Treating HIV-associated Wasting

Different types of prescription drugs can be used to treat HIV-associated wasting. These medications have different benefits and risks. Each type fights the effects of wasting in a different way.

  • Appetite stimulants: oral treatments intended to increase appetite1
  • Anabolic steroid: oral treatment that is similar to the male hormone and promotes weight gain2,3
  • Growth hormone: Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] is the only FDA-approved injectable growth hormone that increases weight, increases lean body mass, and improves physical endurance.4 People taking Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] have reported the following adverse events: muscle aches, joint pain, and swelling (particularly of hands and feet). See the Important Risk Information for additional safety information regarding Serostim®

A healthcare provider can help you or a loved one determine which treatment is the right fit. The first step is learning about the treatment options that are available and starting the conversation about HIV-associated wasting. Use the resources and information on this site to learn more and talk to your healthcare provider.

Learn important information about Serostim

References:

  1. Marinol® (dronabinol) Prescribing Information. Unimed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2008.
  2. Megace® (megestrol acetate) Prescribing Information, Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc., 2010.
  3. Oxandrin® (oxandrolone) Prescribing Information. Savient Pharmaceuticals, 2005.
  4. Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] Prescribing Information, EMD Serono, Inc., 2007.
Important Risk Information and IndicationToggle Button

What is Serostim®?

Serostim® is an injectable prescription medicine used for the treatment of HIV patients with wasting or cachexia to increase lean body mass and body weight, and improve physical endurance. Treatment with antiretroviral therapy at the same time is necessary.

You Should not take Serostim® if you have:

  • A critical illness due to complications after open heart surgery, abdominal surgery, serious injuries or have severe breathing problems
  • Cancer or undergoing treatment for cancer
  • Certain types of eye diseases caused by diabetes
  • Allergies to growth hormone or benzyl alcohol, an ingredient in the liquid used to mix Serostim®

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Serostim®? Before using Serostim®, tell your doctor if you have or are:

  • A critical illness due to complications after open heart surgery, abdominal surgery or serious injuries or have severe breathing problems
  • Cancer or history of cancer
  • Skin lesions
  • Diabetes, a family history of diabetes or have been told by your doctor that you are at risk for diabetes
  • Multiple hormone deficiencies
  • Pregnant or nursing
  • Taking any medications, especially cyclosporine, hormone replacement therapy, insulin or other diabetes medications, drugs containing steroids, or drugs for seizure
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Over 65 years of age
  • Have any other medical condition

What are the possible side effects of Serostim®? Serostim® may cause serious side effects including:

Concomitant Antiretroviral Therapy:
In some experimental systems, somatropin has been shown to increase HIV replication in vitro.
Because of this possibility for acceleration of virus replication, it is recommended that you continue on your antiretroviral therapy for the duration of Serostim® treatment.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance/Diabetes:
Cases of new onset impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes), new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus and worsening of current diabetes mellitus have been reported in patients receiving Serostim®. Some patients developed diabetic complications (ketoacidosis and diabetic coma). In some patients, these conditions improved when Serostim® was discontinued, while in others, the glucose intolerance persisted.

Intracranial Hypertension:
Intracranial hypertension, a rise in the pressure inside the skull, associated visual changes, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting has been reported.

Fluid Retention/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
Water retention may occur in adults during Serostim® therapy. Increased swelling, particularly in the hands and feet, muscle or joint pain may occur during treatment with Serostim®. Often these reactions resolve with analgesic therapy, or after decreasing the number of doses.
Carpal tunnel syndrome may occur during treatment with Serostim®. If the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome do not resolve by decreasing the weekly number of doses of Serostim®, it is recommended that treatment be discontinued.

Kaposi's sarcoma, Lymphoma and other Malignancies:
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), lymphoma, and other malignancies are more common in HIV+ individuals. There was no increase in the incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma, or in the progression of cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma in clinical studies of Serostim®. Patients with internal KS lesions were excluded from the studies. Potential effects on other malignancies are unknown.

Local and Systemic Reactions:
Injection sites should be changed (rotated) to avoid tissue atrophy. Patients should be informed that local and systemic reactions are possible and that prompt medical attention should be sought if allergic reactions occur.

Pancreatitis:
Inflammation of the pancreas has been reported rarely in adults receiving growth hormone.

The most common side effects of Serostim® include:

  • In clinical trials the most common adverse reactions included swelling (particularly of the hands or feet), muscle pain, joint pain, numbness, and pain in extremities.
  • Injection site reactions (pain, numbness, redness, swelling). Change (rotate) your injection site to help lower your risk for injection site reactions.
  • Fluid retention
  • Bone, joint or muscle pain
  • Swelling of the extremities
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Breast enlargement
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Increase in blood glucose
  • Increase in triglycerides

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. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact EMD Serono at 1-800-283-8088 ext. 5563.

This information is not intended to replace discussions with your doctor. For additional information about Serostim®, please consult the Prescribing Information and talk to your doctor. You can also visit www.serostim.com. Serostim® is available by prescription only.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for a complete discussion of Serostim®'s risks.

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®[somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] 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.