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What is Prader-Willi syndrome?

Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects different parts of the body. It is characterized by delayed development, weak muscle tone, feeding difficulties, poor growth, mild to moderate intellectual impairment, and behavioral problems.
 

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What causes
Prader-Willi syndrome?

In most cases, the cause of Prader-Willi syndrome is a segment that is missing from a patient’s genes.

Prader-Willi syndrome is not usually inherited, and there is often no family history of Prader-Willi syndrome before it is diagnosed.
 


Signs and symptoms

Prader-Willi syndrome causes a range of symptoms that may vary based on age group, and from person to person.
 


In infancy, common symptoms include:

Poor muscle
tone

Difficulties
with feeding

Poor
growth

Delayed
development


In childhood, common symptoms include:


Excessive hunger
 


Short stature
 


Small hands and/or feet
 


Distinctive facial features
 


Obesity
 

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Testing and Diagnosis

Prader-Willi syndrome is diagnosed with a blood test for genetic abnormalities. Testing and diagnosis may be carried out on an unborn child during pregnancy through non-invasive DNA testing, anytime after 9 weeks.

An early diagnosis allows for the affected child to have programs and treatment specifically tailored to their needs.

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Treatment

There is no cure for Prader-Willi syndrome. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include:

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Devices that can help infants feed properly

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Management of your child’s diet—keeping an eye on calories

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Physical therapy, speech-language therapy, and special education to improve physical and
cognitive function

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Therapy with growth hormone, testosterone, or estrogen

In the photo, two foams for injection of the drug Omnitrope.

Growth Hormone Treatment

Omnitrope® is a human growth hormone (HGH) treatment for growth hormone-related disorders, including Prader-Willi syndrome.

Learn more about Omnitrope
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Prognosis

With early and ongoing treatment and proper support, infants and children diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome may be expected to have a normal lifespan.

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Health and support

Advocacy groups can provide information, valuable guidance, and emotional support for you and your loved one who has been diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome.


 

Questions about Omnitrope?

FAQs

To learn more about Omnitrope and our comprehensive patient support services, see our FAQ page for frequently asked questions about Omnitrope.

 

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Contact Us

You can also call our OmniSource team at the number below. We can walk you through the process of getting started with Omnitrope.

Available: Monday – Friday, 8AM – 8PM ET

Phone: 877-456-6794

 

Indications and Important Safety Information

Indications
Omnitrope is a prescription medicine that contains human growth hormone and is used to treat:

  • Children with growth failure due to growth hormone deficiency (GHD), Prader-Willi Syndrome, Small for Gestational Age, Turner Syndrome, and Idiopathic Short Stature
  • Adults with either adult onset or childhood onset GHD

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Who should not take Omnitrope®?

Omnitrope should not be used by children or adults that have:

  • a critical illness caused by certain types of heart or stomach surgery, accidental trauma, or a sudden and severe breathing problem (respiratory failure)
  • Prader-Willi syndrome who are severely overweight or have a history of breathing problems including sleep apnea
  • cancer or other tumors
  • allergies to growth hormone or any of the ingredients in the medicine
  • certain types of eye problems caused by diabetes
  • closed bone growth plates

What should patients tell their healthcare provider before taking Omnitrope?

Patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including if they: 

  • have had heart or stomach surgery, trauma, or serious breathing
    problems
  • have or have had cancer or any tumor
  • have diabetes
  • take any prescription and non-prescription medicines, steroids, vitamins, or herbal supplements
  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or
    breastfeed 

What are the most common side effects of Omnitrope?

  • local reactions at the injection site (such as pain, numbness,
    redness and swelling)
  • headaches
  • swelling associated with fluid retention
  • pain in joints and muscle pain
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • tingling and numbness
  • high blood sugar (hyperglycemia/diabetes) and sugar in your urine
    (glucosuria)
  • unusual skin sensations
  • low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)

Other possible side effects of Omnitrope are:

  • return of tumor or cancerous growths
  • headaches, changes in vision, nausea or vomiting (these may be
    symptoms of raised pressure in the brain which requires immediate
    medical attention)
  • hip and knee pain or a limp in children, that can be a sign of
    slipped capital femoral epiphysis
  • worsening of pre-existing curvature of the spine in children
    (scoliosis)
  • increased ear infections and ear disorders in children with Turner
    syndrome; check for cardiovascular disorders (hypertension,
    stroke)
  • intense pain and tenderness in the abdomen as consequence of an
    inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • gasping syndrome (decreased rate of breathing) in children from
    high levels of benzyl alcohol (an inactive ingredient)
  • Increased mortality in patients with Prader Willi and acute illness

Please see full Prescribing Information for Omnitrope.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sandoz Inc. at 1-800-525-8747 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.