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What is Somavert
 Somavert
is a manufactured protein similar to human growth hormone
(GH). Somavert binds to the same receptor in the body as growth
hormone, and blocks the effects of growth hormone.
Somavert
is used for the treatment of acromegaly.
Somavert
may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
General medical information about 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 Somavert 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.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before
taking Somavert Before taking Somavert, tell your doctor if you have:
- an allergy to Somavert, another growth hormone
product, or latex (the stopper on the vial of Somavert contains
latex);
- a tumor that secretes growth hormone;
-
diabetes; or
- liver problems.
You may not
be able to take Somavert or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment.
Somavert
is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that Somavert
is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not
take Somavert without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Somavert passes into breast
milk. Do not take Somavert without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Somavert Take Somavert exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Somavert
is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions
regarding how to administer the injection.
The Somavert
powder must be mixed with the supplied sterile water for
injection before each dose. Instructions regarding mixing
the solution are included with the product. Follow them
closely.
In general, 1 mL of the Sterile Water for
Injection should be injected into the vial of Somavert,
aiming the stream of liquid against the glass wall of the
vial. Then, gently roll the vial between the palms of both
hands to dissolve the powder. Do not shake the vial. Shaking
the vial could damage the proteins in the medication and
decrease its effectiveness.
After mixing, the solution
should be clear and contain no particles. If the solution
is cloudy or contains particles, do not inject it.
After mixing the solution, the medication should be administered
as soon as possible and within 6 hours.
Administer
only one dose from each vial. Throw away any remaining medication
after administering one dose.
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 Somavert 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.
Store unmixed Somavert in the refrigerator between
36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 8 degrees Celsius).
If you miss a dose: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
use only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use a
double dose of this medication.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor immediately if an overdose of Somavert is suspected.
Symptoms of a Somavert overdose may include fatigue.
Avoid while taking Somavert There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity during treatment with Somavert unless otherwise
directed by your healthcare provider.
Possible side effects of Somavert If you experience any of the following uncommon but
serious side effects, stop taking Somavert 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 Somavert 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.
What other drugs will affect Somavert Before taking Somavert, tell your doctor if you are
taking any of the following medicines:
- insulin;
- any medicine taken by mouth to treat diabetes such
as glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase, Micronase), glipizide (Glucotrol),
glimepiride (Amaryl), rosiglitazone (Avandia), pioglitazone
(Actos), and others; or
- a narcotic pain or cough
medication such as codeine (Tylenol #3, others), hydrocodone
(Vicodin, Lorcet, others), oxycodone (Percocet, others),
morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, OxyContin, others), fentanyl
(Duragesic, others), and others.
You may not be able
to take Somavert, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking
any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Somavert.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
