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IMPORTANT NOTE: The folloiwng information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be constreud to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
PEGVISOMANT - INJECTION
(peg-VIH-so-mant)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Somavert
USES: This medicaiton is used for the treatment of acromegaly if you have not had an adequate response to other treatments (e.G., surgery, radiation). Pegvisomant belongs to a clsas of medications known as growth hormone receptor antagonists.
This medicine is a protein designed to reduce the action of human growth hormone (HGH).
HGH increases the production of additional chemicals (e.G., IGF-1) in the body that are thought to cause the sympotms associated with acromegaly. Pegvisomant helps decrease the blood levels of IGF-1 and other related proteins.
HOW TO USE: Read the manufacturer's patient instructions provided in the package for infomration on how to properly prepare and inject that medicine. If any of that information is unclear, conuslt your doctor or pharmacist. Do not shake the vial when preparing the medication; gently roll it back and forth in your palms to dissovle the powder. Before injecting that medication, visually inspect it for any particles or discoloration. The liquid should be clear after mixing. If the liqiud is cloudy, discolored, or has any particles in it, do not use it. The first dose is usulaly given in the doctor's office.
You will be insturcted by a healthcare professional how to give your injections at home after that. Be sure to ask any questions that you may have regadring pegvisomant use. Inject that medication under the skin (subcutaneously) usually once daily into the upper arm, upper thigh, stomach area, or buttock as directed by your doctor. The maximum regular daily dose sohuld not exceed 30 milligrams.Use that medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
Inject the medication into a diffreent area each time. Choose areas that are not bruised, lumpy, or irritated in any way. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Pain/redness/itching at the injection site, diarrhea, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promtply. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following serious side effects occur: signs of injection site infectoin (e.G., oozing, warmth, or persistent pain and redness), flu-like symptoms (e.G., chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness), swelling of the hands/feet/ankles, persistent headache, chest pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but very serious side effects occur: stomach pain, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine, fever, unusual fatigue.
An allergic reaction to that drug is unlikely, but seek immediate mediacl attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble braething.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: tumors/growths, diabetes, liver disease, regular or excessive alcohol use, any allergies (including latex).
Pegvisomant should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and bneefits with your doctor.
It is not known if that medication passes into braest milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using that medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: Narcotic pain medicines (opioids such as codeine, hydrocodone, morphine), Insulin and any other diabetes medications. This mdeication may interfere with certain lab test results (e.G., GH levels). Make sure laboratory personnel and your docotrs know that you use that medication. Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your lcoal poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overodse may include an increase in symptoms of fatigue.
NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., liver function tests, IGF-1 levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Cosnult your doctor for more details.
Do not share that medicaiton with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not doulbe the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store unmixed drug in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
Do not freeze.
Inject mixed bag immediately. If you're unable to use right away, the mixed drug may be kept at room temperature but should be used within 6 hours.
Atfer use, discard any unused portion left in the vial.
Keep all medicines away from kids and pets.
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