About Saizen

The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Saizen.

Saizen is a form of human growth hormone. It's used to treat a variety of conditions, such as growth hormone inadequacy, growth failure, Noonan syndrome, short bowel syndrome and severe weight loss due to AIDS.

Individuals with diabetic retinopathy, cancer, or with Prader-Willi syndrome accompanied by excess weight, sleep apnea or severe respiratory issues should not take Saizen. Notify your doctor if you've experienced serious illness following abdominal or open-heart surgery, due to respiratory problems, or following medical emergencies or multiple traumas.

Patients should discuss their complete medical histories with their physicians prior to taking Saizen. Especially note histories of allergies, surgery, diabetes, cancer, physical trauma, brain tumor, pancreatic disorders, kidney disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, scoliosis, breathing problems or underactive thyroid.

Discuss all your medications and over-the-counter products before taking Saizen, especially insulin, oral diabetes medications and steroids. Also note cyclosporine, hormone replacement medication, birth control pills and seizure medication.

The preservative Benzyl Alcohol in Saizen injections may cause serious allergic reactions, and severe reactions in infants. If necessary, sterile water without the preservative may be used instead.

Older patients may be more susceptible to side effects of Saizen. Pregnant and nursing mothers should discuss the safety of using Saizen. Patients treated for short bowel syndrome should avoid fruit juices, sodas and alcohol.

Seek emergency care for allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, facial swelling or rash. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience sudden upper abdominal pain or tenderness, increased thirst or urination, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice, rapid heartbeat, vision changes, or numbness in wrists, hands or fingers.

Less serious effects may include irritation at the injection site, breast or joint swelling, joint stiffness or pain, headache, mild nausea, gas or stomach pain.