Will I or my child have to use a syringe?
No, the only delivery devices for Norditropin® are our Norditropin® FlexPro® pens.
Why is Norditropin® given everyday?
Growth hormone is produced by the body every single day, with most being produced at night. Taking injections every day keeps the level of growth hormone steady, so it is closest to how the body normally works.
Your or your child’s doctor will calculate the most appropriate dose of Norditropin®, based on body weight. Remember, it's important that you or your child take the medication just the way the doctor instructed for it to work the best.
What if I or my child forgets a dose of Norditropin®?
If a dose of medication is missed, it may not work as well as it should. Talk to your doctor or child’s doctor if this happens. If you or your child misses a dose, it is not recommended to double the next dose. Administer the regular dose at the next scheduled dosage time.
What if I or my child injects too much growth hormone?
If you or your child has been given too much Norditropin®, speak to your or your child’s doctor, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
Short-term overdosage can lead to low blood glucose levels initially, followed by high blood glucose levels. Overdose is also likely to cause fluid retention.
Long-term overdosing can cause abnormal growth and coarsening of facial features.
Should my or my child’s injection sites be changed?
Yes. It’s important to keep changing the injection site to minimize the risk of lipoatrophy (loss of subcutaneous fat at the injection site).
How can I or my child get the most out of treatment with Norditropin®?
The most important thing to remember is to take your or your child’s injection exactly the way your or your child’s doctor or nurse has instructed. Eating well-balanced meals and getting plenty of exercise are also important for staying healthy.
How long will treatment with Norditropin® last?
How long you or your child is treated with Norditropin® depends upon individual circumstances. Talk with your or your child’s doctor about how long the course of therapy will last in your specific situation.
How is Norditropin® stored?
The storage instructions for Norditropin® are different before use and after first use. More details on the storage instructions are available on this website along with a descriptive storage video.
Will I or my child have to mix and load cartridges?
No, Norditropin® FlexPro® pens come premixed and preloaded.
How can I or my child be sure that the medication is good to use and hasn’t spoiled?
Growth hormone breaks down immediately when it spoils. Look at the medicine through the window on the pen. If it appears cloudy or discoloured, contact your or your child’s doctor or pharmacist.
If it appears clear, and all storage requirements and precautions regarding handling of the pen are followed, the medication has not spoiled and is safe to use.
How should I or my child use the pen?
There is information you or your child should know before using Norditropin®. There are also detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use the Norditropin® FlexPro® pen available on this website and through a video.
How long will treatment last overall?
Not everyone stays on growth therapy for the same length of time. It depends on what your or your child’s doctor thinks is best. Your or your child’s doctor or nurse can best answer this question. It is important that you or your child don't stop taking your growth hormone until the doctor says it is time.
Who should not use Norditropin®?
There are warnings that should be considered by you or your child before using Norditropin®. It is important to look at these warnings to understand who should or should not use this medication.
What should you tell your or your child’s doctor or pharmacist BEFORE using Norditropin®?
There are different conditions/illnesses that you should tell your or your child’s doctor about before taking Norditropin®.
Does Norditropin® interact with other medications?
- Tell your or your child’s doctor about all the medicines you or your child takes, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
- Corticosteroids (steroids) may decrease the effects of Norditropin®. Doses of the steroid may need to be adjusted.
- Norditropin® may also affect the body’s response to insulin. Your or your child’s insulin dose may need to be adjusted.
What are possible side effects?
There are some side effects that may occur while you or your child is taking Norditropin®. It is important to look over these side effects and contact your or your child’s doctor to learn about how to deal with them.
How should I report side effects for myself or my child?
- Serious and unexpected side effects and adverse events can be reported to Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. Drug Safety at 1-800-465-4334 (toll-free).
- Any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products can be reported to Health Canada by:
- Visiting the Web page on Adverse Reaction Reporting (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/report-declaration/index-eng.php) for information on how to report online, by mail or by fax; or
- Calling toll-free at 1-866-234-2345.
- NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your or your child’s side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.