Somavert (pegvisomant)
Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonists Subcutaneous Vial (Ea)
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)
Drug class: Growth Hormone Receptor Antagonists
Therapeutic class: Endocrine
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.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Somavert 10 Mg Vial | Maintenance | Inject 10 mg by subcutaneous route once daily. |
| Somavert 15 Mg Vial | Maintenance | Inject 15 mg by subcutaneous route once daily. |
| Somavert 20 Mg Vial | Maintenance | Inject 20 mg by subcutaneous route once daily. |
| Somavert 25 Mg Vial | Maintenance | Inject 25 mg by subcutaneous route once daily in the abdomen, thigh, upper outer areas of buttocks, or outer area of upper arm (rotate site). |
| Somavert 30 Mg Vial | Maintenance | Inject 30 mg by subcutaneous route once daily in the abdomen, thigh, upper outer areas of buttocks, or outer area of upper arm (rotate site). |
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.
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Pegvisomant/Somatostatin Analogues
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The exact mechanism is unknown.
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may result in an increased risk of hepatotoxicity.(1)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The Canadian manufacturer of pegvisomant states that the concurrent use of pegvisomant and somatostatin analogues may lead to markedly increase hepatic enzymes in patients treated with this combination.(1)
DISCUSSION: Based on post marketing studies, there was marked hepatic elevations (greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) which was reported in 3 out of 26 patients treated with the combination of pegvisomant and octreotide. The ranges for the elevations for ALT and AST ranged from 13 to 45 times the ULN within three months of treatment. All three patients recovered after discontinuation of treatment.(1)
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.
- Diabetes mellitus
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.
More Frequent
- Abnormal hepatic function tests
- Chest pain
- Infection
- Upper respiratory infection
Less Frequent
- Increased alanine transaminase
- Increased aspartate transaminase
Rare or Very Rare
- Anaphylaxis
- Angioedema
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Laryngismus
More Frequent
- Accidental injury
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hypertension
- Injection site sequelae
- Nausea
- Pain
- Paresthesia
- Peripheral edema
- Sinusitis
Less Frequent
- Fat hypertrophy
Rare or Very Rare
- Erythema
- Pruritus of skin
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
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
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Acromegaly | ||
| E22.0 | ICD10CM | Acromegaly and pituitary gigantism |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
Search health-plan coverage for this drug by ZIP code.
Choose the first character of a health plan name.
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
On this page
Actions
Sign in to save favorites
Saving this drug requires a free Physicians Office Resource account.