What is a Somavert?
Somavert, a protein synthesized by humans, is similar to growth hormone. Pegvisomant blocks growth hormone's effects by binding to the same receptor as growth hormone. Somavert treats acromegaly, a growth disorder that is caused by excessive growth hormone. Somavert can be prescribed after other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, have failed to relieve symptoms.
Warnings
If you have an allergy to pegvisomant, then Somavert should be avoided. Tell your doctor before using Somavert if you suffer from diabetes, liver disease, or have a tumor secreting growth hormone. You may need to undergo blood tests, CT scans, or other radiologic (x-ray) examinations as part of your treatment. Visit your doctor regularly.
Inform your doctor of all medications you take, including insulin, oral diabetes medications, and narcotics. If you experience any serious side effects, such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or weight, dark urine or clay-coloured stools, or jaundice, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to pegvisomant, then Somavert should be avoided.
Inform your physician of any of the following to make sure this medication is safe:
- Diabetes (pegvisomant lowers your blood sugar);
- Liver disease
- A latex allergy;
- A tumor that secretes growth hormone
Somavert should not harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or considering becoming pregnant. Pegvisomant is not known to pass into breast milk or to harm a baby who is nursing. Inform your doctor if you're breastfeeding a child. Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use Somavert.
Similar/related drugs
Octreotide, bromocriptine, lanreotide, Sandostatin, Parlodel, and Somatuline Depot
How to take Somavert?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change your dosage occasionally in order to ensure optimal results. Take this medication exactly as instructed. Do not exceed or extend beyond its duration beyond what has been recommended by the manufacturer. Somavert can be injected directly under the skin. You can be taught how to inject at home. You should not inject this medicine yourself if you don't know how to properly give an injection or dispose of used syringes and needles.
Before using Somavert, it is necessary to mix the powder with a liquid. You should know how to mix and store your injections if you use them at home. Shaking the bottle can ruin the medicine. Do not prepare your dose until you are ready for an injection. If the color of your medicine has changed or if it contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Your healthcare provider will tell you where to inject Somavert. Each time you inject, use a new location. Don't inject in the same spot twice.
To get the best results, use Somavert frequently. Refill your prescription before you run out. This medicine comes in a single-use bottle (vial). Even if there is any medicine remaining after injection, be sure to dispose of it after use.
Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use syringes and needles only once. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.
Your liver will require frequent blood tests. The powder medicine should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Store Somavert powder at room temperature after mixing it with a diluting agent. Use within six hours of mixing.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for acne:
Initial dose: subcutaneous injection of 40 mg.
Maintenance dose: subcutaneous injection of 10–30 mg daily.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take any missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Feeling tired is one of the symptoms that can accompany an overdose.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Somavert
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction after taking Somavert, you should seek immediate medical attention: hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing, feeling as if you could pass out, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat, etc.
If you experience:
- A hard lump or thickening on the skin where the injection was made
- Easy bruising
- Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach discomfort, itching and fatigue, loss of appetite. Other symptoms include dark urine, clay-coloured stools, and jaundice.
Somavert may cause side effects such as:
- Pain;
- Flu symptoms typically include fever, chills and body aches.
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Pain or irritation at the injection site.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Notify your doctor immediately if you plan to begin using any new medicines, or discontinue current ones.
- Insulin or oral diabetes medications;
- There are many narcotic medicines, including fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, and morphine.
This list is incomplete. Pegvisomant may interact with other drugs, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and vitamin products. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
