Frequently Asked Questions

HIV-associated wasting can be a serious problem. Individuals with HIV-associated wasting lose weight without trying. HIV-associated wasting also depletes the body of lean body mass, including muscle. This may cause individuals with HIV-associated wasting may have less physical endurance.1-3

There are different theories on what may cause HIV-associated wasting, but experts have not figured out what exactly causes this condition. Potential causes include inadequate caloric intake and metabolic problems.1-3

HIV-associated wasting may impact any person living with HIV, even people with well-controlled HIV infection and those taking antiretroviral drugs can develop HIV-associated wasting.2,3

One research study from 2005 looking back at data from medical claims estimated that 7% to 8% of HIV/AIDS patients had a diagnosis of or treatment for cachexia or HIV-associated wasting. The report estimated that there was a higher prevalence in patients over the age of 45.4,5

Possible symptoms can include1-3:

• Involuntary weight loss
• Negative changes to health and how you feel due to weight loss
• Changes in appearance due to weight loss
• Decreased physical endurance

Serostim® is a human growth hormone and is the only FDA-approved medicine clinically proven to significantly increase weight, lean body mass, and improve physical endurance. You must be on antiretroviral therapy to be prescribed Serostim®.1

Your doctor may recommend Serostim® because you are losing weight, lean body mass and possibly physical endurance in patients with HIV-associated wasting. This condition is sometimes referred to as HIV-associated wasting, and Serostim® can help increase weight and lean body mass and improve physical endurance.1

Serostim® can cause fluid to collect in the skin and joints, which can build up pressure in these tissues. These adverse events often resolve with continued treatment, pain medication or after lowering the dose of the drug.1

Patients with a history of elevated blood sugar, such as diabetes, or other risk factors for glucose intolerance should be monitored closely during Serostim® therapy. There have been cases of diabetes occurring in patients receiving Serostim®.1

Growth hormone products have the potential to increase HIV virus load or increase the spread of cancer. As a precaution, patients taking Serostim® should use antiretroviral therapy. Patients should inform their doctor of a history of cancer before starting Serostim® treatment.1

Growth hormone is naturally secreted by an area of the brain called the pituitary gland. Growth hormone impacts how the body uses building blocks for energy.6

Serostim® helps your body build and maintain weight and lean body mass. It allows your metabolism to function appropriately, using fat for energy instead of lean body mass.1

Studies have shown that patients with HIV-associated wasting who were given Serostim® for 12 weeks increased their weight and lean body mass and improved physical endurance. Increases in weight, lean body mass and improvements in physical endurance were maintained or improved through 24 weeks of treatment.1

Serostim® has been shown to increase weight, increase LBM and improve physical endurance. Patients treated with Serostim® reported improvements in their perceptions of their HIV-associated wasting symptoms. These perceptions were reported after 12 weeks at both doses of Serostim® and included1:

• Better appetite and more enjoyment in eating
• Favorable changes in appearance
• Improvements in how they felt
• Changes in weight that impacted health

Please be sure to ask your doctor or healthcare provider any questions you may have about your HIV medications. Serostim® only helps control HIV-associated wasting. Your other medications help control HIV.1

Serostim® should not be used in patients with active cancer or in patients hospitalized in intensive care.

• Patients with a history of diabetes or related glucose intolerance problems should be monitored closely during Serostim® treatment
• Common side effects with Serostim® include muscle aches, joint pain, and 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.7 Contact your physician should you experience any side effects or discomfort during treatment with Serostim®

Yes, it is possible to have an allergic reaction. Make sure to tell your doctor if you experience a skin rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.1

Make sure your doctor knows about any of the following1:

• A diagnosis of any form of cancer
• You become pregnant or start breastfeeding
• Continued weight loss
• Any infection—caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus
• Any tingling feeling in your hands or wrists
• Dizziness
• History of diabetes
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Swelling in your face, head, hands, or feet
• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Nausea or vomiting

Serostim® is a prescription medication. Once your doctor or healthcare provider has determined that you are experiencing HIV-associated wasting, he or she may write you a prescription.

Serostim® is injected under the skin each day, usually at bedtime. Treatment can be administered by using either the Serostim® needle injection or a needle-free delivery device called cool.click 2®. These types of injections are simpler and less penetrating than injections that are given directly into the muscle or a vein.1

Serostim® is covered by most insurance plans. EMD Serono offers support services that can provide access information and financial assistance.1