What Is Pegvisomant?
Pegvisomant is a synthetic protein that is akin in structure to the human hormone of growth. Pegvisomant is a binder with the exact receptor within the body that is responsible for growth hormone and inhibits the effects of growth hormone.Pegvisomant can be used to treat acromegaly (a condition of growth that is caused by an excessive increase in the hormone growth).
Pegvisomant is typically prescribed after other drugs, surgery, or radiation therapy have been attempted but have not resulted in a successful resolution of symptoms.Pegvisomant could also be used to treat conditions not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Pegvisomant
Contact emergency medical assistance. If you exhibit symptoms warning signs of the presence of an allergy that include an allergic reaction that causes hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing, feeling like you're going to faint, and swelling of your lips, face, and throat,
Pegvisomant could cause severe adverse effects. Stop taking pegvisomant immediately and contact your doctor immediately in case you experience:
- Swelling of the skin or a lump of hardness after you have injected the medicine;
- Easily bruising;
- Liver problems: nausea and stomach pains in the upper part of the stomach; itching; fatigue; loss of appetite black stools, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Common adverse effects of pegvisomant could be:
- Pain;
- Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Test results for abnormal liver function abnormal tests for liver function
- Discomfort or irritation at the site in the area where the medication was infused.
It isn't a complete list of the possible impacts, as other things might occur. Ask your doctor about medical-related adverse reactions. If you have any concerns, report the allergic reactions or symptoms to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the directions on your prescription label and the package. Inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and all medications you take.
Before you take this drug
It is recommended not to use pegvisomant if you are allergic to it.
To ensure that pegvisomant is suitable for you, inform your physician if you have:
- Diabetes (pegvisomant could reduce your blood sugar);
- The liver condition;
- An allergy to latex, for example,
- A tumor that releases growth hormone.
The medicine is not intended to harm a baby who is not yet born. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.It is unclear if pegvisomant is absorbed into breast milk or if it can harm a nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.Pegvisomant is not a product that has been approved to be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How to take Pegvisomant?
Follow the instructions on the label of your prescription. Your doctor may change the dose of your medication to ensure you are getting the best outcomes. Avoid using this medicine in greater or lesser quantities or for a longer period than the recommended time.
Pegvisomant is injected underneath the skin. It can be demonstrated to you how to administer injections at home. Don't inject yourself with this medication if you aren't sure how to inject it, and safely dispose of any needles and syringes that are no longer in use.Pegvisomant is a powder-based medicine that needs to be mixed with liquid (diluent) prior to use. If you're taking injectables yourself, make sure that you know how to prepare and maintain the medication.
Don't shake the medicine bottle, or you could ruin the medication. Preparing your dose should only be done when you are prepared to administer an injection. Avoid using it when the medication is changing color or has particles. Consult your pharmacist about new medications.
Your physician will guide you to the most suitable locations on your body for injecting pegvisomant. You should use a different spot every time you administer an injection. Don't inject the same area twice in the same row.
Make sure you use pegvisomant frequently to reap the greatest benefits. Refill your prescription prior to the time you are out of medication completely.Every single container (bottle) of this medication is intended for use once only. Dispose of it after a single use, even if there's still some medication left after injecting the dose.
Utilize the disposable needle and syringe only once. Be sure to follow any local or state regulations regarding the disposal of used needles and syringes. Make sure you use the puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of them). Keep the container away from pets and kids.You'll require frequent blood tests to monitor the liver's function.Keep the medicine in the refrigerator. Don't freeze it.After mixing the pegvisomant powder and the diluent, store it at room temperature and take it out within 6 hours of mixing.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Acromegaly:
Dose for loading: 40 mg subcutaneously, once under medical supervision.
Initial dosage Subcutaneously, 10 mg every day
Dosage for maintenance: 10–30 mg subcutaneously every day.
Maximum dose: 30 mg per day.
Comments:
Assess baseline liver tests for the aminotransferases alanine (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as blood total bilirubin (TBIL) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ahead of starting therapy.
What happens If I miss a dose?
Utilize the dose you missed immediately after you recall. Avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.The symptoms of an overdose can include feeling extremely tired.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activities.
What other medications can alter pegvisomant?
Discuss with your physician all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medications you begin or stop taking, particularly:
- Insulin or oral diabetes medication
- Narcotic medicine, like fentanyl (abstral, actiq, fentora, duragesic, lazanda, onsolis), hydrocodone (lortab, vicodin), hydromorphone (dilaudid), methadone, oxycodone, morphine (OxyContin, Percocet), and many more
This list isn't complete. Other medications may be incompatible with pegvisomant, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. The interactions of all potential drugs are included in this medication guideline.
