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February 10, 2012
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Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Somavert

Generic Name: pegvisomant (Pronunciation: peg VIH so mant)

What is pegvisomant (Somavert)?

Pegvisomant is a manufactured protein similar to human growth hormone (GH). Pegvisomant binds to the same receptor in the body as growth hormone, and blocks the effects of growth hormone.

Pegvisomant is used for the treatment of acromegaly (a growth disorder caused by too much growth hormone).

Pegvisomant may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What are the possible side effects of pegvisomant (Somavert)?

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking pegvisomant and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
  • liver problems (may be detected by blood tests or symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, clay-colored stools, or dark urine).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take pegvisomant and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • discomfort at the injection site;
  • "flu-like" symptoms
  • nausea or diarrhea;
  • dizziness; or
  • water retention or slight weight gain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about pegvisomant (Somavert)?

The stopper on the vial of Somavert contains latex. Do not use this product without first talking to your doctor if you are allergic to latex.

Your doctor will want you to have blood tests and/or other medical evaluations during treatment with pegvisomant to monitor progress and side effects. It is especially important to monitor liver function and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) with regularly scheduled blood tests.


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Brand Names:
Somavert
[+]

Generic Name:
pegvisomant
[+]

Acromegaly Medications »

What Is Acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a growth disorder caused by excessive production of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a hormone-producing organ at the base of the brain, behind the eyes, and at the middle of the brain between the ears. Children cannot grow to normal height if they do not have enough GH, but too much causes prepubertal children to develop giantism, a condition in which the entire body or any of its parts grow too large. In adults, too much GH causes acromegaly, a disorder in which parts of the body, especially the head, face, hands, and feet, gradually get bigger. GH affects growth by stimulating the formation of other hormones. These hormones are mostly made by the liver in response to GH stimulation and are called somatomedins (somatotropin-mediating hormones or insulinlike growth factors).

What Causes Acromegaly?

In 95% of cases, excess growth hormone (GH) is caused by tumors on the pituitar...

Read the Acromegaly Medications article »


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