Somavert (Pfizer Inc)
Somavert (Pfizer Inc) - General Information
Somavert (Pfizer Inc) is a highly selective growth hormone (GH) receptor antagonist. It is used to treat acromegaly. Unlike dopamine or somatostatin analogs (which inhibit growth hormone secretion), this drug actually blocks the hepatic (GH-mediated) production of insulin like growth factor (IGF-1), which is the main mediator of growth hormone activity.
Pharmacology of Somavert (Pfizer Inc)
Somavert is used for the treatment of acromegaly, which arises from excessive IGF-1 levels. Somavert selectively binds to growth hormone (GH) receptors on cell surfaces, where it blocks the binding of endogenous GH, and thus interferes with GH signal transduction. Inhibition of GH action results in decreased serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3). This reduces the symptoms of acromegaly.
Somavert (Pfizer Inc) for patients
Acromegaly is a rare and debilitating disease resulting from the overproduction of growth hormone (GH), most often due to a pituitary tumor. Overproduction of GH results in persistent elevation in levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I).
SOMAVERT is the first and only growth hormone receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment of acromegaly in patients who have had an inadequate response to surgery and/or radiation therapy and/or other medical therapies, or for whom these therapies are not appropriate. The goal of treatment is to normalize serum IGF-I levels.
SOMAVERT selectively binds to GH receptors on all cell surfaces, where it blocks the binding of the body�s own GH. Reducing the amount of binding of the body�s GH results in decreased serum IGF-I levels.
SOMAVERT can be ordered by your physician through the Bridge ProgramTM, a specialty pharmacy and reimbursement assistance program that serves patients who are prescribed SOMAVERT.
If you have been diagnosed with acromegaly or suspect that you may have acromegaly, talk to your physician and ask if SOMAVERT is right for you.
Patients and any other persons who may administer SOMAVERT should be carefully instructed by a health care professional on how to properly reconstitute and inject the product.
Patients should be informed about the need for serial monitoring of LTs, and told to immediately discontinue therapy and contact their physician if they become jaundiced. In addition, patients should be made aware that serial IGF-I levels will need to be obtained to allow their physician to properly adjust the dose of SOMAVERT.
Somavert (Pfizer Inc) Interactions
Acromegalic patients with diabetes mellitus being treated with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents may require dose reductions of these therapeutic agents after the initiation of therapy with SOMAVERT.
In clinical studies, patients on opioids often needed higher serum pegvisomant concentrations to achieve appropriate IGF-I suppression compared with patients not receiving opioids. The mechanism of this interaction is not known.
Somavert (Pfizer Inc) Contraindications
SOMAVERT is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its components. The stopper on the vial of SOMAVERT contains latex.
Additional information about Somavert (Pfizer Inc)
Somavert (Pfizer Inc) Indication: For treatment of acromegaly
Mechanism Of Action: Somavert selectively binds to growth hormone (GH) receptors on cell surfaces, where it blocks the binding of endogenous GH. This leads to the normalization of serum IGF-1 levels.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: Pegvisomant
Synonyms: GH; GH-N; Growth hormone; Growth hormone 1; Pituitary growth hormone; Somatotropin precursor
Drug Category: Anabolic Agents; Hormone Replacement Agents
Drug Type: Biotech; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Pegvisomant: Somavert (Pfizer Inc);
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Not Available
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: ~6 days
Dosage Forms of Somavert (Pfizer Inc): Powder, for solution Subcutaneous
Chemical IUPAC Name: PEGylated human growth hormone
Chemical Formula: C990H1532N262O300S7
Pegvisomant on Wikipedia: Not Available
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals