Pegvisomant (Subcutaneous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 1, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Somavert

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonist

Uses for pegvisomant

Pegvisomant is used to treat a condition called acromegaly, which is caused by too much growth hormone in the body, in patients who cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. Too much growth hormone produced in adults causes the hands, feet, and parts of the face to become large, thick, and bulky. Other problems such as arthritis also can develop. Pegvisomant works by binding to the growth hormone receptor and preventing the actions of too much growth hormone .

Pegvisomant is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using pegvisomant

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pegvisomant, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pegvisomant or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of pegvisomant in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established .

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of pegvisomant in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart, liver, or kidney problems which may require an adjustment of dose in patients receiving pegvisomant .

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking pegvisomant, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using pegvisomant with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Octreotide

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discus...