Jintropin Side Effects

Jintropin may cause temporary hyperglycaemia, which usually returns to normal both after the body gets used to regular dose or after the use is discontinued.

In clinical trials in children with short stature, side effects have been noted in approximately 1% of the subjects. The most common side effect is temporary local response at the site of injection - such as pain, numbness, redness and swelling or symptoms of fluid retention - such as periphery oedema, arthralgia and myosalgia. These side effects have an early onset after initiation of therapy, but with a reduction in incidence and prevalence over time, which rarely influences daily activity.

During long term Jintropin treatment a few patients may develop antibodies to the protein. The affinity of the antibodies is usually low, and it has no clinical significance. However if the expected growth effect is not observed, there is a possibility that formation of antibodies is taking place in the body. If the affinity exceeds 2mg/L, it might interfere with the treatment.

Jintropin should not be used for growth promotion in children with closed epiphyses. Jintropin should not be used in acute shock patients with severe generalized infections.

Diagnosis confirmation is required before initiation of treatment. Therapy with Jintropin should be prescribed directly by qualified physicians. In diabetes mellitus patients, the dose of insulin might require adjustments during and after treatment with Jintropin. Simultaneous glucocorticoid replacement therapy inhibits the growth-promoting effect of Jintropin. Patients with ACTH deficiency should have their glucocorticoid replacement dose carefully adjusted to avoid an inhibitory effect on growth. Hypothyroidism may develop during Jintropin therapy in a very few patients - in which case it should be corrected promptly to avoid the compromised curative effect of Jintropin. Therefore, thyroid function should be monitored periodically during JIntropin administration, and thyroid hormone replacement should be initiated if necessary. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis may occur in patients with endocrine disorders (including GHD). Evaluation should be made carefully if limp emerges during Jintropin treatment. Sometimes Jintropin may reduce insulin sensitivity. Patients should be monitored closely for evidence of glucose intolerance. Insulin treatment might be needed if BG exceeds 10mmol/L during treatment. if BG cannot be controlled with a dose of insulin exceeding 150 IU/day, discontinue Jintropin treatment.
Possible Jintropin Side Effects
  • Swelled, painful joints
  • Nausea
  • Hypertension
  • Water retention
  • Slight tingling of fingers or hands (similar to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome)