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Somavert Side Effects

Generic name: pegvisomant

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 4, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Somavert.

Applies to pegvisomant: subcutaneous powder for solution Side Effects associated with pegvisomant. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Somavert.

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 Somavert

Along with its needed effects, pegvisomant (the active ingredient contained in Somavert) 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 Somavert

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

Metabolic

Dermatologic

Other

Hypersensitivity

See also:

References

1. (2003) "Product Information. Somavert (pegvisomant)." Pharmacia and Upjohn

Further information

Somavert 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.