HumatroPen Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the HumatroPen® Injection Device?
Please click here to view and print instructions on how to use your HumatroPen.
Where should I store my HumatroPen?
Store the HumatroPen with the dosage knob locked in the depressed position.
Store the HumatroPen with the Humatrope cartridge attached in the blue protective case in the refrigerator until the time of the next injection.
Where do I store my Humatrope cartridges?
Keep vials and cartridges of Humatrope and diluent for Humatrope in your refrigerator; do not freeze them. Before mixing, check the expiration dates. Do not use expired Humatrope or diluent. After reconstituting Humatrope, keep it in your refrigerator --- again, do not freeze it. Once mixed, Humatrope must be used within 14 days (vials) or 28 days (cartridges). Do not use any Humatrope solution if it is more than 14 days old (vials) or 28 days old (cartridges).
How long can I keep Humatrope outside of the refrigerator?
Daily room temperature should not exceed 30 minutes.
Can I reuse my needles?
No. Use a new needle for each injection. Do not store the pen with the needle attached. This could cause liquid to lead, air bubbles to form, or growth hormone crystals to clog the needle.
Is the HumatroPen waterproof?
No. Do not immerse the HumatroPen in water. It may be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
What is the lifetime of my HumatroPen?
The HumatroPen should last approximately two (2) years from the first use. However, the lifetime may vary by a few months. When the pen is about to expire, "Ξ" will appear in the digital display window. Please call Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-847-6988 for assistance. The digital display window will show "Ξ Ξ" when the pen has expired and should no longer be used.
How will I know if my HumatroPen battery is low?
When "bt" appears in the digital display window, this indicates that the HumatroPen has a low battery.
What if there is not enough medication left in the cartridge to complete a dose?
If there is not enough Humatrope left in your cartridge to give a complete dose, please contact your healthcare professional for instructions on how to proceed.
What if the symbol "- -" appears in the digital display?
If the display indicates the "- -" symbol, press down the dosage knob until it locks in place. Press the white release button. The dosage know will unlock and the numbers "00" will reappear in the digital display window.
What if the product looks cloudy or I can see something in it?
Do not shake the Humatrope. If the Humatrope is cloudy or contains any particles or sediment, do not use it. Report the situation to your Humatrope provider, who will advise you what to do with the product. Colorless specks are okay; these are tiny molecules of protein.
How do I know how much Humatrope to inject?
Your healthcare professional should discuss the prescribed dose and the appropriate dosage setting with you. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare professional.
When is the best time of day to give myself Humatrope?
Growth hormone normally is produced at peak levels when you are asleep. Accordingly, it is usually recommended that growth hormone be given in the evening to imitate what happens naturally in your body. However, there may be reasons to give the injection at other times of the day in certain cases.
Where is the best place on my body to give myself an injection?
Injections can be given in the following areas:
- Abdomen (above, below, or either side of the navel)
- Front of the upper thighs
- Upper, outer buttocks
- Back of the arms above the elbow and below the shoulder
Discomfort may be noticed at the injection site if Humatrope is given cold. Let Humatrope stand at room temperature for 10 minutes prior to injecting.
What if my HumatroPen breaks? Who should I call?
If for any reason, your HumatroPen breaks or becomes inoperable, please call Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-847-6988 for a replacement at no charge.
How do I travel with Humatrope?
Keep your Humatrope cold (not frozen!) in a small cooler that you can carry in a car or on-board an airplane. However, do not check the cooler as baggage - keep it with you at all times. If you do not have a cooler bag, you may call Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx, or 1-800-545-5979.
