow lined-up with the yellow mark on the pen body.

MAKING THE INJECTION

• 10.Insert the pen needle into the skin as instructed by your healthcare professional.
• 11.After inserting the pen needle, push the injection button in as far in as it will go and press firmly. A clicking sound will be heard while your dose is injecting. Continue to press firmly for at least 5 seconds, before you remove the pen needle from the skin.

If medicine continues to drip from the pen needle after injection, hold the pen needle in your skin for a longer time the next time you inject.

If you cannot push the Injection button in as far in as it goes and the dose window does not read “0”, the cartridge is empty and the full dose of medicine has not been injected. The dose indicator window will show the amount of medicine still needed. Remove the pen needle from the skin and note the number. Reset the dose knob to “0” by holding the pen and turning the dose knob until it is fully extended as shown in picture 9a. The dose injection button can now be fully pressed to “0”. Remove the pen needle from the pen (see step 12 below) and remove the empty cartridge by unscrewing the cartridge holder. Insert a new cartridge and prime the pen as described in steps 7 and 8. Set the dose, which you noted, and inject. This completes your dose.

Important – Before replacing a cartridge, be sure that the pen needle unit is NOT attached to the Omnitrope Pen 5.

REMOVING THE PEN NEEDLE

• 12.Carefully replace the outer pen needle shield. Hold the pen by the cartridge holder and unscrew the pen needle from the cartridge holder. Recap the pen.
• 13.Store your Omnitrope Pen 5 with attached Omnitrope cartridge in its pouch or refrigerator storage box. Store in a refrigerator between 36 and 46°F (2 and 8°C).
• 14.Dispose of used pen needles in a special container called a “sharps” container. Your healthcare professional can give you a sharps container or tell you how to make one. Do not dispose of used pen needles in the trash.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	HOW TO FIX
Dial unit does not turn easily.	Dust or dirt	Turn the dial beyond the highest setting on the scale. Wipe all exposed surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Please also refer to the chapter “Care and Storage”.
You have dialed a higher dose than needed.		Correct dose as described in step 9, “Dose correction”.
The injection button cannot be pushed or stops during injection. (Dose knob does not return to “0”).	Cartridge is empty and full dose has not been dispensed.	Remove the pen needle as per step 12 and replace the empty cartridge with a new cartridge. Refer to step 11, “If the injection button stops”.
	Clogged pen needle.	Remove the pen needle as per step 12 and replace it with a new needle as described in step 5.
No clicking is heard during the injection (Dose knob moves freely).	Pen is in dose correction mode.	Remove pen needle from skin. Press injection button all the way in so the dial returns to zero and repeat from step 9 to make the injection.
Medicine continues to drip from the pen needle after injection.	Pen needle was removed from the skin too early.	Hold the pen needle in your skin longer next time you inject.
	Cartridge holder is not properly attached to the pen body.	Line-up blue arrow on cartridge holder with yellow mark on pen body.

CARE AND STORAGE

Once your Omnitrope Pen 5 contains a somatropin cartridge, it has to be stored in the refrigerator between 36 and 46°F (2 and 8°C).

Do not remove the cartridge between injections.

Protect your Omnitrope Pen 5 and cartridge from light by storing in its pouch or refrigerator storage box.

The Omnitrope cartridge must be discarded 28 days after the first injection. The Omnitrope Pen 5 can be reloaded with a new cartridge and be used multiple times.

Your Omnitrope Pen 5 must be properly cared for.

• Only a clean, damp cloth should be used for routine cleaning. Never wash the pen in water or with strong surgical disinfectants.
• Avoid exposure to dust, moisture and temperature extremes. Do not expose to heat or freeze.

If your Omnitrope Pen 5 is damaged or you cannot get it to work, contact the pharmacy that provided you the Omnitrope Pen 5 or, if OmniSource provided you with your Omnitrope Pen 5, call 1-877-456-6794. For other questions or additional information please call OmniSource at 1-877-456-6794. Do not attempt to repair the pen yourself.

GUARANTEE

Your Omnitrope Pen 5 is covered by a 2 year guarantee. Contact your Omnitrope Pen 5 provider after you have used the pen for 2 years to have it replaced by a new one.

If your Omnitrope Pen 5 is defective in materials or workmanship within the period of the guarantee, the provider of your Omnitrope Pen 5 will replace your pen and/or rectify the fault at its own cost. If OmniSource provided your Omnitrope Pen 5, call 1-877-456-6794. Otherwise call the pharmacy that provided the Omnitrope Pen 5.

In case of complaints, please contact your Omnitrope Pen 5 provider to report a complaint.

This guarantee is invalid if your Omnitrope Pen 5 has not been used in accordance with the manufacturer`s instruction leaflet or if the defect has been caused by neglect, misuse or accident.

IMPORTANT PERSONAL NOTES

Date I first used the Omnitrope Pen 5:

____________________________________(dd/mm/yy)

Pen log no:

______________________________________

Additional Comments:

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

Omnitrope Pen 5

Manufactured for

Sandoz GmbH, Kundl, Austria

Product of Taiwan

Distributed by

Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540

09-2016M

CE0344

Omnitrope^® is a trademark of Novartis.

BD and BD Logo are trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company.

OP5.ifU.06.1

46193261

For use with Omnitrope^® (somatropin) injection 10 mg/1.5 mL cartridges

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Safety Information

DOs and DON’Ts

Pen Parts

Auto-positioning Feature

Pen Components

How to Use Your Omnitrope Pen 10

Loading the Cartridge into the Pen

Attaching the Pen Needle

Priming

Dose Dialing

Making the Injection

Removing the Pen Needle

Trouble Shooting

Care and Storage

Guarantee

Important Personal Notes

READ FIRST: Important Safety Information

• 1.Read the following instructions before using the Omnitrope Pen 10. Ask your healthcare professional if there is something you do not understand.
• 2.The Omnitrope Pen 10 is a pen injector. It is for use with Omnitrope cartridges 10 mg/1.5 mL and BD^® pen needles (29G x 12.7 mm or 31G x 8 mm or 31G x 5 mm).
• 3.People with very poor vision should not use the Omnitrope Pen 10 unless someone with good eyesight is able to help.

DOS AND DON’TS

DOs

• 1.Always keep Omnitrope cartridges refrigerated.
• 2.Cartridges should be handled with care at all times.
• 3.After taking a cartridge out of the refrigerator, allow it to reach room temperature (about 30 minutes) before injecting the medicine.
• 4.When starting a new cartridge, always ready (prime) the pen.
• 5.When making an injection, insert the pen needle into the skin in the way that your healthcare professional teaches you. After pen needle insertion, push the injection button in as far as it will go and continue to press firmly for at least five seconds, before you remove the pen needle from the skin. If medicine continues to drip from the pen needle after injection, hold the pen needle in the skin longer the next time you inject.
• 6.This device must not be shared with other patients even if the needle is changed. Sharing of the pen between patients may pose a risk of transmission of infection. However, if you are giving an injection to another person, be careful when removing the pen needle. Accidental pen needle sticks can transmit infections.
• 7.For safety and injection comfort, use a new, sterile pen needle with each injection.

DON’Ts

• 1.Do not share the Omnitrope Pen 10 even if the needle is changed. It is made for only one person to use.
• 2.The pen needle unit is sterile. To avoid contaminating the pen needle after opening, do not place it on a surface or touch exposed parts.
• 3.Never dial your dose or attempt to correct a dialing error with the pen needle in your skin. This may result in a wrong dose.
• 4.Never store or carry your Omnitrope Pen 10 with a pen needle attached.

Never recap pen with pen needle on.



Fig Aa (Image 02)

Storing or carrying your Omnitrope Pen 10 with a pen needle attached may lead to needle pricks and leaves an open passage for:

• Air to enter the cartridge
• medicine to leak out

Both of these conditions can affect the dose of the injection.

• 5.Do not use your Omnitrope Pen 10 if the cap or other parts are missing.

PEN PARTS

AUTO-POSITIONING FEATURE

The Omnitrope Pen 10 has a black rod with an auto-positioning feature. This auto-positioning feature makes priming easier (fewer steps), especially when a new cartridge is used.

How it works

(Pictures are included only to demonstrate the auto-positioning feature. These steps are not necessary to operate pen).



Fig Bb (Image 03)

Notice that the black rod moves into the pen easily and returns to the fully extended position automatically. This automatic extension of the black rod positions it correctly against the cartridge plunger.

PEN PARTS

Fig Cc (Image 04)	PEN CAP 1. Clip
Fig Dd (Image 05)	CARTRIDGE HOLDER
Fig Ee (Image 06)	PEN BODY 2. Black rod 3. Dose window with arrow indicator 4. White dose knob 5. Red injection button
Fig Ff (Image 07)	PEN NEEDLE UNIT 6. Outer pen needle shield 7. Inner pen needle shield 8. Pen needle 9. Hub 10. Paper tab

Note – Pen Needle Unit is supplied assembled and sterile. Do not disassemble at this point.

Fig Gg (Image 08)

CARTRIDGE 11. Rubber septum 12. Metal Cap 13. Cartridge plunger

HOW TO USE YOUR OMNITROPE PEN 10

LOADING THE CARTRIDGE INTO THE PEN



Fig Hh (Image 09)



Fig Ii (Image 10)

• 1.Remove the pen cap by pulling it off the pen.
• 2.Unscrew the cartridge holder from the pen body


Fig Jj (Image 11)



Fig Kk (Image 12)

• 3.Insert the cartridge, metal cap first, into the cartridge holder
• 4.Lower the pen body onto the cartridge holder so that the black rod presses against the cartridge plunger. Screw the cartridge holder onto the pen body until no gap remains. One of the blue arrows must line-up with the white line mark on the pen body.

Note – Do not overtighten.

ATTACHING THE PEN NEEDLE



Fig Ll (Image 13)



Fig Mm (Image 14)

• 5.Remove the paper tab from the back of a new pen needle.
•  6a. Holding the cartridge holder, push the pen needle unit onto the pen. Then screw the threaded hub of the pen needle onto the cartridge holder as shown.
•  6b. With a gentle pull, remove the outer pen needle shield. Save the outer shield. You will use it to remove the pen needle from the pen after your injection is finished.
•  6c. Do not remove the inner pen needle shield at this time.
•  6d. Check that the cartridge holder is attached to the pen body, with the blue arrow lined-up with the white mark on the pen body before each injection.
•  PRIMING


Fig Nn (Image 15)



Fig Oo (Image 16)

Important – Before using a new cartridge, you must prime the Omnitrope Pen 10.

For a New Cartridge Only

• 7.Hold the pen with the needle pointing upwards. Gently tap the cartridge holder with your finger to help air bubbles rise to the top of the cartridge. Set the dose to 0.1 mg (one click) by turning the dose knob.
• 8.Remove the inner pen needle shield. With the pen needle pointing up, firmly turn the dose knob back to the “0” position and hold for at least 5 seconds. At least 2 drops of medicine must flow out of the pen needle for the pen to be properly primed. If at least 2 drops do not flow out, set the dose to 0.1 mg and repeat the steps until at least 2 drops of medicine appear at the tip of the pen needle. When medicine appears, the Omnitrope Pen 10 is properly primed for injection and ready to use.

For a previously used Cartridge

No priming is needed. Remove the inner pen needle shield and continue with dose dialing.

DOSE DIALING



Fig Pp (Image 17)



Fig Qq (Image 18)

• 9.To set your dose, turn the dose knob until you see the number of mg for your dose in the middle of the dose window lined-up with the arrow. You will hear a click for each dose increment you dial. However, do not rely on counting these clicks to measure the right dose.

Important – Dose Correction

If you turn the dose knob past your dose, do not dial backwards.

Hold the pen body and turn the dose knob until it is fully extended as shown in picture 9a. You will see a bent arrow () in the dose dialing window. The injection button can now be fully pressed, resetting the dial to “0” without giving medicine. The right dose can now be redialed as described in step 9.

Note – Check that the cartridge holder is still attached to the pen body, with the blue arrow lined-up with the white mark on the pen body.

MAKING THE INJECTION

• 10.Insert the pen needle into the skin as instructed by your healthcare professional.


Fig Rr (Image 19)



Fig Ss (Image 20)

• 11.After inserting the pen needle, push the injection button in as far in as it will go and press firmly. A clicking sound will be heard while your dose is injecting. Continue to press firmly for at least 5 seconds, before you remove the pen needle from the skin.

If medicine continues to drip from the pen needle after injection, hold the pen needle in your skin for a longer time the next time you inject.

If you cannot push the Injection button in as far in as it goes and the dose window does not read “0”, the cartridge is empty and the full dose of medicine has not been injected. The dose indicator window will show the amount of medicine still needed. Remove the pen needle from the skin and note the number. Reset the dose knob to “0” by holding the pen and turning the dose knob until it is fully extended as shown in picture 9a. The dose injection button can now be fully pressed to “0”. Remove the pen needle from the pen (see step 12 below) and remove the empty cartridge by unscrewing the cartridge holder. Insert a new cartridge and prime the pen as described in steps 7 and 8. Set the dose, which you noted, and inject. This completes your dose.

Important – Before replacing a cartridge, be sure that the pen needle unit is NOT attached to the Omnitrope Pen 10.

REMOVING THE PEN NEEDLE



Fig Tt (Image 21)

• 12.Carefully replace the outer pen needle shield. Hold the pen by the cartridge holder and unscrew the pen needle from the cartridge holder. Recap the pen.
• 13.Store your Omnitrope Pen 10 with attached Omnitrope cartridge in its pouch or refrigerator storage box. Store in a refrigerator between 36 and 46°F (2 and 8°C).
• 14.Dispose of used pen needles in a special container called a “sharps” container. Your healthcare professional can give you a sharps container or tell you how to make one. Do not dispose of used pen needles in the trash.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM	POSSIBLE CAUSE	HOW TO FIX
Dial unit does not turn easily.	Dust or dirt	Turn the dial beyond the highest setting on the scale. Wipe all exposed surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. Please also refer to the chapter “Care and Storage”.
You have dialed a higher dose than needed.		Correct dose as described in step 9, “Dose correction”.
The injection button cannot be pushed or stops during injection. (Dose knob does not return to “0”).	Cartridge is empty and full dose has not been dispensed.	Remove the pen needle as per step 12 and replace the empty cartridge with a new cartridge. Refer to step 11, “If the injection button stops”.
	Clogged pen needle.	Remove the pen needle as per step 12 and replace it with a new needle as described in step 5.
No clicking is heard during the injection (Dose knob moves freely).	Pen is in dose correction mode.	Remove pen needle from skin. Press injection button all the way in so the dial returns to zero and repeat from step 9 to make the injection.
Medicine continues to drip from the pen needle after injection.	Pen needle was removed from the skin too early.	Hold the pen needle in your skin longer next time you inject.
	Cartridge holder is not properly attached to the pen body.	Line-up blue arrow on cartridge holder with white mark on pen body.

CARE AND STORAGE

Once your Omnitrope Pen 10 contains a somatropin cartridge, it has to be stored in the refrigerator between 36 and 46°F (2 and 8°C).

Do not remove the cartridge between injections.

Protect your Omnitrope Pen 10 and cartridge from light by storing in its pouch or refrigerator storage box.

The Omnitrope cartridge must be discarded 28 days after the first injection. The Omnitrope Pen 10 can be reloaded with a new cartridge and be used multiple times.

Your Omnitrope Pen 10 must be properly cared for.

• Only a clean, damp cloth should be used for routine cleaning. Never wash the pen in water or with strong surgical disinfectants.
• Avoid exposure to dust, moisture and temperature extremes. Do not expose to heat or freeze.

If your Omnitrope Pen 10 is damaged or you cannot get it to work, contact the pharmacy that provided you the Omnitrope Pen 10 or, if OmniSource provided you with your Omnitrope Pen 10, call 1-877-456-6794. For other questions or additional information please call OmniSource at 1-877-456-6794. Do not attempt to repair the pen yourself.

GUARANTEE

Your Omnitrope Pen 10 is covered by a 2 year guarantee. Contact your Omnitrope Pen 10 provider after you have used the pen for 2 years to have it replaced by a new one.

If your Omnitrope Pen 10 is defective in materials or workmanship within the period of the guarantee, the provider of your Omnitrope Pen 10 will replace your pen and/or rectify the fault at its own cost. If OmniSource provided your Omnitrope Pen 10, call 1-877-456-6794. Otherwise call the pharmacy that provided the Omnitrope Pen 10.

In case of complaints, please contact your Omnitrope Pen 10 provider to report a complaint.

This guarantee is invalid if your Omnitrope Pen 10 has not been used in accordance with the manufacturer`s instruction leaflet or if the defect has been caused by neglect, misuse or accident.

IMPORTANT PERSONAL NOTES

Date I first used the Omnitrope Pen 10:

____________________________________(dd/mm/yy)

Pen log no:

______________________________________

Additional Comments:

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

Omnitrope Pen 10

Manufactured for

Sandoz GmbH, Kundl, Austria

Product of Taiwan

Distributed by

Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540

09-2016M

CE0344

Omnitrope^® is a trademark of Novartis.

BD and BD Logo are trademarks of Becton, Dickinson and Company.

OP10.ifU.07.1

46193263

The following instructions explain how to inject OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg. Do not inject OMNITROPE® yourself until your healthcare provider has taught you and you understand the instructions. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about injecting OMNITROPE®.

• OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg is for multiple uses.
• The concentration of OMNITROPE® after mixing is 5 mg/mL.
• After mixing, OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg contains a preservative and should not be used in newborns.

Preparation

Collect necessary items before you begin:



Necessary Items Figure (Image 45)

• a vial with OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg
• a vial with diluent (mixing liquid - Bacteriostatic Water for Injection containing benzyl alcohol as preservative) for OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg
• a sterile, disposable 3 mL syringe and needle for withdrawing the diluent from the vial (not supplied in the pack)
• sterile disposable 1 mL syringes and needles for under the skin (subcutaneous) injection (not supplied in the pack)
• 2 alcohol swabs (not supplied in the pack)

Wash your hands before you start with the next steps.



Wash Hands Figure (Image 46)

Mixing OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg

• Remove the protective caps from the two vials. With one alcohol swab, clean both the rubber top of the vial that contains the powder and the rubber top of the vial that contains diluent.


Clean Rubber Top Figure (Image 47)

• Use next the sterile diluent vial, the disposal 3 mL syringe and a needle.
• Attach the needle to the syringe (if not attached already). Pull back the syringe plunger and fill the syringe with air. Push the needle fitted to the syringe through the rubber top of the diluent vial, push all the air from the syringe into the vial, turn the vial upside down, and withdraw all the diluent from the vial into the syringe. Remove the syringe and needle.


Withdraw Diluent Figure (Image 48)

• Next take the syringe with the diluent in it and push the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial that contains the white powder. Inject the diluent slowly. Aim the stream of liquid against the glass wall in order to avoid foam. Remove the syringe and needle and dispose of them.


Inject Diluent Figure (Image 49)

• Gently swirl the vial until the content is completely dissolved. Do not shake.


Swirl, Do Not Shake Figure (Image 50)

• If the medicine is cloudy or contains particles, it should not be used. The medicine must be clear and colorless after mixing.
• After mixing the medicine, the medicine in the vial must be used within 3 weeks. Store the vial in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) after mixing and using it each time.

Measuring the Dose of OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg to Be Injected

• Next use the sterile, disposable 1 mL (or similar) syringe and needle for subcutaneous injection. Push the needle through the rubber top of the vial that contains the medicine that you have just mixed.
• Turn the vial and the syringe upside down.


Measure The Dose Figure (Image 51)

• Be sure the tip of the syringe is in the OMNITROPE® mixed medicine.
• Pull back on the plunger slowly and withdraw the dose prescribed by your doctor into the syringe.
• Hold the syringe with the needle in the vial pointing up and remove the syringe from the vial.
• Check for air bubbles in the syringe. If you see any bubbles, pull the plunger slightly back; tap the syringe gently, with the needle pointing upwards, until the bubble disappears. Push the plunger slowly back up to the correct dose. If there is not enough medicine in the syringe after removing the air bubbles, draw more medicine into the syringe from the mixed medicine vial and repeat checking for bubbles.
• Look at the mixed medicine in the syringe before using. Do not use if discolored or particles are present. You are now ready to inject the dose.

Injecting OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg

• Choose the site of injection on your body. The best sites for injection are tissues with a layer of fat between skin and muscle such as the upper leg (thigh), buttocks, or stomach area (abdomen) as in the picture shown below. Do not inject near your belly button (navel) or waistline.


Injection Site Figure (Image 52)

• Make sure you rotate the injection sites on your body. Inject at least 1/2 inch from the last injection. Change the places on your body where you inject, as you have been taught.
• Before you make an injection, clean your skin well with an alcohol swab. Wait for the area to air dry.


Clean Skin Figure (Image 53)

• With one hand, pinch a fold of loose skin at the injection site. With your other hand, hold the syringe as you would a pencil. Insert the needle into the pinched skin straight in or at a slight angle (an angle of 45° to 90°). After the needle is in, remove the hand used to pinch the skin and use it to hold the syringe barrel. Pull back the plunger very slightly with one hand. If blood comes into the syringe, the needle has entered a blood vessel. Do not inject into this site; withdraw the needle and repeat the procedure at a different site. If no blood comes into the syringe, inject the solution by pushing the plunger all the way down gently.


Insert Needle Figure (Image 54)

• Pull the needle straight out of the skin. After injection, press the injection site with a small bandage or sterile gauze if needed for bleeding, for several seconds. Do not massage or rub the injection site.

After Injecting OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg

• Discard the injection materials.
• Dispose the syringes safely in a closed container. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a “sharps” container. A sharps container is a special container to put used needles and syringes in. You can return a full sharps container to your pharmacist or healthcare provider for disposal.
• The vial of mixed medicine must be stored in the refrigerator in its carton at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) and used within 3 weeks.
• The solution should be clear after removal from the refrigerator. If the solution is cloudy or contains particles, discard the vial. Do not inject the medicine from this vial. Start over with a new vial of OMNITROPE® 5.8 mg. Call your pharmacist if you need a replacement.
• Before each use disinfect the rubber top of the reconstituted vial with an alcohol swab. You must use a new disposable 1 mL syringe and needle for each injection.

Omnitrope® is a trademark of Novartis.

Manufactured in Austria by Sandoz GmbH

Distributed by Sandoz Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540

02-2016M

46170948

46170949

46171070

5 mg/1.5 mL Label (Image 55)

NDC 0781-3001-07

Omnitrope®

Somatropin

injection

5 mg/1.5 mL

For subcutaneous injection only

Rx only

Each cartridge contains

somatropin 5 mg/1.5 mL

1 cartridge

SANDOZ

a Novartis company

10 mg/1.5 mL Label (Image 56)

NDC 0781-3004-07

Omnitrope®

Somatropin

injection

10 mg/1.5 mL

For subcutaneous injection only

Rx only

Each cartridge contains

somatropin 10 mg/1.5 mL

1 cartridge

SANDOZ

a Novartis company

5.8 mg Carton (Image 57)

NDC 0781-4004-36

Omnitrope®

somatropin for injection

and

diluent with preservative (Bacteriostatic Water for Injection 1.14 mL)

5.8 mg/vial

Each carton contains:

8 vials of Omnitrope 5.8 mg/vial

8 single use vials of Bacteriostatic Water for Injection 1.14 mL

For subcutaneous injection only

NOT FOR USE IN NEWBORNS Rx only

SANDOZ

a Novartis company