PEGVISOMANT - INJECTION

PEGVISOMANT - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (peg-VIH-so-mant)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Somavert

GENERIC NAME(S): pegvisomant

Uses

USES: Pegvisomant is used to treat a certain condition called acromegaly. Acromegaly occurs when the body makes too much growth hormone and other natural substances such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Pegvisomant is usually used if you have not responded to other treatments (such as surgery, radiation, other medications). Treating acromegaly helps reduce the risk of serious problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Pegvisomant works by blocking the action of growth hormone and by reducing the amount of IGF-I to normal levels.


How to use PEGVISOMANT - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using pegvisomant and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily into the upper arm, upper thigh, stomach area, or buttock. Dosage is based on your medical condition, lab test results, and response to treatment. Do not use more than 30 milligrams daily unless directed by your doctor. The first dose is usually given by a health care professional. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Take your dose out of the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature. Do not shake the vial when preparing this medication. Gently roll the vial back and forth in your palms to dissolve the powder in the mixing solution. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site daily to lessen injury under the skin. Choose areas that are not bruised, lumpy, or irritated. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Lumps may occur under the skin if the same injection site is used often. To reduce the chance of this side effect, change the injection site daily. Redness/swelling at the injection site, pain, diarrhea, or nausea may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: signs of liver problems (such as persistent nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, unusual tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as dry natural rubber/latex in the product packaging), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems. If you have diabetes, pegvisomant may help improve symptoms of diabetes, such as lowering high blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: somatostatin analogs (such as lanreotide, octreotide).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: increased tiredness.

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Faq for PEGVISOMANT - INJECTION

PEGVISOMANT is used to treat acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that causes excessive growth hormone production.

PEGVISOMANT works by blocking the effects of growth hormone in the body, thereby reducing the symptoms associated with acromegaly.

PEGVISOMANT is administered as a subcutaneous injection, usually once daily. The injection is typically given by a healthcare professional, but some patients may be trained to self-administer.

Common side effects of PEGVISOMANT may include injection site reactions, headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Serious side effects are rare but may include liver problems and allergic reactions.

The effects of PEGVISOMANT can usually be seen within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, it may take several months before the full benefits are observed.

Yes, PEGVISOMANT can interact with certain medications, including insulin and other growth hormone therapies. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking before starting PEGVISOMANT.

PEGVISOMANT should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components. It should also be used with caution in patients with liver disease or a history of liver problems.

The duration of treatment with PEGVISOMANT will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the acromegaly. It is typically a long-term treatment that may be required indefinitely.

If you miss a dose of PEGVISOMANT, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance. They may recommend adjusting the dosing schedule to ensure consistent treatment.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.