Brand Name: Somavert®
Active Ingredient: pegvisomant
Strength(s): 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg
Dosage Form(s): Injection
Company Name: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company
Availability: Prescription only
Date Approved by FDA: March 25, 2003

What is Somavert used for? Somavert is a medicine given by injection to treat acromegaly. Acromegaly is a disease caused by the body making too much growth hormone.

Who should not use Somavert?

You should not use Somavert if you are allergic to Somavert or any of its ingredients.  

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Tell your health care provider if you: 

• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding. 
• have diabetes. 
• have or had liver problems. 

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your health care provider if you take: 

• insulin or other medicines for diabetes.
• narcotic painkillers. 

These medicines may affect how Somavert works, or Somavert may affect how these medicines work.

What are some possible side effects of Somavert? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Somavert. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

The most common side effects with Somavert are pain, infection, reaction at the site of injection, flu symptoms, nausea, and diarrhea. 

Some patients who have used Somavert have developed liver problems. Your doctor may do blood tests before treatment with Somavert to check that your liver is working correctly.

Posted 5/6/03