Pegvisomant
Generic name: pegvisomant [ peg-VIH-so-mant ]
Brand name: Somavert
Dosage form: subcutaneous powder for injection (10 mg; 15 mg; 20 mg; 25 mg; 30 mg)
Drug class:Growth hormone receptor blockers
What is pegvisomant?
Pegvisomant is a man-made protein that is similar to human growth hormone. Pegvisomant binds to the same receptor in the body as growth hormone, and blocks the effects of growth hormone.
Pegvisomant is used to treat acromegaly (a growth disorder caused by too much growth hormone).
Pegvisomant is usually given after other medications, surgery, or radiation have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Pegvisomant may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use pegvisomant if you are allergic to it.
To make sure pegvisomant is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
diabetes (pegvisomant can lower your blood sugar);
a latex allergy; or
a tumor that secretes growth hormone.
This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether pegvisomant passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Pegvisomant is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take pegvisomant?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Pegvisomant is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.
Pegvisomant is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.
Do not shake the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine. Prepare your dose only when you are ready to give an injection. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject pegvisomant. U...
