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ZORBTIVE®
(somatropin) for Injection, for Subcutaneous Use
Zorbtive® (somatropin) for injection is a human growth hormone produced by recombinant DNA technology for subcutaneous use. Zorbtive® has 191 amino acid residues and a molecular weight of 22,125 daltons. Its amino acid sequence and structure are identical to the dominant form of human pituitary growth hormone. Zorbtive® is produced by a mammalian cell line (mouse C127) that has been modified by the addition of the human growth hormone gene. Zorbtive® is secreted directly through the cell membrane into the cell-culture medium for collection and purification.
Zorbtive® is a highly purified preparation. Biological potency is determined by measuring the increase in the body weight induced in hypophysectomized rats.
Zorbtive® is a sterile, lyophilized powder available in 8.8 mg vials for single-patient use. Each 8.8 mg vial contains 8.8 mg somatropin, 2.05 mg phosphoric acid and 60.19 mg sucrose.
Zorbtive® is indicated for the treatment of short bowel syndrome in adult patients receiving specialized nutritional support.
The recommended dosage of Zorbtive® in adults is 0.1 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily to a maximum daily dose of 8 mg for 4 weeks.
[see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Zorbtive® is provided in a package that contains all items required to reconstitute and inject the drug [see HOW SUPPLIED]. Prepare Zorbtive® using the following steps.
Table 1: Reconstitution of Injection
| Adult Patient Weight (kg) | Volume of diluent to be added for the reconstitution (mL) | Concentration of
reconstituted solution (mg/mL) |
| More than 44 kg | 1 mL | 8.8 mg/mL |
| Less than or equal to 44 kg | 2 mL | 4.4 mg/mL |
Once reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (containing Benzyl Alcohol), Zorbtive® should be stored under refrigeration (2 to 8°C/36 to 46°F) and for no more than 14 days. Do not freeze. If Zorbtive® is reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, the reconstituted solution should be used immediately and any unused solution should be discarded.
For injection: 8.8 mg, white lyophilized powder in a single-patient use vial for reconstitution.
Zorbtive® is packaged as NDC 44087-3388-7:
Before Reconstitution: Vials of Zorbtive® and diluent should be stored at room temperature (15- 30°C/59-86°F). Expiration dates are stated on product labels.
After Reconstitution with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol): The reconstituted solution should be stored under refrigeration (2 to 8°C/36 to 46°F) for no more than 14 days. Avoid freezing reconstituted vials of Zorbtive® .
Manufactured for: EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA 02370. Revised: May 2017.
The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot always be directly compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug, and may not reflect the adverse reaction rates observed in practice.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 32 patients were exposed to Zorbtive® for 4 weeks. Of the 41 patients enrolled in the trial, 16 patients received Zorbtive® (0.1 mg/kg per day) plus supportive oral diet, 16 patients received subcutaneous Zorbtive® (0.1 mg/kg per day) plus supportive oral diet plus oral glutamine (30 grams per day), and 9 patients received placebo with specialized oral diet and oral glutamine (30 grams per day).
The most common adverse reactions occurring in greater than 20% of patients treated with Zorbtive® alone and at a higher frequency than in the control group include peripheral edema, facial edema, arthralgia, injection site pain, flatulence, and abdominal pain.
Table 2 summarizes adverse reactions that occurred in at least 10% of patients receiving Zorbtive® , alone or in combination with glutamine and at a higher incidence than in the control group.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions* in a Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial of
Zorbtive® in Adult Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome: 4 Week Treatment
Period
| Adverse Reaction | Treatment Group* | ||
| Zorbtive® alone n=16 n (%) |
Zorbtive® +
Glutamine n=16 n (%) |
Control (Placebo +
Glutamine) n=9 n (%) |
|
| Peripheral edema | 11 (69) | 13 (81) | 1 (11) |
| Facial edema | 8 (50) | 7 (44) | 0 (0) |
| Arthralgia | 7 (44) | 5 (31) | 0 (0) |
| Injection site pain | 5 (31) | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
| Flatulence | 4 (25) | 4 (25) | 2 (22) |
| Abdominal pain | 4 (25) | 2 (13) | 1 (11) |
| Injection site reaction | 3 (19) | 4 (25) | 1 (11) |
| Vomiting | 3 (19) | 3 (19) | 1 (11) |
| Pain | 3 (19) | 1 (6) | 1 (11) |
| Nausea | 2 (13) | 5 (31) | 0 (0) |
| *occurring at in ≥10% of Zorbtive® -treated patients and at a higher incidence than control | |||
After 4 weeks of treatment with Zorbtive® patients were discharged for follow-up on a supportive oral diet supplemented either with glutamine or glutamine placebo, and subjects were re-evaluated as outpatients 12 weeks later. No new adverse drug reactions were observed in the follow up period.
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Zorbtive® or other somatropin products. Because these 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.
Zorbtive® :
Other somatropin products:
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. Somatropin inhibits 11βHSD-1 which can lead to reduced serum cortisol concentrations. As a consequence, in patients treated with Zorbtive® , previously undiagnosed secondary (central) hypoadrenalism may be unmasked and glucocorticoid replacement may be required in patients treated with Zorbtive® . In addition, patients treated with glucocorticoid replacement therapy for previously diagnosed hypoadrenalism may require an increase in their maintenance or stress doses following the initiation of Zorbtive® therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. However, formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted.
Limited published data indicate that somatropin treatment increases cytochrome P450 (CYP450)- mediated antipyrine clearance in humans, which involves multiple isozymes including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C18, and CYP3A4. These data suggest that somatropin administration may alter the clearance of compounds metabolized by CYP450 liver enzymes (e.g., corticosteroids, sex steroids, anticonvulsants, cyclosporine). When somatropin is administered in combination with these drugs, monitor clinical response to the CYP-metabolized drug, as dosage adjustments may be required. However, formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted.
Because oral estrogens may reduce the serum IGF-1 response to somatropin treatment, females receiving oral estrogen replacement may have reduced efficacy from Zorbtive® . However, formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted. Monitor patients taking oral estrogens for lack of efficacy of Zorbtive® .
Patients with diabetes mellitus who receive concomitant antidiabetic treatment with Zorbtive® may require adjustment of their doses of insulin and/or other hypoglycemic agents [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. However, formal drug interaction studies have not been conducted.
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
Zorbtive® is contraindicated in patients with active malignancy. Any preexisting malignancy should be inactive and its treatment complete prior to instituting therapy with somatropin. Discontinue somatropin if there is evidence of recurrent activity [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
In childhood cancer survivors, an increased risk of a second neoplasm has been reported in patients treated with somatropins after their first neoplasm. Intracranial tumors, in particular meningiomas, in patients treated with radiation to the head for their first neoplasm, were the most common of these second neoplasms. In adult cancer survivors, the risk of occurrence is unknown. Given the limited data available, patients under growth hormone therapy should be carefully monitored for progression or recurrence of the tumor.
The safety and effectiveness of Zorbtive® in the treatment for short bowel syndrome in pediatric patients have not been established and Zorbtive® is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
Monitor patients on somatropin therapy carefully for potential malignant changes of preexisting nevi.
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]. 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 to 8 mg per day) compared to those receiving placebo. Discontinue Zorbtive® if the patient has acute critical illness.
The use of somatropins have been associated with cases of new onset impaired glucose intolerance, new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus. Some patients developed diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetic coma. In some patients, these conditions improved when the drug was discontinued, while in others the glucose intolerance persisted. Some patients necessitated initiation or adjustment of antidiabetic treatment (e.g., insulin and/or other oral/injectable hypoglycemic agents) while on somatropin. Monitor blood glucose in patients with other risk factors for glucose intolerance during Zorbtive® therapy and adjust antidiabetic treatment, as needed.
Serious systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema have been reported with postmarketing use of somatropin products. Inform patients and caregivers that such reactions are possible and to seek prompt medical attention if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs. [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
When somatropins are administered subcutaneously at the same site over a long period of time, tissue atrophy may result. Avoid tissue atrophy by rotating the injection site [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Increased fluid retention resulting in tissue turgor (swelling, particularly in the hands and feet) and arthralgia resulting in musculoskeletal discomfort (pain, swelling and/or stiffness) may occur during treatment with Zorbtive® , but may resolve spontaneously or with analgesic therapy or after reducing the dosage [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur during treatment with somatropin. If the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome do not resolve by decreasing the dosage of Zorbtive® , discontinue treatment [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Cases of pancreatitis have been reported in pediatric patients and adults receiving somatropin treatment, with some evidence supporting 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 somatropintreated pediatric patients. Pancreatitis should be considered in any somatropin-treated patient, especially a pediatric patient who develops abdominal pain. The safety and effectiveness of Zorbtive® in the treatment for short bowel syndrome in pediatric patients have not been established and Zorbtive® is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
Patients receiving somatropin therapy who have or are at risk for pituitary homone 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 Zorbtive® therapy [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Growth hormone can affect the metabolism of thyroid hormones by increasing the extrathyroidal conversion of T4 to T3 and this lowering effect on T4 may unmask incipient central hypothyroidism in hypopituitary patients. Evaluate thyroid function in patients with suspected and/or diagnosed hypopituitarism before starting Zorbtive® therapy and again following 4 weeks of treatment. If hypothyroidism is diagnosed following a course of Zorbtive® therapy, it should be corrected.
No cases of intracranial hypertension (IH) have been observed among patients with short bowel syndrome treated with Zorbtive® . The syndrome of intracranial hypertension (IH), with papilledema, visual changes, headache, and nausea and/or vomiting has been reported in a small number of pediatric patients with growth failure treated with somatropins. Symptoms usually occurred within the first 8 weeks after the initiation of somatropin therapy. IH-associated signs and symptoms usually resolved after cessation of therapy or a reduction of the somatropin dosage. The safety and effectiveness of Zorbtive® in the treatment for short bowel syndrome in pediatric patients have not been established and Zorbtive® is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
Funduscopic evaluation of patients is recommended at the initiation of Zorbtive® therapy and if patients present with symptoms of IH. If papilledema is observed by funduscopy during Zorbtive® treatment, discontinue treatment.
Zorbtive® is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious and fatal adverse reactions including "gasping syndrome" can occur in neonates and low birth weight infants treated with benzyl alcoholpreserved drugs, including Zorbtive® when reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP. The "gasping syndrome" is characterized by central nervous system depression, metabolic acidosis, and gasping respirations. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known (when reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP, Zorbtive® contains 9 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL) [see Use In Specific Populations].
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use)
Inform patients that new onset impaired glucose intolerance/diabetes mellitus or exacerbation of preexisting diabetes mellitus can occur and monitoring of blood glucose during treatment with Zorbtive® may be needed [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that local or systemic reactions are possible. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider should they experience any side effects or discomfort during treatment with Zorbtive® [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Administer Zorbtive® using sterile, disposable syringes and needles. Instruct patient in the importance of proper disposal and cautioned against any reuse of needles and syringes. An appropriate container for the disposal of used syringes and needles should be employed.
Instruct patients to rotate injection sites to avoid localized tissue atrophy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Refer patients to the Instructions for Use on how to prepare and administer an injection of Zorbtive®.
Inform patients that increased tissue turgor (swelling, particularly in the hands and feet) and musculoskeletal discomfort (pain, swelling and/or stiffness) may occur during treatment with Zorbtive® and to report to their healthcare provider any signs or symptoms that occur during treatment with Zorbtive® [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] .
Inform patients that pancreatitis may develop and to report to their healthcare provider any new onset abdominal pain [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients who have or who are at risk for pituitary hormone deficiency(s) that hypoadrenalism may develop and to report to their healthcare provider if they experience hyperpigmentation, extreme fatigue, dizziness, weakness, or weight loss [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that hypothyroidism may develop and that their thyroid function may be monitored before starting Zorbtive® and again following 4 weeks of treatment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruct patients to report to their healthcare provider any visual changes, headache, and nausea and/or vomiting [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Long-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of Zorbtive®. Somatropin was not genotoxic in in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies.
Subcutaneous administration of somatropin to male and female rats at doses up to approximately 5 times the human dosage of 0.1 mg/kg/day (based on body surface area) revealed no evidence of impairment of fertility or early embryonic development.
There are no available data on Zorbtive® use in pregnant women to inform any drug associated risks. In animal reproduction studies, no fetal harm was reported with subcutaneous administration of somatropin during the period of organogenesis in rats and rabbits at doses of approximately up to 5 and 10 times, respectively, the recommended human dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day [see Data]. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages for the indicated population are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriages in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
Animal Data
Reproduction studies of somatropin have been performed in rats and rabbits. Administration of somatropin to rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at subcutaneous doses of approximately up to 5 and 10 times the recommended human dosage of 0.1 mg/kg/day, based on body surface area, respectively, have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to somatropin. In a preand post-natal development study in rats, subcutaneous doses of approximately up to 5 times the recommended human dosage of 0.1 mg/kg/day (based on body surface area) had no adverse effect on pre- and post-natal development.
There are no data on the presence of somatropin in human milk. Limited published literature reports no adverse effects on breastfed infants with maternal administration of somatropin. No decrease in milk production or change in milk content during treatment with somatropin has been reported. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Zorbtive® and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Zorbtive® or from the underlying maternal condition.
The safety and effectiveness of Zorbtive® in the treatment for short bowel syndrome in pediatric patients have not been established.
Zorbtive® is contraindicated in patients with active malignancy. In pediatric cancer survivors, an increased risk of a second neoplasm has been reported in patients treated with somatropins after their first neoplasm. Intracranial tumors, in particular meningiomas, in patients treated with radiation to the head for their first neoplasm, were the most common of these second neoplasms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Cases of pancreatitis have been reported in patients receiving somatropin treatment, with some evidence supporting a greater risk in pediatric patients compared with adults, particularly females with Turner syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The syndrome of intracranial hypertension (IH), with papilledema, visual changes, headache, and nausea and/or vomiting has been reported in a small number of pediatric patients with growth failure treated with somatropins [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Zorbtive® is not approved for use in neonates or infants. Serious adverse reactions including fatal reactions and the "gasping syndrome" occurred in premature neonates and low birth weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit who received benzyl alcohol as a preservative. In these cases, benzyl alcohol dosages of 99 to 234 mg/kg/day produced high levels of benzyl alcohol and its metabolites in the blood and urine (blood levels of benzyl alcohol were 0.61 to 1.378 mmol/L). Additional adverse reactions included gradual neurological deterioration, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, hematologic abnormalities, skin breakdown, hepatic and renal failure, hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular collapse. Preterm, low-birth weight infants may be more likely to develop these reactions because they may be less able to metabolize benzyl alcohol. The minimum amount of benzyl alcohol at which serious adverse reactions may occur is not known (when reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP, Zorbtive® contains 9 mg of benzyl alcohol per mL) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Zorbtive® is a recombinant human growth hormone and therefore may increase growth and cause growth-related problems (e.g. slipped capital femoral epiphysis) in the patients receiving it, particularly pediatric patients whose epiphyses are not yet closed.
Clinical studies with Zorbtive® did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to growth hormone action, and may be more prone to develop adverse reactions. Thus, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at a lower dose.
Acute overdosage could lead initially to hypoglycemia and subsequently to hyperglycemia.
Long-term overdosage could result in signs and symptoms of acromegaly consistent with the known effects of excess growth hormone.
Zorbtive® is contraindicated in patients with:
Intestinal mucosa contains receptors for growth hormone and for insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is known to mediate many of the cellular actions of growth hormone. Thus, the actions of somatropin on the gut may be direct or mediated via the local or systemic production of IGF-1.
In human clinical studies the administration of growth hormone has been shown to enhance the transmucosal transport of water, electrolytes, and nutrients.
The absolute bioavailability of somatropin after subcutaneous administration was 70% to 90%. The mean half-life (t½) after subcutaneous administration is approximately 4 hours compared to 0.6 hours following intravenous administration in male healthy subjects down-regulated with somatostatin, indicating that the subcutaneous absorption of somatropin is a rate-limiting process. No significant accumulation of somatropin appears to occur after 4 weeks of subcutaneous daily dosing as indicated.
The steady-state volume of distribution (Mean ± SD) following intravenous administration of Zorbtive® in healthy subjects was 12 ± 1 L.
Somatropin clearance involves both linear and nonlinear, i.e., concentration-dependent, components. The t½ (Mean ± SD) in nine patients with HIV-associated wasting with an average weight of 57 ± 7 kg, given a 6 mg dose of somatropin subcutaneously was 4 ± 2 hrs.
Metabolism
Although the liver is expected to play a role in the metabolism of somatropin, somatropin is primarily cleaved in the kidney. Somatropin undergoes glomerular filtration and, after cleavage within the renal cells, the peptides and amino acids are returned to the systemic circulation.
Excretion
The renal clearance of somatropin after subcutaneous administration in nine patients with HIVassociated wasting was 0.0015 ± 0.0037 L/h.
Pediatric Population
Available evidence suggests that clearance of somatropin is similar in adults and pediatric patients, but no pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted in pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome.
Literature indicates that a sex-related difference in the mean clearance of somatropins exists (clearance of somatropin is greater in males compared to females). However, no sex-based analysis is available in healthy subjects or patients with short bowel syndrome.
Subjects with chronic renal failure tend to have decreased somatropin clearance compared to those with normal renal function; but the clinical significance in patients with short bowel syndrome treated with Zorbtive® is unknown.
A reduction in somatropin clearance has been noted in patients with severe liver impairment, but the clinical significance in patients with short bowel syndrome treated with Zorbtive® is unknown.
The efficacy of Zorbtive® was evaluated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 41 adult patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Patients were 18 to 75 years of age, 12 (29%) were male, and 32 (78%) were White. The patients were randomized into three groups. The first treatment group (n=16) received Zorbtive® (0.1 mg/kg per day) plus specialized oral diet (high carbohydrate, low-fat diet, adjusted for individual patient requirements and preferences), and the second treatment group (n=16) received Zorbtive® (0.1 mg/kg per day) plus specialized oral diet plus oral glutamine (30 grams per day). The control group (n= 9) received placebo with specialized oral diet and oral glutamine (30 grams per day). Study treatment was administered subcutaneously once daily for 4 weeks. After completion of 4 weeks of treatment, patients were discharged for follow-up on a supportive oral diet supplemented either with glutamine or glutamine placebo, and patients were reevaluated as outpatients 12 weeks later.
The primary endpoint of the study was the change in weekly total intravenous parenteral nutrition (IPN) volume defined as the sum of the volumes of IPN, supplemental lipid emulsion (SLE), and intravenous hydration fluid. The secondary endpoints were the change in weekly IPN caloric content and the change in the frequency of IPN administration per week. The mean baseline IPN volume, mean IPN caloric content, and mean frequency of IPN administration are provided in Table 3. Mean reductions in IPN volume, IPN caloric content and the frequency of IPN administration in each patient group were significantly greater in both Zorbtive® -treated groups than in the control group.
Table 3: Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial of Zorbtive® in Adult Patients
with Short Bowel Syndrome: Results for Endpoints after 4 Weeks of
Treatment
| Zorbtive® alone | Zorbtive® + Glutamine | Control (Placebo + Glutamine) | |
| Total IPN volume (L/wk) | |||
| Mean at Baseline | 10.3 | 10.5 | 13.5 |
| Mean Change | -5.9 | -7.7 | -3.8 |
| Treatment Differences (with control) | -2.1* | -3.9** | |
| Total IPN Calories (kcal/wk) | |||
| Mean at Baseline | 7634.7 | 7895.0 | 8570.4 |
| Mean Change | -4338.3 | -5751.2 | -2633.3 |
| Treatment Differences (with control) | -1705.0 | -3117.9 | |
| Frequency of IPN or SLE (days /wk) | |||
| Mean at Baseline | 5.1 | 5.4 | 5.9 |
| Mean Change | -3.0 | -4.2 | -2.0 |
| Treatment Differences (with control) | -1.0 | -2.2 | |
Zorbtive®
(Zorb-tiv)
(somatropin) for Injection
for Subcutaneous Use
What is Zorbtive® ?
Zorbtive® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with short bowel syndrome who are receiving a special diet.
It is not known if Zorbtive® is safe and effective for use as a treatment for children with short bowel syndrome.
Who should not use Zorbtive® ?
Do not use Zorbtive® if you:
Talk to your healthcare provider before using this medicine if you have any of these conditions.
Before using Zorbtive® , tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Zorbtive® and other medicines may affect each other causing serious side effects. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of these medicines if you are not sure.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider when you get a new medicine.
How should I use Zorbtive® ?
What are the possible side effects of Zorbtive® ?
Zorbtive® may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Zorbtive® include:
These are not all the possible side effects of Zorbtive® . Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store Zorbtive® ?
Keep Zorbtive® and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of Zorbtive® .
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Zorbtive® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Zorbtive® to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Zorbtive® that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in Zorbtive® ?
Active ingredient: somatropin
Inactive ingredients : sucrose, phosphoric acid
Instructions for Use
Zorbtive®
(Zorb-tiv)
(somatropin) for injection
for subcutaneous use
Read this Instructions for Use before you start using Zorbtive® and each time you get a new Zorbtive® vial. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment.
Do not share your needles or syringes with another person. You may give other people a serious infection or other people may get a serious infection from you.
Supplies needed to give your Zorbtive® injection (See Figure A):
Included in your Zorbtive® kit:
Not included in your Zorbtive® kit:
 |
Figure A
Preparing your Zorbtive® dose:
Step 1: Using your thumb, flip the plastic cap off of the Zorbtive® and diluent vial.
 |
Step 2: Wipe the rubber stoppers with 1 alcohol wipe.
 |
Step 3: Unwrap the 3 mL syringe with the large 1 inch needle attached. With the needle pointing upwards, pull the plunger back until the top of the plunger reaches the line slightly past the line for your prescribed dose.
 |
Step 4: Pull the needle cap straight off the syringe.
 |
Step 5: With the needle pointing downward, hold the syringe straight over the diluent vial, then push the needle through the marked center circle on the rubber stopper of the diluent vial.
 |
Step 6: Turn the vial upside down and slowly pull back on the plunger until the top of the plunger reaches the line slightly past the line for your prescribed dose.
Step 7: With the needle pointing downward, hold the syringe straight over the Zorbtive® vial, then push the needle through the marked center on the rubber stopper on the Zorbtive® vial.
 |
Step 8: Gently swirl the Zorbtive® vial in circles to mix Zorbtive® all the way. Do not shake the vial.
 |
Step 9: Check the liquid in the Zorbtive® vial. The liquid should look clear and colorless. Do not use it if the liquid is discolored, cloudy, or contains any lumps or particles in it. Throw it away and tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Step 10: Unwrap the 3 mL syringe with the small 29-31 gauge needle attached. With the needle pointing upwards, pull back the plunger until the top of the plunger reaches the line slightly past the line for your prescribed dose.
Step 11: Pull the cap straight off of the needle. Do not touch the needle or let the needle touch any surface.
 |
Step 12: Hold the Zorbtive® vial firmly on a flat surface, then push the needle through the marked center circle of the rubber stopper of the Zorbtive® vial.
 |
Step 13: Slowly push the plunger all the way in to inject air into the Zorbtive® vial.
 |
Step 14: Keeping the needle in the Zorbtive® vial, lift the vial and turn it upside down with the needle pointing toward the ceiling. With the needle tip still in the liquid, slowly pull the plunger back until the top of the plunger reaches the line for your prescribed dose.
 |
Step 15: Turn the Zorbtive® vial upright and pull the syringe straight out of the vial’s rubber stopper.
 |
Giving your Zorbtive® Injection:
 |
Step 17: Pinch the skin. Hold the syringe at a 90° angle and insert the needle into your skin.
Step 18: Push the plunger all the way in to give your dose.
 |
Step 19: Pull the needle straight out of your skin and safely throw it away. See "Disposing of used needles and syringes " at the end of these instructions.
 |
Disposing of used needles and syringes:
General information about the safe and effective use of Zorbtive®
Keep Zorbtive® vials, syringes, needles, and all medicines out of the reach of children.
For further information or instruction assistance, you may call the AXIS® Center at 1-877-714- AXIS (2947).
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
