Dietary Changes

Loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing may contribute to poor nutrition.

Loss of Appetite

For people with HIV-associated wasting, there are many factors that may affect the ability to eat or eat well, including1-4:

  • Being in pain
  • Having sores in the mouth
  • Feeling depressed
  • Feeling tired
  • Difficulty planning meals around HIV medications
  • Being unable to afford healthy foods
  • Using recreational drugs
  • Taking HIV medications that may cause1-2:
    • a decrease in the desire to eat
    • changes in sense of smell and taste
    • diarrhea
    • nausea or vomiting

Difficulty Swallowing

Causes for painful or difficulty swallowing may include5,6:

  • Ulcers
  • Masses in the esophagus (the tube that connects the throat with the stomach)
  • Dental disease
  • Infections
  • Upper GI reflux (stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus)

Learn about infections and other health problems

References:

  1. Shevitz, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2001;32:1769-1775.
  2. Fields-Gardner, et al. J Am Diet Assoc.2004;104:1425-1441.
  3. Nerad, et al. Clin Infect Dis.2003;36:S52-S62.
  4. Gennaro, et al. MCN Am J Of Matern Child Nurse. 2008;33(1):50-57.
  5. Mulligan K, Schambelan M. HIV-associated wasting. Available at: http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-04-01-08. Accessed April 4, 2011.
  6. Williams B, Waters D, Parker K. Evaluation and treatment of weight loss in adults with HIV disease. Am Fam Phys. 1999;60.
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.