| Q: |
Why do I need growth hormone? |
| A: |
At any age, a simple, honest answer to this question is always the best solution. Simply say, "You need this medicine to help you grow." As they get older, prepare to answer questions about the ongoing need for injections and start to tell them how and why it works. Refer to the "About Growth Hormone" and "About
Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy" sections for this information. |
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| Q: |
How do I know if it's working? |
| A: |
You will not be able to see results right away. Your doctor will be carefully watching increases in your height. You can also watch your growth on the growth chart you received in the backpack. |
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| Q: |
Why does it have to be a shot? |
| A: |
TEV-TROPIN® only works if it is given in a shot. |
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| Q: |
Can I give myself injections? |
| A: |
If you are a young child, your doctor will tell you when you are able to give yourself
TEV-TROPIN®. Talk to your doctor the next time you visit. For now, it would help if you kept track of where you get the shot each day on the Official Injection-Site Scorecard. If you are an older child, your doctor will need to decide when you can give yourself injections. Ask him/her the next time you visit. |
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| Q: |
How should TEV-TROPIN® be stored? |
| A: |
Unopened vials of TEV-TROPIN® powder and diluent must be stored under refrigerated conditions, between 36°– 46° F (2°– 8° C). After reconstitution, the vials must be refrigerated and used within 14 days. Do not freeze. TEV-TROPIN® may become cloudy while in the refrigerator. This cloudiness should disappear if allowed to sit at room temperature before using. If it remains cloudy, it should not be used. |
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| Q: |
How often are injections given? |
| A: |
Your child's doctor will tell you how often your child should receive injections. |
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| Q: |
How does the doctor decide what dose to prescribe? |
| A: |
The dose of TEV-TROPIN® is based on your child's weight. Therefore, the dose will be increased as your child grows and gains weight. |
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| Q: |
What if we miss one injection? |
| A: |
Don't double up on injections. Missing one
injection will not seriously hinder your child's progress. However,
missing an injection more than once a month may reduce the effect
of TEV-TROPIN®. |
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| Q: |
What if I am away and cannot give my child
injections? |
| A: |
It may be beneficial to train a substitute caregiver, such as a responsible relative or neighbor whom your child trusts, to give injections in your absence. If your child is old enough, he/she may be able to self-inject if he/she is educated and properly trained. If these options are not possible, your doctor can help you contact a home healthcare service that can give the injections for you. |
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| Q: |
What if my child wants to go on vacation
or go camping or attend a sleepover camp? |
| A: |
Growth hormone replacement therapy should
not prevent your child from doing things away from home. As
long as there is a trained person to help with the injections,
you can take TEV-TROPIN® just about anywhere.
You should always transport TEV-TROPIN® in
a travel container that can carry all your supplies and keep
your medication cold. |
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| Q: |
What if my insurance plan changes or I lose
my coverage? |
| A: |
GATE Pharmaceuticals, a division of
TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA, offers a special program called Growth
SolutionsSM
especially for these insurance situations. This program monitors
your insurance and coverage status and helps to ensure that
your child's TEV-TROPIN® therapy
does not get interrupted. |
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