About pegvisomant
Growth hormone receptor antagonist
Used for
- Treats acromegaly in adults when surgery or other treatments have not controlled the condition.
Usual adult dose
Usually 40 mg under the skin once as a starting dose, then 10 mg once daily; doses may be adjusted up to 30 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Injection-site reactions
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Raised liver enzymes
Important warnings
- Liver injury can occur; liver tests are monitored during treatment.
- May lower blood sugar, especially with diabetes medicines.
- Can shrink pituitary tumors; regular tumor monitoring may be needed.
- Can affect fertility by normalizing hormone levels.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited; use only when the expected benefit outweighs potential risk.
Breastfeeding
It is unknown whether pegvisomant passes into breast milk; effects on a nursing infant are unknown.
Interactions
- Diabetes medicines may need adjustment because blood sugar can fall.
- Somatostatin analogues or dopamine agonists may affect pegvisomant dose requirements.
- Pegvisomant may reduce measured levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.