Exercise

Combined with a proper diet and good lifestyle choices, daily exercise is important for staying healthy. Routine exercise may improve the heart and circulation, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce body fat, and maintain a healthy weight. Exercising routinely can also help prevent complications, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol.1

People can benefit from some alternative forms of exercise as well, such as yoga and meditation. These activities not only provide physical endurance, but have been shown to have a positive effect on spiritual and mental well-being.1

Always speak with a healthcare provider about medications, any symptoms you may be experiencing, and before starting a new exercise program.

Resistance Exercise

Resistance exercises may improve the metabolic and body composition changes in people with HIV. These exercises include1:

  • Stretching
  • Weight lifting
  • Resistance training

According to a review on the physiological and psychological effects of exercise interventions in HIV disease published by Trace: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange, these types of activities can help build muscle mass and reduce excess fat and are generally recommended 3 or 4 times a week.

Aerobic Exercise

According to the US Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines, moderately intense physical activity for more than 30 minutes a day can help reduce the risk of heart complications, decrease “bad” cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and improve “good” cholesterol levels. These exercises include1:

  • Walking
  • Dancing
  • Swimming
  • Biking

How long and how hard you work out depends on your overall health.

Learn how to manage a healthy lifestyle

Reference:

  1. Dudgeon WD, Phillips KD, Bopp CM, et al. Physiological and Psychological Effects of Exercise Interventions in HIV Disease. Aids Patient Care ST. 2004;(18)2.
Important Risk Information and IndicationToggle Button

Important Risk Information and Indication

Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their clinician potential benefits and risks associated with Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection].

You should NOT take Serostim® if:

  • You are hospitalized with complications due to heart or abdominal surgery
  • You are hospitalized for serious injuries
  • You are hospitalized for respiratory failure
  • You currently have cancer. Any cancer treatment should be completed before starting Serostim®
  • You are allergic to growth hormone products or any materials associated with the product

You should tell your clinician if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You are currently taking any medications for HIV
  • You have a history of diabetes

The most common adverse reactions associated with Serostim® are:

  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Swelling (particularly of the hands or feet)

These side effects were generally mild-to-moderate in severity, and were often managed by lowering the dose.1

High blood glucose (sugar levels) may occur in HIV-infected individuals for many reasons and has also been reported in Serostim® clinical studies. If you have a history of high blood glucose or have other risk factors for glucose intolerance, you should be monitored closely while on Serostim®. New onset type 2 diabetes or worsening of current diabetes has been reported with Serostim®. Patients have experienced complications of diabetes, some of which were serious and continued after stopping treatment with Serostim®.

What is Serostim®?

Serostim® is human growth hormone and is the only FDA-approved medicine clinically proven to significantly increase lean body mass and body weight, and improve physical endurance. You must be on anti-retroviral therapy to be prescribed Serostim®.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. For additional information about Serositm® please consult the Prescribing Information and ask your doctor if Serostim® is right for you. You can also call the AXIS Center toll-free at 1-877-714-AXIS (2947). Serostim® is available by prescription only.

Please see Serostim® Prescribing Information available in English and Spanish

Reference:

  1. Moyle GJ, Daar ES, Gertner JM, et al. Growth hormone improves lean body mass, physical performance, and quality of life in subjects with HIV-associated weight loss or wasting on highly active antiretroviral therapy. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2004;35:367-375.

Indication

Serostim® is indicated for the treatment of HIV patients with wasting or cachexia to increase lean body mass and body weight, and improve physical endurance. Concomitant antiretroviral therapy is necessary.