“I would probably talk to my doctor about any available treatment for Short Bowel Syndrome.”

1. What can I expect before and during Zorbtive® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] treatment?
2. How long do I take Zorbtive?
3. How long do the benefits of Zorbtive treatment last?
4. What can I do to get the most benefit from Zorbtive treatment?
5. Why is it important to reduce my need for parenteral nutrition (PN) as much as possible?
6. What kind of special oral diet may be recommended?
7. What are some possible side effects?
8. Where can I find out more about Zorbtive treatment?

1. What can I expect before and during Zorbtive treatment?

Your doctor may wish to see you regularly. Blood and eye tests may be recommended during treatment.

Make sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.

You may begin a special oral diet two weeks or more before starting Zorbtive treatment.

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2. How long do I take Zorbtive?

Zorbtive is taken daily by injection under the skin (subcutaneously) for 28 days. (Note: Treatment for more than 28 days has not been adequately studied.)

You, or a caregiver, will be taught how to give the injections.

Your doctor will tell you how much Zorbtive to take and may change the dose based on how you respond.

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3. How long do the benefits of Zorbtive treatment and special oral diet last?

Twelve weeks after treatment, people in the study were assessed and:

• 25% of those treated were able to eliminate PN completely
• for many people treated, the reduced level of PN achieved immediately after treatment was maintained (average 73% PN reduction)

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4. What can I do to get the most benefit from Zorbtive treatment?

Take Zorbtive exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Make sure to follow the special oral diet your doctor or dietitian prescribes for you.

They may tell you the kind and amount of food to eat and the times of day you should eat. Following your diet is important to get the most benefit from treatment.

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5. Why is it important to reduce my need for PN as much as possible?

Parenteral nutrition has been the standard treatment for Short Bowel Syndrome. But, it can be complicated therapy, and has been linked to health problems with liver, kidney, and bones for some people.

PN can also cause infections in the feeding tube placed in your vein. PN may impact your range of activity and lifestyle. This is why many doctors look for ways to reduce your need for PN.

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6. What kind of special oral diet may be recommended?

The food you may be asked to eat should not be difficult to find. Let your doctor know which foods you like and dislike.

Good carbohydrates for you to eat may include rice, potatoes, pasta, cereal, and grain products. It may be best to avoid simple sugars, like the sugar in candy.

Good proteins for you to eat may include chicken, fish, and turkey. It may be best to avoid high-fat meats like most beef and pork.

Good fats may include soybean or safflower oil.

Beverages rich in carbohydrate and sodium may be preferred. It may be best to avoid water, regular soda, and fruit juice.

Your diet may be adjusted during and after treatment with Zorbtive by your doctor or dietitian. Be sure and talk to them before you change your diet.

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7. What are some possible side effects?

Some common side effects of Zorbtive treatment include muscle and joint pain, stiffness, fluid retention (swelling), and mild increases in non-fasting glucose levels.

Zorbtive may also cause serious side effects such as inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), diabetes or other blood sugar problems, pain, numbness or tingling in the wrist and hand, or increased blood pressure in the brain.

Call your doctor right away if you experience tingling in your hands or wrists, increased thirst, increased urination, dizziness, swelling of the head, face, hands or feet, unusual headaches, or problems with eyesight, nausea or vomiting.

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8. Where can I find out more about Zorbtive treatment?

Call SeroCare^SM toll free at 800-714-2437, or talk to your doctor.

Make sure to read the Full Prescribing Information and the Patient Information Leaflet, available on this web site, for more information about treatment benefits, adverse events, and dosing.

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The potential for less PN dependence
People with SBS who were treated with Zorbtive—a study summary
What some people experienced after treatment
Frequently asked questions
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