About Serostim

Serostim®, a human growth hormone, is a treatment for HIV-associated wasting in patients receiving antiretroviral (or HAART) therapy. Serostim® is the only FDA-approved treatment that is proven to1:

People treated for HIV-associated wasting with Serostim® have reported improvements in their perceptions of their HIV-associated wasting symptoms, including1,2:

  • Having a better appetite and more enjoyment in eating
  • Positive changes in their appearance
  • Improvements in how they felt
  • Changes in weight that impacted health

Important Considerations and Risk Information

Treatment with Serostim® is not right for everyone. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if Serostim® is an option for you. Use the information and resources on this site to learn more so you can start the conversation.

Who Should Not Take Serostim®?

Serostim® is not for people who:

  • Are hospitalized with complications due to heart or abdominal surgery
  • Are hospitalized for serious injuries
  • Are hospitalized for respiratory failure
  • Currently have cancer. Any cancer treatment should be completed before starting Serostim®
  • Are allergic to growth hormone products or any materials associated with the product

Your healthcare provider should know if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You are currently taking any medications for HIV
  • You have a history of diabetes

People taking Serostim® have reported the following adverse events:

  • 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.2 Contact your physician should you experience any side effects or discomfort during treatment with Serostim®.

Learn more about Serostim® by reading the full Prescribing Information

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References:

  1. Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection] Prescribing Information, EMD Serono, Inc., 2007.
  2. 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.
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.