Saizen is a brand name of the generic mammalian-derived somatropin. It's a synthetic growth hormone, the Mayo Clinic says, made to mimic and replace the hormone normally produced in your pituitary gland. Saizen typically is prescribed when there is a deficiency of the hormone, particularly in children, to help them grow normally. It also may be prescribed in the treatment of short bowel syndrome or SBS, a problem that can occur to make it harder for your intestines to absorb food correctly.
Leukemia
Leukemia or cancer in the blood has been reported as a dangerous side effect of Saizen, primarily in children. The cancer affects how your blood is made in the marrow of your bones and the substances produced in your lymphatic system. The Mayo Clinic reports that leukemia is an abnormal production of incorrectly functioning white blood cells. Leukemia may present itself with such symptoms as chills and a fever, excessive night sweats, frequent infections and chronic fatigue and weakness. Talk with your physician immediately if you or your child exhibits any of these symptoms.
Seizures
Seizures can take the form of the traditional view of them, producing such effects as convulsing, twisting and shaking accompanied by unawareness of your surroundings. They also can be less obvious, such as staring into the distance and others around you seeing you as being disconnected for moments. Drugs.com reports seizures as potentially dangerous side effects of Saizen in children. Explain any suspicion of seizures to your physician immediately.
Depression
Suddenly becoming mentally depressed while taking Saizen can be related to the drug, RxList.com says. Because depression can make you feel hopeless, sad and disinterested in life, it has the potential--though rare--for leading to thoughts of suicide. This side effect is more common in adults undergoing treatment with Saizen than for children. If you don't typically suffer from mental depression but feel the symptoms when taking the drug, consult your doctor immediately.
Spine Curvature
Taking treatments of Saizen also may induce problems with how your spine is formed. Because the drug helps your body to grow, it also can change the way it grows. Curvature of the spine, if it becomes severe, can effectively disable you as an adult and change the entire bodily development of a child.
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