Somavert (pegvisomant)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Pegvisomant, a biosynthetic analog of human growth hormone (somatotropin), is a selective, competitive somatotropin receptor antagonist.
Pegvisomant, a biosynthetic analog of human growth hormone (somatotropin), is a selective, competitive somatotropin receptor antagonist. Pegvisomant binds to somatotropin receptors and competitively blocks binding of endogenous growth hormone, thereby interfering with signal transduction and the subsequent production of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Current evidence indicates that acromegaly is a chronic endocrine disorder involving the hypersecretion of growth hormone, resulting in an increase in serum IGF-I concentrations.
IGF-I mediates most of the somatotropic effects of growth hormone. Pegvisomant has been shown to produce a rapid decrease in serum concentrations of IGF-I and other growth hormone-responsive serum proteins (e.g., IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), acid labile subunit of IGFBP-3) in patients with acromegaly.
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.
Generic name: pegvisomant
Pronunciation: (peg-VIH-so-mant)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Somavert
Indications
The following indications are listed for Somavert:
- Acromegaly
Also known as: Acromegalia, Marie's Disease, Marie's Syndrome.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to pegvisomant or any ingredient in the formulation. Vial stopper contains natural rubber latex, which may cause sensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects occurring in at least 4% of patients receiving pegvisomant and at frequencies greater than with placebo include abnormal liver function test results, accidental injury, back pain, chest pain, diarrhea, dizziness, flu syndrome, hypertension, infection, injection site reaction, nausea, pain, paresthesia, peripheral edema, and sinusitis.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy not established in children.
Category B. (See Users Guide)
Not known whether pegvisomant is distributed in milk. Caution is advised if the drug is administered in nursing women.
Experience in patients 65 years of age or older is insufficient to determine whether they respond differently from younger adults.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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