Weight Loss

People with HIV-associated wasting lose weight without trying. As weight changes, your appearance may change, too.1 It may cause concern among friends, family, and/or co-workers.

But it's more than weight loss. HIV-associated wasting also depletes the body of lean body mass, which is made up of muscles, organs, blood, and water.2,3

It’s unknown why exactly this decrease in lean body mass happens. But it’s believed that instead of drawing energy from fat, the body uses lean body mass for energy.2,4,5

Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing weight loss. They can provide treatment options for HIV-associated wasting as well as guidance to eating well and physical activity. The information and resources on this site can help you start the conversation. Download and print the patient brochure from the side tab to take with you to your appointment.

Learn about changes in appearance

References:

  1. Wheeler DA, Gibert CL, Launer CA, et al, and the Terry Beirn Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS. Weight loss as a predictor of survival and disease progression in HIV infection. J Acquir Immun Defic Syndr. 1998;18:80-85.
  2. Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] Prescribing Information. Rockland, MA: EMD Serono; 2007.
  3. Dudgeon WD, Phillips KD, Carson JA, et al. Counteracting muscle wasting in HIV-infected individuals. HIV Med. 2006;7:299-310.
  4. 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. 2002;283:E138-E145.
  5. Gelato M, McNurlan M, Freeland E. Role of recombinant human growth hormone in HIV-associated wasting and cachexia: pathophysiology and rationale for treatment. Clin Ther. 2007;29:2269-2288.
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.