Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOMAVERT?
SOMAVERT® (pegvisomant for injection) is a medicine used to treat
acromegaly.
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What is acromegaly?
Acromegaly is a disease that occurs when the body makes too much growth hormone.
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How does SOMAVERT work?
SOMAVERT decreases the action of growth hormone (GH) and levels of IGF-I (Insulin-like
Growth Factors) circulating in the blood. This helps control acromegaly.
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Has SOMAVERT been shown to be effective?
In an important clinical trial, groups of patients treated with SOMAVERT had a decrease
in IGF-I levels compared with placebo. More patients receiving SOMAVERT achieved
normalized IGF-I levels compared with placebo. SOMAVERT also improved total score
for the 5 signs and symptoms in all patient groups compared with placebo. The signs
and symptoms are soft tissue swelling, joint pain, headaches, sweating, and fatigue.
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How will I know if my IGF-I levels are normal?
Your doctor will monitor your IGF-I levels regularly. Based on your IGF-I levels,
your doctor may change your dose of SOMAVERT to get better control and help normalize
IGF-I levels.
Learn more about controlling IGF-I levels.
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Who is SOMAVERT for?
SOMAVERT is used to treat patients with acromegaly who have not had their disease
controlled by:
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Other medicines
It is also for patients who cannot receive the above treatments.
The goal is to have normal IGF-I levels in the blood.
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What problems can acromegaly cause?
You may notice:
- Growth or swelling in hands or feet or an increase in ring or shoe size
- Growth in facial features (like the chin, forehead, or nose)
- Increased spacing of teeth
- Enlarged tongue
- Increased sweating, unpleasant odor
- A tired feeling most of the time
You may also have:
- Headache
- Vision problems
- Thick, oily skin
- Pain in the joints (like the knees or hips)
- Weak muscles
- Tingling (pins-and-needles feeling), numbness (abnormal feeling), or weakness of
the hands
- Missing or irregular periods
- Unusual tiredness or exhaustion
- Swelling in the front of the neck, caused by an enlarged thyroid gland
- Voice change (hollow-sounding voice)
- Breathing difficulties during sleep, which can cause snoring/sleep disturbances
- Decreased sex drive
- Skin tags (growths of excess skin)
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Who should not use SOMAVERT?
It should not be used by those who are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Latex is in the stopper on the SOMAVERT vial. For full patient
information,
click here.
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Can I use SOMAVERT if I have diabetes?
Yes. Your blood sugar level may go down when you take SOMAVERT. Because of this,
your doctor may need to reduce your dose of diabetes medicine.
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Can I use SOMAVERT if I am pregnant?
SOMAVERT has not been studied in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, or plan to
be, talk to your doctor about treatment with SOMAVERT.
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How should I use SOMAVERT?
SOMAVERT is given once a day by injection under the skin. Your first dose will be
given by your healthcare provider. He or she will teach you or your caregiver how
to inject SOMAVERT.
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How should I store SOMAVERT?
Store the package of SOMAVERT in a refrigerator. DO NOT FREEZE IT! After mixing
the powder and liquid (do not shake), you may keep the mixed medicine
at room temperature inside the vial or syringe, but you must inject the mixed SOMAVERT
within 6 hours.
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What if I mix my SOMAVERT dose but forget to inject it?
If it has been more than 6 hours since you mixed it, DO NOT use it. Call the Pfizer
Bridge Program at 800-645-1280 and tell them what happened. They will tell you what
to do.
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What if a mixed SOMAVERT dose does not look clear?
DO NOT use it. The mixed dose should look clear once the powder is dissolved. If
the dose looks cloudy, or if you see color or specks in it, do not throw the vial
away. Call the Pfizer Bridge Program at 800-645-1280 and tell them you need another
vial. They will tell you what to do with the vial you have.
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What if I forget to take my SOMAVERT dose?
If you forget to give yourself an injection of SOMAVERT, skip that dose. Get back
on your schedule the next day. Do not inject a double dose to make up for an
injection that you forgot.
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How can I get SOMAVERT?
Your doctor fills out a Statement of Medical Necessity (SMN), which is like a prescription.
Then your doctor sends it to the Pfizer Bridge Program (see below).
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What is the Pfizer Bridge Program?
The Pfizer Bridge Program is a service that your doctor enrolls you in. You will
be enrolled when the Pfizer Bridge Program receives your SMN.
The Pfizer Bridge Program helps you…
- Fill your prescription
- Deal with insurance
- Get information about treatment
The Pfizer Bridge Program works by assigning you a Patient Care Consultant (PCC),
who can help you evaluate your insurance coverage and submit the necessary paperwork
for you. This may help you to begin your treatment with SOMAVERT as quickly as possible.
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What if my insurance does not cover my treatment?
If your insurance will not pay for your treatment, your PCC will look for other
sources of payment.
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Please see full Prescribing Information and
Patient Information.