Decreased Physical Endurance

There are two reasons why people with HIV-associated wasting may experience decreased physical endurance1-5:

  • Abnormal metabolism: the body changes how it uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that are needed to supply energy for everyday activities
  • Change in energy source: instead of drawing energy from fat, the body begins to draw energy from lean body mass

A decrease in physical endurance is the most common and distressing symptom associated with HIV-associated wasting.6 It can be more than just feeling tired. Patients with decreased physical endurance can experience symptoms like:

  • Weakness
  • Loss of energy

Things you can do to help improve physical endurance include talking to your healthcare provider about7:

  • Following a healthy, balanced diet to help maintain weight and increase energy8
  • Getting proper nutrition by keeping healthy pre-packaged or simple meal options in stock when too tired to cook
  • Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine9
  • Getting the proper amount of sleep and rest
  • Treatment options for HIV-associated wasting that can help increase physical endurance. Use the information and resources on this site to help start the conversation

Learn why HIV-associated wasting occurs

References:

  1. Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] Prescribing Information. Rockland, MA: EMD Serono; 2007.
  2. Castaneda C. Muscle wasting and protein metabolism. J Anim Sci. 2002;80(E Suppl. 2):E98-E105.
  3. Roubenoff R, Grinspoon S, Skolnik PR, et al. Role of cytokines and testosterone in regulating lean body mass and resting energy expenditure in HIV-infected men. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2002;283:E138-E145.
  4. Lutz NW, Yahi N, Fantini J, et al. Perturbations of glucose metabolism associated with HIV infection in human intestinal epithelial cells: a multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. AIDS. 1997;11:147-155.
  5. Frost RA, Lang CH, Gelato MC. Transient exposure of human myoblasts to tumor necrosis factor-α inhibits serum and insulin-like growth factor-I stimulated protein synthesis. Endocrinology. 1997;138:4153-4159.
  6. Dudgeon WD, Phillips KD, Carson JA, et al. Counteracting muscle wasting in HIV-infected individuals. HIV Med. 2006;7:299-310.
  7. Fatigue. United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Available at: http://www.hiv.va.gov/patient/side-effects-guide/fatigue.asp. Accessed April 4, 2011.
  8. Diet and Nutrition. HIVInsite Web site. Available at: http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/hiv?page=pb-daily-diet. Accessed April 4, 2011.
  9. 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.