Comprehensive medication guide to Somatropin including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$200 copay/month for commercially insured patients with co-pay assistance; somatropin is a specialty Tier 4–5 drug requiring prior authorization on most plans; Norditropin co-pay savings allows eligible patients to pay as little as $0 (annual cap $1,500).
Estimated Cash Pricing
$350–$3,000+ per month retail depending on brand and dose; Genotropin's most common version runs ~$1,257 retail but can be reduced to ~$359 with GoodRx coupons; Omnitrope is typically the lowest-cost daily somatropin option.
Medfinder Findability Score
35/100
On this page
Somatropin is a recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) — a synthetic biologic that is chemically identical to the growth hormone naturally produced by the pituitary gland. It is made through recombinant DNA technology, ensuring consistent purity without the disease-transmission risks of earlier cadaver-derived formulations.
Somatropin 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). Once-weekly alternatives include Sogroya (somapacitan), Skytrofa (lonapegsomatropin), and Ngenla (somatrogon). Humatrope (Eli Lilly) and Nutropin AQ NuSpin (Genentech) have been discontinued.
FDA-approved pediatric indications include growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Noonan syndrome, idiopathic short stature (ISS), short stature born small for gestational age (SGA), SHOX deficiency, and chronic kidney disease with growth failure. Adult indications include GHD replacement, HIV-associated wasting (Serostim), and short bowel syndrome (Zorbtive).
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Somatropin works by binding to growth hormone receptors (GHRs) on target cells throughout the body — primarily in the liver, but also in bone, muscle, fat tissue, and kidneys. When GH binds to liver receptors, it triggers production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the main mediator of somatropin's growth-promoting effects.
IGF-1 stimulates chondrocytes in bone growth plates to multiply and produce new bone tissue — enabling linear height growth in children with open epiphyses. Somatropin also promotes protein synthesis in muscle (increasing lean mass), lipolysis in fat tissue (decreasing fat mass especially visceral fat), and affects glucose metabolism by reducing insulin sensitivity.
Because IGF-1 is more stable in blood than pulsatile GH, serum IGF-1 is the primary laboratory test used to monitor somatropin therapy and guide dose titration. Treatment is continued until epiphyseal closure in children; adults may remain on somatropin therapy indefinitely if clinical benefit is maintained.
5 mg/1.5 mL — subcutaneous injection pen (Norditropin FlexPro)
For pediatric GHD and adult GHD
10 mg/1.5 mL — subcutaneous injection pen (Norditropin FlexPro)
For pediatric GHD, Turner syndrome, and adult GHD
15 mg/1.5 mL — subcutaneous injection pen (Norditropin FlexPro)
For higher-dose pediatric and adult GHD
5 mg/1.5 mL — vial or pen cartridge (Genotropin, Omnitrope)
Various brands available in vials and cartridges
0.2 mg/dose (adults) — subcutaneous injection (starting dose)
Adult GHD starting dose, titrated based on IGF-1 and clinical response
Finding somatropin in stock has become significantly more difficult since the ASHP-designated shortage began in November 2022. Multiple brands have been discontinued — including Humatrope (Eli Lilly) and Nutropin AQ NuSpin (Genentech, December 2024) — reducing the number of available products and concentrating patient demand on fewer manufacturers.
Among daily somatropin products, Norditropin (Novo Nordisk) is the most consistently available in 2026, followed by Genotropin (Pfizer) and Omnitrope (Sandoz). However, availability varies by pharmacy, region, and dose — and stock changes daily. Somatropin is a specialty drug dispensed only through specialty pharmacies, not standard retail locations.
If you are struggling to find your somatropin prescription in stock, medfinder calls specialty pharmacies near you to find which ones currently have your specific brand and dose in stock, then texts you the results — saving you hours of frustrating phone calls.
Somatropin is not a DEA-controlled substance and does not require a DEA number for prescribing. However, it is a complex specialty biologic requiring formal diagnosis of an FDA-approved indication and ongoing specialist oversight. Most commercial insurers and payers require that somatropin be prescribed by or in consultation with an endocrinologist (pediatric or adult) for prior authorization approval.
Pediatric endocrinologists — primary specialists for children with GHD, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and related conditions
Adult endocrinologists — for adult GHD, pituitary disorders, and transition-age patients
Pediatricians — may screen and refer but rarely initiate therapy independently
Infectious disease specialists — for HIV-associated wasting (Serostim)
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants (NPs/PAs) — may prescribe in collaboration with an endocrinologist, subject to state-specific scope of practice laws
Telehealth options are limited for somatropin — initial diagnosis requires in-person evaluation including GH stimulation testing, bone age X-rays, and physical examination. Some practices offer telehealth follow-up appointments for monitoring once therapy is established. Use the Pediatric Endocrine Society directory (pedsendo.org) or AACE provider finder (aace.com) to locate specialists near you.
Somatropin is not classified as a DEA-scheduled controlled substance (it is not Schedule II, III, IV, or V). A standard written prescription from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is sufficient — no DEA number is required on the prescription for growth hormone.
However, somatropin is tightly regulated under the 1990 Anabolic Steroids Control Act. It is a federal felony (up to 5 years imprisonment) to distribute human growth hormone for non-medical purposes outside of a physician's legitimate order. The FDA and DEA actively investigate and prosecute illegal HGH distribution. A valid prescription for an FDA-approved indication is always required.
Because somatropin is a specialty biologic, it must be dispensed through a specialty pharmacy. Most plans require prior authorization confirming a valid FDA-approved diagnosis before dispensing. Quantity limits and step therapy requirements are common.
Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching)
Fluid retention (edema) — especially common in adults at start of therapy
Joint pain (arthralgia) and muscle pain (myalgia)
Carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness/tingling in hands)
Headache
Intracranial hypertension (severe headaches, vision changes) — typically within first 8 weeks
New-onset or worsening type 2 diabetes / glucose intolerance
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in children — hip pain or limp
Scoliosis progression in pediatric patients
Hypoadrenalism (unmasking of low cortisol)
Increased cancer risk in prior radiation patients; sudden death in Prader-Willi patients with risk factors
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Somapacitan (Sogroya)
Once-weekly long-acting growth hormone by Novo Nordisk; FDA-approved for pediatric (≥2.5 years) and adult GHD; comparable efficacy to daily somatropin with once-weekly dosing convenience
Lonapegsomatropin (Skytrofa)
Once-weekly somatropin prodrug by Ascendis Pharma; FDA-approved for pediatric (≥1 year, ≥11.5 kg) and adult GHD; releases unmodified somatropin over one week
Somatrogon (Ngenla)
Once-weekly long-acting GH by Pfizer; FDA-approved for pediatric GHD (≥3 years); produces higher IGF-1 elevation than daily somatropin
Norditropin (brand switch)
If your current daily somatropin brand is unavailable, switching to Norditropin FlexPro (the most consistently available brand) is often the most practical immediate alternative with your prescriber's approval
Prefer Somatropin? We can find it.
Oral estrogens (birth control pills, HRT)
moderateOral estrogen reduces liver sensitivity to GH, decreasing IGF-1 response and requiring higher somatropin doses. Transdermal estrogen does not have this effect.
Corticosteroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone)
moderatePharmacologic glucocorticoid doses inhibit growth-promoting effects of somatropin in children. Replacement doses for adrenal insufficiency may need to be increased as somatropin inhibits cortisol metabolism.
Insulin and oral antidiabetic medications
moderateSomatropin reduces insulin sensitivity, potentially requiring upward adjustment of insulin or oral diabetes drug doses to maintain glycemic control.
Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate)
moderateSomatropin may alter CYP450-mediated clearance of anticonvulsants; drug level monitoring recommended when starting or adjusting somatropin.
Cyclosporine
moderateSomatropin may reduce cyclosporine blood levels through CYP450 enzyme effects; close monitoring and dose adjustment may be needed in transplant patients.
Somatropin has been a life-changing medication for hundreds of thousands of children and adults with growth hormone deficiency and related conditions since its approval in 1987. Despite the challenges of the ongoing shortage — which has included major brand discontinuations and persistent supply disruptions — somatropin remains available through the remaining manufacturers and specialty pharmacy networks.
The most important steps for patients and families navigating this shortage are: work closely with your endocrinologist, be flexible on brand when possible, enroll in manufacturer savings programs, start your refill search early, and don't skip doses without medical guidance. Once-weekly alternatives like Sogroya, Skytrofa, and Ngenla have become important options for many patients.
If you're struggling to find your somatropin in stock, medfinder is here to help. medfinder calls pharmacies near you to locate which ones can fill your prescription today, then texts you the results — so you can get your treatment without spending hours on hold.
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Real-time availability
Verified 24m 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.
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.
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
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