What Is Omnitrope? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Omnitrope is a brand-name prescription growth hormone medication made by Sandoz (a Novartis division). Its active ingredient is somatropin — a recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH) that is biologically identical to the growth hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland. Omnitrope is FDA-approved to treat growth failure and growth hormone deficiency in both children and adults.

What Conditions Does Omnitrope Treat?

Omnitrope is FDA-approved for the following conditions:

In children:

• Growth hormone deficiency (GHD): Growth failure due to inadequate secretion of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. This is the most common indication.
• Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS): A genetic disorder that causes short stature, poor muscle tone, and other problems. Omnitrope improves growth and body composition in children with PWS (not to be used in severely obese PWS patients with respiratory complications).
• Small for Gestational Age (SGA): Children born smaller than expected who have not caught up to normal height by age 2 years.
• Turner Syndrome: A chromosomal condition in girls (missing or incomplete X chromosome) that causes short stature and other developmental issues.
• Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS): Short stature with no identified cause, defined as a height standard deviation score ≤ -2.25, in children whose epiphyses (growth plates) are not yet fused.

In adults:

• Adult-onset GHD: Growth hormone deficiency in adults resulting from pituitary disease, hypothalamic disease, surgery, radiation, or trauma.
• Childhood-onset GHD continuing into adulthood: Patients who were diagnosed with GHD in childhood and whose growth plates have closed may continue Omnitrope at a lower adult dose after re-evaluation.

What Are the Available Omnitrope Dosage Forms?

Omnitrope comes in three main formulations:

• Omnitrope Pen 5 (5 mg/1.5 mL cartridge): Used with the Omnitrope Pen 5 delivery device. Best for patients on lower doses.
• Omnitrope Pen 10 (10 mg/1.5 mL cartridge): Used with the Omnitrope Pen 10 delivery device. Best for patients needing higher doses.
• Omnitrope Vial (5.8 mg/vial, lyophilized powder): A powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before injection using a standard syringe. More complex to prepare but may be more widely available at some pharmacies.

How Is Omnitrope Dosed?

Omnitrope dosing is individualized and weight-based. Your doctor determines the right dose based on your weight, diagnosis, and lab results (primarily IGF-1 levels). Typical doses:

• Pediatric GHD: 0.16–0.24 mg/kg/week, divided into 6–7 daily subcutaneous injections
• Turner Syndrome: 0.33 mg/kg/week, divided into 6–7 daily injections
• Idiopathic Short Stature: Up to 0.47 mg/kg/week, divided into 6–7 daily injections
• Adult GHD: Starting at ≤0.04 mg/kg/week (daily injections), gradually increasing every 1–2 months to a maximum of 0.08 mg/kg/week based on IGF-1 response and tolerability

How Is Omnitrope Injected?

Omnitrope is administered by subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, typically once daily in the evening before bedtime. Injection sites include:

• Thigh (most commonly recommended)
• Abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel)
• Buttocks

Injection sites should be rotated daily, at least ½ inch from the previous injection site. The cartridge should be removed from the refrigerator and allowed to warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before injection to reduce discomfort.

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How Should Omnitrope Be Stored?

Omnitrope must be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C–8°C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Once started:

• Cartridges: Use within 28 days of first use (keep refrigerated between uses)
• Vials: Use reconstituted vials within up to 21 weeks if reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (refrigerated)

Is Omnitrope a Controlled Substance?

No. Omnitrope is not a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It is a prescription-only biologic medication (Schedule IV/specialty-level in terms of distribution), but it does not have the refill restrictions associated with controlled substances. Prescriptions can generally be written for a 90-day supply, and refills are allowed as long as the prior authorization remains active.

To learn how Omnitrope works at the molecular level, see: How does Omnitrope work? Mechanism of action explained.