Getting Support

Working together with a healthcare professional, nutritionist, or dietitian is key to ensuring HIV-associated wasting is being managed and that progress is meeting expectations. Managing this condition is a team effort that often requires the support and education of the people around you. The information and resources on this site can help you learn more and talk to your healthcare team about HIV-associated wasting.

Talk to a healthcare professional about your general health, how you are feeling, and share any changes you may experience. These changes might include new symptoms, life stressors such as changes in jobs or relationships, substance use, and anxiety.1,2

Be Aware of Changes in Your Body

Regular communication with a physician and/or nutritionist keeps them aware of changes in your health and lets them make important decisions. Keeping track of changes can also help you notice any changes that you should discuss with the healthcare team.1,2

Suggestions on How to Talk With Your Doctor

Talking to your doctor about weight loss or a decline in physical endurance that you may be experiencing is important. This is necessary for early interventions to combat the effects of HIV-associated wasting.1,2

  • Track your weight over time, noting any changes
  • Take time to tell your doctor about changes in your weight and how you are feeling
  • Tell your doctor about changes in your level of physical endurance that you may be experiencing
  • Ask your doctor about HIV-associated wasting, and if your doctor gives you a diagnosis of HIV-associated wasting, there may be treatment options appropriate for you

Get more online resources

References:

  1. Grinspoon S, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2003;36(suppl 2):S69-S78.
  2. Wilson IB, Cleary PD. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Hum Retrovirol.1997;16:343-349.
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.