Drug reference

Pegvisomant

GnRH Analogue · Acromegaly Treatment

GnRH AnalogueAcromegaly Treatment

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

—

none in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Mechanism

Pegvisomant is a genetically modified analogue of human growth hormone (GH) and a highly selective growth hormone receptor antagonist. It binds to the GH receptor but, due to amino acid substitutions that disrupt site 2, it cannot trigger the conformational change necessary for signal transduction. This prevents GH from activating GH signaling pathways, effectively blocking its action.

Indications

Treatment of acromegaly in patients with inadequate response to surgery, radiation, or both, and to treatment with somatostatin analogues (initiated by a specialist)Treatment of acromegaly due to small pituitary adenomasgrowth hormone excessAcromegalyAcromegaly due to small pituitary adenomas

Dosing

Adult: Initially 80 mg for 1 dose, followed by 10 mg daily by subcutaneous injection, then increased in steps of 5 mg daily, adjusted according to response
Max dose: 30 mg per day

Contraindications

Unexplained elevation of hepatic transaminases

Side effects

Common

ArthralgiaArthritisAstheniaConstipationDiarrhoeaDizzinessDrowsinessDyslipidaemiaDyspnoeaEye painFeverGastrointestinal discomfortGastrointestinal disordersHaemorrhageHeadachesHyperglycaemiaHypertensionHypoglycaemiaInfluenza like illnessLipohypertrophyMyalgiaNauseaNumbnessOedemaSkin reactionsSleep disordersSweat changesTremorVomitingWeight increasedLipohypertrophy at injection sites

Serious