Pasireotide (By injection)
pas-i-REE-oh-tide
Treats acromegaly (a growth hormone disorder) and Cushing disease.
Drug classes
Endocrine-Metabolic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Pasireotide injection is used to treat Cushing’s disease in adults who cannot have surgery or have failed surgery.
Pasireotide injection is also used for the treatment of acromegaly (a growth hormone disorder) in patients who cannot be treated with surgery.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Use this medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Signifor® LAR:
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, usually the buttocks. Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.Signifor®:
This medicine is usually injected under the skin of the thigh or stomach. You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. You might not use all of the medicine in each ampul (glass container). Do not save an opened ampul. Do not use the medicine if it has changed color or has particles floating in it. Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how pasireotide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Bromocriptine, cyclosporine Beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker Medicine for heart rhythm problemsWhen Not To Use
This medicine is generally considered safe for most people. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have liver disease, adrenal problems, diabetes, heart problems (such as angina, bradycardia, heart failure, heart rhythm problems), or a history of heart attack or gallstones.
Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Changes in heart rhythm Low levels of cortisol in the blood (hypocortisolism) High blood sugar Gallstones Adrenal problemsYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, depression, rash, unusual tiredness or weakness
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, dizziness or lightheadedness
Increased hunger or thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
Pain in your upper stomach or shoulder, yellow skin or eyes
Shaking, trembling, sweating, hunger, faintness or lightheadedness, confusion
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation or stomach pain
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given
Stuffy or runny nose
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Signifor, Signifor LAR
There may be other brand names for this medicine.