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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions. For more information, talk to your doctor and see the Prescribing Information and Instructions for Use.

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Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency

What does it mean if I have adult growth hormone deficiency (aGHD)?

If you’re diagnosed with aGHD, it means that your body doesn’t produce enough growth hormone. This can affect your bones, muscles, and the percent of fat in the torso you have. It can also lead to other complications like heart disease, fatigue, and high cholesterol.

What are some common signs of adult GHD?

Increased belly fat, decreased muscle mass, thinning bones, higher cholesterol—particularly LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or the “bad cholesterol”).

What causes GHD in adults?

Some people are born with GHD—it can be diagnosed in childhood or later in life. In some adults, it can be caused by a traumatic brain or head injury, blood clot near the brain, or brain surgery.

How do I know if I have GHD?

If you notice symptoms of growth hormone deficiency (GHD), talk to your doctor. If adult GHD is suspected, they may refer you to a specialist for further testing.

What do I do if I’m diagnosed with adult growth hormone deficiency?

If you’re diagnosed with adult growth hormone deficiency, ask your doctor about a treatment option that can help.

Where can I learn more about adult growth hormone deficiency?

Visit About Adult GHD or connect with advocacy groups listed on the Resources page.

SKYTROFA and the SKYTROFA Auto-Injector

What is SKYTROFA?

SKYTROFA is a prescription medicine used for:

  • The replacement of growth hormone in children 1 year old or older who weigh at least 26 pounds (11.5 kilograms) with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)
  • The replacement of growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)

What makes once-weekly SKYTROFA different?

SKYTROFA is the only long-acting growth hormone treatment for aGHD that requires no refrigeration for up to 6 months* and is preservative free.

*Store SKYTROFA in the original package to protect from light. Do not freeze. SKYTROFA can be stored at room temperature (not to exceed 86°F 30°C) for up to 6 months. Alternatively, SKYTROFA can be stored under refrigeration at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date. If refrigerated, keep at room temperature for 15 minutes before use. Do not use SKYTROFA beyond the expiration date or 6 months after the date it was first removed from refrigeration (whichever is earlier).

Who can take SKYTROFA?

SKYTROFA is for adults diagnosed with GHD. Your doctor will help you determine if SKYTROFA is an appropriate treatment option.

How does the SKYTROFA Auto-Injector work?

The SKYTROFA Auto-Injector delivers a single-use injection with no dose dialing—while automated cues guide you through each step.

Because the cartridges don’t need to be refrigerated, they can go wherever you go, with no need for ice packs or cold storage for up to 6 months*.

For more information, read the Quick Reference Guide.

*Store SKYTROFA in the original package to protect from light. Do not freeze. SKYTROFA can be stored at room temperature (not to exceed 86°F 30°C) for up to 6 months. Alternatively, SKYTROFA can be stored under refrigeration at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date. If refrigerated, keep at room temperature for 15 minutes before use. Do not use SKYTROFA beyond the expiration date or 6 months after the date it was first removed from refrigeration (whichever is earlier).

What happens if I forget to charge my auto-injector?

The battery icon on your auto-injector will always let you know when it is time to charge the device. Once the auto-injector has charged for 15 minutes and the battery icon flashes green, the device is ready to use for at least 1 injection after the charging cable is unplugged.

When the battery icon shows constant green, the auto-injector is fully charged and lasts for at least 3 injections based on one injection per week.

What if I have questions about using the auto-injector?

Once your doctor prescribes SKYTROFA, they will also enroll you in the Ascendis Signature Access Program® (A·S·A·P). Through A·S·A·P, you will receive personalized support to help coordinate device training and provide injection assistance.

For any questions, please call 1-844-442-7236.

Do SKYTROFA cartridges need to be refrigerated?

No, SKYTROFA cartridges do not need to be refrigerated for up to 6 months.* With SKYTROFA, you can store your medicine at home or take it on the go.

*Store SKYTROFA in the original package to protect from light. Do not freeze. SKYTROFA can be stored at room temperature (not to exceed 86°F 30°C) for up to 6 months. Alternatively, SKYTROFA can be stored under refrigeration at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) until the expiration date. If refrigerated, keep at room temperature for 15 minutes before use. Do not use SKYTROFA beyond the expiration date or 6 months after the date it was first removed from refrigeration (whichever is earlier).

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss your dose, SKYTROFA can be taken up to 2 days after your regular injection day. It can also be taken 2 days before your regular injection day. However, you should always go back to your regular injection day after taking a missed dose. If more than 2 days have passed from the scheduled day, skip the dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. At least 5 days should elapse between doses.

To help avoid missing doses, sign up for weekly injection text reminders.

What dosage strengths are available?

SKYTROFA is available in 14 dosage strengths: 0.7mg, 1.4mg, 1.8mg, 2.1mg, 2.5mg, 3mg, 3.6mg, 4.3mg, 5.2mg, 6.3mg, 7.6mg, 9.1mg, 11mg, and 13.3mg. Your doctor will help find the dose that’s right for you and make any adjustments if needed.

How can I get started on SKYTROFA?

Talk with your doctor about once-weekly SKYTROFA.

Learn more about getting started.

Insurance Coverage

What are the primary types of health insurance available?

Health insurance comes in many forms:

  • Group-sponsored Health Insurance: Offered through employers or spouse/domestic partner’s employer.
  • Private Coverage: Directly purchased from insurance carriers.
  • Exchange Plans: Purchased through state or federal exchanges, with possible subsidies based on income.
  • Medicare: A federal program for individuals aged 65 and older.
  • Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Available for qualifying individuals with disabilities or conditions.

What are the main categories for insurance plans?

Health insurance plans can be classified into 4 primary categories, each with its own set of features:

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Limited to in-network providers, requires a primary care physician (PCP), and referrals for specialists.
  • Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): Restricts care to in-network providers but doesn’t require a PCP or referrals.
  • Point of Service (POS): Allows both in-network and out-of-network care, but PCP and referrals are needed.
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): Provides in-network and out-of-network coverage without requiring a PCP or referrals.

What is the difference between fully insured and self-funded health plans?

With a fully insured plan, your employer pays a fixed monthly premium to an insurance company, covering plan administration and claims. The insurance company bears the loss if claims exceed expectations.

With a self-funded plan, your employer pays a monthly fee to an insurance company for administration and claims adjudication but covers the actual claims costs. The employer benefits if costs stay below expectations and has more flexibility in plan features.

How can I manage rising costs for prescriptions?

Health insurance companies use various strategies to manage specialty medication costs, including prior authorizations and step therapy. Stay informed about new trends, such as co-pay accumulators, and explore financial assistance programs.

Watch the New Rx Trends chapter in this video for more details.

How can I find out what my plan covers?

To understand your coverage, review the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) provided by the insurance company. It outlines co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.

For detailed coverage information, you can get the medical policy from the insurance company’s website or call their Member Services department.

What should I consider during open enrollment?

During open enrollment, consider the following factors to make the best decisions for your healthcare needs:

  • Estimate your annual expenses, including co-pays, coinsurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
  • Compare total costs of different plans, including in-network and out-of-network expenses.
  • Check if your prescriptions, especially growth hormone medications, are covered similarly in each plan.
  • Attend open enrollment events, ask questions, and seek assistance to understand any changes to the plan.

What should I know about prior authorizations and appeals?

Be proactive in the prior authorization and appeals process by documenting all communications between you and your insurance company.

If you face a denial, involve your doctor, focus on medical necessity, and provide evidence to support your appeal. Always advocate for yourself to get the medicine you need. For any questions, contact A·S·A·P by calling 1-844-442-7236.

What additional resources are available?

Various advocacy organizations like The Magic Foundation, Human Growth Foundation, and NORD offer support and educational resources. Assistance and advocacy can help you have access to the best healthcare options.

Visit the Resources page to explore some of these organizations.


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION & USES

SKYTROFA is a prescription medicine used for:

  • the replacement of growth hormone in children 1 year old or older who weigh at least 26 pounds (11.5 kilograms) with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)
  • the replacement of growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD)

Do not take SKYTROFA if:

  • you have a critical illness caused by certain types of heart or stomach surgery, trauma or breathing problems
  • you are allergic to somatropin or any of the ingredients in SKYTROFA
  • you are a child with closed bone growth plates
  • you have cancer or other tumors
  • you have certain types of eye problems caused by diabetes
  • you are a child with Prader-Willi syndrome who is severely obese or has breathing problems including sleep apnea (briefly stopping breathing during sleep)

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, about all of your medical conditions, and about all the medicines you take. SKYTROFA may affect how other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how SKYTROFA works.

What are the possible side effects of SKYTROFA?

SKYTROFA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • serious allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you have swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat or trouble breathing
  • high risk of death in people who have critical illnesses caused by heart or stomach surgery, trauma, or serious breathing problems
  • increased risk of growth of an existing tumor or cancer, or increased risk of a previous tumor or cancer returning in people who were treated with radiation to the brain or head as children and who developed low growth hormone problems. Your healthcare provider will need to monitor for the growth or return of a tumor or cancer. Contact your healthcare provider if you start to have sudden changes in behavior, headaches, vision problems, or changes in moles, birthmarks, or skin color
  • new or worsening high blood sugar or diabetes. Your blood sugar may need to be monitored during treatment with SKYTROFA
  • increase in pressure in the skull. Contact your healthcare provider if headaches, eye problems, nausea, or vomiting occur
  • too much fluid in the body (fluid retention). Contact your healthcare provider if you notice swelling in the hands and feet, pain in the joints or muscles, or nerve
    problems that cause pain, burning or tingling in the hands, arms, legs, and feet
  • decrease in a hormone called cortisol. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your cortisol levels
  • decrease in thyroid hormone levels. Decreased thyroid hormone levels may affect how well SKYTROFA works. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels
  • hip and knee pain or a limp in children (slipped capital femoral epiphysis). This may lead to a serious condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply (osteonecrosis). Get medical help right away for children who develop a limp or have hip or knee pain
  • worsening of curvature of the spine in children (scoliosis)
  • severe and constant abdominal pain. This could be a sign of pancreatitis. Tell your healthcare provider about any new abdominal pain
  • loss of fat and tissue weakness in the area of skin you or your child inject. Talk to your healthcare provider about rotating the areas where SKYTROFA is injected
  • high risk of sudden death in children with Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely obese or have breathing problems, including sleep apnea
  • increase in phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels in your blood. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check this

The most common side effects of SKYTROFA in children include: viral infection, fever, cough, nausea and vomiting, bleeding, diarrhea, stomach area pain, joint pain and arthritis

The most common side effects of SKYTROFA in adults include: swelling due to fluid build-up and low thyroid hormone

These are not all of the possible side effects of SKYTROFA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Ascendis Pharma at 1-844-442-7236.

Please click here for SKYTROFA full Prescribing Information.