Pegvisomant Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 4, 2024.
Applies to pegvisomant: subcutaneous powder for solution.
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects .
Liver problems may occur while you are using this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you are having more than one of these symptoms: abdominal pain or tenderness; clay-colored stools; dark urine; decreased appetite; fever; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; skin rash; swelling of the feet or lower legs; unusual tiredness or weakness; or yellow eyes or skin .
The cover of the vials of this medicine contains latex, which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start using this medicine .
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using this medicine before taking any tests. This medicine may affect the results of some medical tests (e.g., liver tests), especially if you also use other medicines to treat acromegaly (e.g., octreotide, Sandostatin®) .
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements .
Serious side effects of pegvisomant
Along with its needed effects, pegvisomant may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pegvisomant:
More common side effects
- bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, or discoloration of skin at site of injection
- bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- chills
- cough
- dizziness
- feeling of pressure
- fever
- headache
- hives
- hoarseness
- infection, inflammation, itching, or lump at site of injection
- nervousness
- lower back or side pain
- painful or difficult urination
- pounding in the ears
- rapid weight gain
- slow or fast heartbeat
- tingling of hands or feet
- unusual weight gain or loss
Less common side effects
- thickening of the skin
Incidence not known
- abdominal pain or tenderness
- clay colored stools
- dark urine
- decreased appetite
- fever
- itching
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- skin rash
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- yellow eyes or skin
Other side effects of pegvisomant
Some side effects of pegvisomant may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- accidental injury
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- diarrhea
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- joint pain
- muscle aches and pains
- pain
- pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
- runny or stuffy nose
- shivering
- shortness of breath or troubled breathing
- sore throat
- sweating
- tightness of chest or wheezing
- trouble sleeping
For healthcare professionals
Applies to pegvisomant: subcutaneous powder for injection.
Hepatic adverse events
- Frequency not reported: Liver test elevations[Ref]
Metabolic
- Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Frequency not reported: Lipohypertrophy[Ref]
Other
- Frequency not reported: Cross-reactivity with growth hormone assay[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Frequency not reported: Systemic hypersensitivity[Ref]
See also:
Sandostatin
Sandostatin is used to treat acromegaly and to reduce flushing episodes and watery diarrhea caused ...
Parlodel
Parlodel is used for acromegaly, hyperprolactinemia, parkinson's disease
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Somatuline Depot
Somatuline Depot is used as a long-term treatment for acromegaly. Learn about side effects ...
Sandostatin LAR Depot
Sandostatin LAR Depot is used for acromegaly, carcinoid tumor, vasoactive intestinal peptide tumor
Signifor
Signifor (pasireotide) is a man-made protein that is similar to somatostatin and is used to treat ...
Cycloset
Cycloset is used to treat Type 2 Diabetes. Learn about side effects, interactions and indications.
Mycapssa
Mycapssa (octreotide) is used for the treatment of acromegaly. Includes Mycapssa side effects ...
Pasireotide
Pasireotide systemic is used for acromegaly, cushing's syndrome
Lanreotide
Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot) is an injectable medication containing a man-made (synthetic ...
References
1. (2003) "Product Information. Somavert (pegvisomant)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
More about pegvisomant
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Further information
Pegvisomant side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
