Taking Serostim

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. Besides being a 100% needle-free device, cool.click® 2 offers:

  • An option for appropriate patients with needle anxiety
  • Less risk of accidental needle sticks to a patient’s family or caregiver
  • An alternative delivery method for patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse who are reluctant to use a needle or syringe

Although infrequent, delivery-site reactions may occur.

  • cool.click®2 should not be used with patients who bruise or bleed easily or who are taking anticoagulants or any therapy that may contribute to excess bruising or bleeding. Hemophiliacs should not use this device.
  • cool.click®2 is not recommended for patients who do not have adequate subcutaneous tissue or normal hematopoietic function.
  • cool.click®2 should not be used in patients for whom growth hormone is contraindicated.
  • cool.click®2 is available by prescription only. Please refer to cool.click®2 instructions for use.

Only a healthcare provider can determine which delivery method is right for you. Use the information on this site and talk to your healthcare provider about managing your symptoms with HIV-associated wasting.

Get the instructions for Serostim® needle injection

Get the instructions for cool.click® 2 needle-free injection

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.