Performance Comparison of Microfluidic and Immunomagnetic Platforms for Pancreatic CTC Enrichment
November 15, 2025
Free CME credits
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
Brand Name :
Somavert
Synonyms :
pegvisomant
Class :
Somatotropin Antagonists
Dosage forms and strengths
Injection, powder, for solution
30 mg
25 mg
15 mg
10 mg
At the start, administer 10 mg SC one time daily
Administer 40 mg SC one time daily as a loading dose under the guidance of a medical practitioner
Administer 10 mg-30 mg SC one time daily as a maintenance dose
Administer 30 mg daily as maximum dose
Not indicated
Refer adult dosing
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may increase the hypoglycemic effect
may decrease the therapeutic activity of opioid agonists
may decrease the therapeutic activity of opioid agonists
may decrease the therapeutic activity of opioid agonists
pegvisomant: they may decrease the therapeutic effect of opioid agonists
pegvisomant: they may decrease the therapeutic effect of opioid agonists
pegvisomant: they may decrease the therapeutic effect of opioid agonists
pegvisomant: they may decrease the therapeutic effect of opioid agonists
pegvisomant: they may increase the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with blood viscosity reducing agents
pegvisomant: they may increase the hypoglycemic effect of Agents with blood viscosity reducing agents
It may diminish the therapeutic efficacy when combined with pegloticase
pegvisomant: they may decrease the therapeutic effect of mu-opioid receptor agonists
pegvisomant: they may decrease the therapeutic effect of mu-opioid receptor agonists
pegvisomant: they may increase the sedative effect of CNS stimulants
pegvisomant: they may increase the sedative effect of CNS stimulants
pegvisomant: they may increase the sedative effect of CNS stimulants
pegvisomant: they may increase the sedative effect of CNS stimulants
pegvisomant: they may increase the sedative effect of CNS stimulants
may decrease the therapeutic activity of opioid agonists
may increase the hypoglycaemic effect of anti-diabetic agents
may decrease the therapeutic effect
pegvisomant reduces the effectiveness of lipegfilgrstim when interacted
When amantadine is used together with pegvisomant, this leads to reduced therapeutic effectiveness of amantadine
When acetylcholine is used together with pegvisomant, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
When amifampridine is used together with pegvisomant, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
When bethanechol is used together with pegvisomant, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
When cevimeline is used together with pegvisomant, this leads to enhanced risk or seriousness of adverse events
When pegvisomant is used together in combination with profenamine, this leads to reduction in therapeutic effectiveness of profenamine
Actions and Spectrum:
Action:
GH Receptor Antagonism: Pegvisomant works by binding to GH receptors on cells, specifically blocking the actions of endogenous growth hormone. By doing so, it interferes with the signaling pathways that promote growth and metabolic effects mediated by GH.
Reduction of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) Levels: By blocking GH receptors, pegvisomant can lower levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is typically elevated in individuals with acromegaly. High levels of IGF-1 contribute to the symptoms associated with the condition.
Spectrum:
Normalization of IGF-1 Levels:
Pegvisomant therapy aims to reduce elevated IGF-1 levels, thereby alleviating the symptoms and complications associated with acromegaly, such as soft tissue swelling, enlarged organs, joint pain, and cardiovascular issues.
Frequency not defined Thickening of the skin
Hypoglycemia
Chest pain
Swelling of the limbs
Diarrhea
Nausea
Chills
Bodyache
Fever
None
Contraindication/Caution: Hypersensitivity:
Pegvisomant should not be used by anyone who has a history of known hypersensitivity or adverse reaction to pegvisomant or any of its ingredients.
Active malignancy: Pegvisomant is not recommended for individuals with active malignancies or cancer. Its effects on tumor growth are not well understood, and its use in such cases may pose risks.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pegvisomant’s safety during pregnancy or nursing has not been determined. Consequently, unless the possible advantages outweigh the potential hazards, it is usually not advised for use by those who are pregnant or nursing.
Liver impairment: Pegvisomant is primarily metabolized in the liver. Patients with severe liver impairment may require dosage adjustments or should avoid its use altogether due to the lack of sufficient data on its safety and efficacy in this population.
Pregnancy warnings: Pregnancy category: AU TGA pregnancy category: B3 US FDA pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown Pregnancy Categories:
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester.
Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.
Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.
Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.
Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.
Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category
Pharmacology: Pegvisomant is a medication used in the management of acromegaly.
Pharmacodynamics: Pegvisomant is a GH receptor antagonist. It works by binding to GH receptors on cells, thereby blocking the action of GH. By competing with endogenous GH for binding to its receptor, pegvisomant prevents GH from exerting its usual effects, particularly the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
Pegvisomant is administered via subcutaneous injection, where it enters the bloodstream directly.
It has a slow absorption rate after injection, with peak serum concentrations reached within several days.
Distribution
Upon entering the bloodstream, pegvisomant is distributed throughout the body. It binds to growth hormone receptors, blocking the action of growth hormone.
Metabolism
Pegvisomant is primarily metabolized in the liver. It undergoes proteolytic degradation, like the body’s natural breakdown of proteins.
Excretion and Elimination
The metabolites of pegvisomant are eliminated mainly via the hepatic route, with bile as the primary route of excretion.
The exact half-life of pegvisomant is approximately 6 days, allowing for a sustained duration of action.
Administration:
The dosage of pegvisomant varies based on individual patient needs and is determined by the healthcare provider. It is typically administered subcutaneously. The dosage may be adjusted over time to achieve optimal therapeutic results.
Pegvisomant is supplied as a powder in a vial, and it needs to be reconstituted with a diluent before administration. Healthcare providers should instruct patients on the proper injection technique, including site rotation to minimize injection site reactions.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: pegvisomant
Why do we use pegvisomant?
Pegvisomant reduces the effects of excess growth hormone by inhibiting the body’s growth hormone receptors. It aids in the management of acromegaly symptoms, including larger hands and feet, altered facial features, joint discomfort, and other issues brought on by high levels of growth hormone.
Both our subscription plans include Free CME/CPD AMA PRA Category 1 credits.
On course completion, you will receive a full-sized presentation quality digital certificate.
A dynamic medical simulation platform designed to train healthcare professionals and students to effectively run code situations through an immersive hands-on experience in a live, interactive 3D environment.
When you have your licenses, certificates and CMEs in one place, it's easier to track your career growth. You can easily share these with hospitals as well, using your medtigo app.
