Glossary

Alcohol Swab:
A soft antiseptic pad used to clean an area of the body before giving an injection.
cool.click®2:
The needle-free device for injecting Serostim®.
Diluent:
The liquid used to dissolve Serostim® powder.
Disposable Gloves:
Rubber gloves used to protect the hands and body when giving an injection that are thrown away after they have been used once.
Gauge:
The diameter or thickness of a slender object such as a needle.
HAART:
Highly active antiretroviral therapy.
Injection Site:
The place on your body to inject as directed by a healthcare provider. Injection sites should be changed each day to avoid tissue damage.
Lean Body Mass:
Lean body mass is made up of muscles, organ tissue, blood and water.
Metabolism:
The process by which the body turns the food we eat into the reserves of energy we need to function and then uses these reserves to release the energy we need to live.
Needle:
A thin, hollow, sharply pointed instrument used for injection. Needles should never be re-used or shared between people.
Needle Cap:
The protective covering on a needle.
Nozzle:
The device that regulates and directs the flow of fluid on cool.click®2. The nozzle should be changed after each injection.
Reconstitution:
Mixing the dry Serostim® powder with diluent before injection.
Sharps Container:
The sealed container used for disposing of used syringes and needles.
Sterile:
Free from bacteria or other microorganisms.
Syringe:
A medical instrument used for injecting or withdrawing fluids. It consists of the barrel and plunger. Syringes should never be re-used or shared between people.
Barrel:
The hollow shaft that is filled with liquids.
Plunger:
The device that pushes fluid or air out of the barrel.
Vial:
A small, closed, disposable container.

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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.