Updated: February 25, 2026
What Is Somatropin? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026
Author
Peter Daggett
ChatGPT
Claude
Gemini
Overview
Somatropin is a recombinant human growth hormone used to treat GHD in children and adults, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, HIV wasting, and more. Here's everything you need to know.
Is Somatropin in stock near you?
Based on 67 real pharmacy checks · 1 patients helped
Verified 25m ago
Somatropin is the generic name for recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) — a synthetic biologic medicine that is chemically identical to the growth hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland. It has been FDA-approved and used clinically since 1987, making it one of the longest-standing biologic therapies in medicine. Understanding what somatropin is, what it treats, and how it's used is essential for patients, caregivers, and prescribers navigating the current shortage landscape.
What Is Somatropin?
Somatropin is a 191-amino-acid polypeptide that replicates the structure of naturally occurring human growth hormone (GH). It is produced through recombinant DNA technology — meaning it is made by genetically engineered cells rather than extracted from human tissue (as older formulations were). This manufacturing method ensures consistent purity and eliminates the risk of disease transmission.
Somatropin is classified as a growth hormone and is available under multiple brand names, each manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies. The most widely available brands in 2026 are Norditropin (Novo Nordisk), Genotropin (Pfizer), and Omnitrope (Sandoz/Novartis). Other brands include Saizen, Zomacton, Serostim (for HIV wasting), and Zorbtive (for short bowel syndrome).
Check live stock now.
What Is Somatropin Used For?
Somatropin has numerous FDA-approved indications across pediatric and adult populations. Not all brands are approved for all indications — always confirm with your prescriber.
Pediatric indications:
Growth failure due to inadequate secretion of growth hormone (GHD)
Turner syndrome (a genetic condition affecting females that causes short stature)
Prader-Willi syndrome (a genetic disorder causing poor muscle tone and growth)
Noonan syndrome (a genetic condition affecting growth)
Idiopathic short stature (ISS) — unexplained short stature without GHD
Short stature born small for gestational age (SGA) with no catch-up growth by age 2–4
Short stature homeobox gene (SHOX) deficiency
Chronic kidney disease with growth failure
Adult indications:
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) — either adult-onset or childhood GHD continuing into adulthood
HIV-associated wasting or cachexia (Serostim brand specifically)
Short bowel syndrome in adults receiving specialized nutritional support (Zorbtive brand)
How Is Somatropin Given?
Somatropin is given as a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. It cannot be taken orally because the protein is broken down by digestive enzymes before it can enter the bloodstream. Injection sites include the stomach, upper arm, thigh, and buttock — rotating sites with each injection to prevent lipoatrophy.
Most daily somatropin products are given once daily, typically in the evening. Once-weekly products like Sogroya, Skytrofa, and Ngenla are injected once per week. All somatropin products must be refrigerated and protected from light — they should never be frozen.
What Are the Typical Doses?
Doses are highly individualized and depend on the indication, age, weight, and clinical response. General guidance:
Children with GHD: 0.16–0.24 mg/kg/week divided over 6–7 days per week (subcutaneous)
Turner syndrome: Up to 0.33 mg/kg/week divided over 6–7 days
Adults with GHD: Starting dose ~0.2 mg/day (range 0.15–0.3 mg/day), titrated every 1–2 months based on IGF-1 and clinical response
Is Somatropin a Controlled Substance?
No. Somatropin is not classified as a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. However, the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act made it a five-year federal felony to distribute somatropin for non-medical uses outside of a physician's order. A valid prescription from a licensed physician is required.
Is Somatropin Hard to Find in 2026?
Yes. Somatropin has been in an active nationwide shortage since November 2022. Multiple brands have been discontinued, including Humatrope and Nutropin AQ NuSpin. Norditropin, Genotropin, and Omnitrope remain available but with intermittent supply constraints. If you're having trouble finding your prescription, medfinder can call pharmacies near you to find which ones have your specific brand in stock.
Also read: how does somatropin work? and somatropin side effects: what to expect.
Real-time availability
Is Somatropin in stock near you?
Verified 25m ago
Based on 67 real pharmacy checks · 1 patients helped
Somatropin is in a shortage right now — Medfinder calls pharmacies near you to track down the ones that have it.
As of July 21, 2026, 2:01 AM ET, Somatropin is currently experiencing a shortage. Across 67 pharmacy checks Medfinder placed in the last 30 days, Somatropin was confirmed in stock 1% of the time.
- Pharmacy checks
- 67
- FDA status
- Not listed
- Updated
- 25m ago
Somatropin is not on the FDA's active shortage list. Medfinder's own pharmacy calls put real-time availability at 1% across 67 checks in the last 30 days. Availability varies by metro, with the most pharmacy activity recorded around Dallas, TX. These numbers are recomputed continuously from live pharmacy calls, so this page reflects current conditions rather than a static estimate.
Somatropin availability questions
Is Somatropin in stock right now?
As of July 21, 2026, 2:01 AM ET, Somatropin was confirmed in stock at 1% of 67 pharmacies Medfinder checked in the last 30 days. Availability changes daily, so we re-check in real time when you search.
How does Medfinder help me find Somatropin?
Medfinder calls pharmacies in your area to verify whether Somatropin and your specific dose are in stock, then sends you the pharmacy name, address, and phone number.
Need Somatropin? We'll find the pharmacy that has it.
Sources: FDA Drug Shortages + Medfinder pharmacy data · Methodology · Full Somatropin data
Frequently Asked Questions
Somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone) is FDA-approved for multiple conditions including growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children and adults, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome, idiopathic short stature, small-for-gestational-age with no catch-up growth, SHOX deficiency, chronic kidney disease with growth failure, HIV-associated wasting (Serostim), and short bowel syndrome (Zorbtive).
Yes. Somatropin is a synthetic form of human growth hormone (HGH) made through recombinant DNA technology. It is chemically identical to the growth hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland. The terms somatropin and recombinant HGH are used interchangeably in medical contexts.
Norditropin, Genotropin, and Omnitrope all contain the same active ingredient — somatropin (recombinant human growth hormone). The differences lie in the delivery device (prefilled pen vs. cartridge vs. vial), concentration, approved indications, storage requirements, and cost. They are not interchangeable without a new prescription, as device training and dosing may differ.
Treatment duration depends on the condition. For pediatric GHD, somatropin is typically continued until the child has reached final adult height (when the growth plates close, usually in mid-to-late teens). For children with Turner syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome, treatment continues similarly. For idiopathic short stature, treatment is continued if there is a growth benefit, and stopped at epiphyseal closure.
Not in the traditional sense. Somatropin is a biologic, and 'generic' biologics are called biosimilars. Omnitrope (Sandoz) was the first FDA-approved somatropin product that followed the original brand's approval path, making it essentially a reference-listed biosimilar in practice. Your doctor and insurer can advise on which product is most appropriate and covered for your situation.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Medfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We are committed to providing trustworthy, evidence-based information to help you make informed health decisions.
Read our editorial standardsPatients searching for Somatropin also looked for:
More about Somatropin
Why Is Somatropin So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]
How to Find Somatropin in Stock Near You (Tools + Tips)
Alternatives to Somatropin If You Can't Fill Your Prescription
Somatropin Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026
Somatropin Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026
How to Help Your Patients Find Somatropin in Stock: A Provider's Guide
38,004 have already found their meds with Medfinder.
Start your search today.
Your information is private and never shared.