Treating wasting or cachexia in certain patients with HIV infection. It is usually used along with other medicines that treat HIV infection. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Serostim is a growth hormone. It works by increasing lean body weight, body mass, and physical endurance.
Important safety information:
Do NOT use more than the recommended dose or change your dose without checking with your doctor.
Severe and sometimes fatal lung and breathing problems have occurred with the use of somatropin in certain children with Prader-Willi syndrome. These children were usually either very overweight or had severe breathing problems. The risk may be greater in boys. Children with Prader-Willi syndrome should have certain breathing tests before they start Serostim. They should be monitored for signs of lung or airway infection. They should also have effective weight control. Contact the doctor at once if the patient develops irregular breathing during sleep, new or increased snoring, or symptoms of lung or airway infection (eg, fever, coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort).
An increased risk of a second cancer has been seen in patients that had certain types of cancer as a child and received Serostim to treat the lack of growth hormone. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
Rarely, increased pressure in the head has been reported in patients using somatropin. The risk may be greater in patients with chronic kidney problems, Turner syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome. Symptoms usually occurred within the first 8 weeks after the start of treatment. The symptoms have gone away after the dose was lowered or treatment was stopped. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. Contact your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as vision changes or severe headache, nausea, or vomiting.
Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) has been reported rarely in patients who use Serostim. The risk may be greater in children, especially in girls who have Turner syndrome. Contact your doctor right away if you develop severe stomach or back pain.
Serostim may cause mild swelling (particularly in the hands or feet), or muscle or joint pain, swelling, or stiffness. These effects may go away on their own. If they persist or become bothersome, check with your doctor for ways to lessen these effects. Do not take any pain medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Serostim may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, urinate more often, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
Diabetes patients - Serostim may affect your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Lab tests, including blood sugar levels, blood electrolytes, thyroid function, and eye exams, may be performed while you use Serostim. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Serostim with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Serostim may have benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in NEWBORNS or INFANTS. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.
Serostim should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Serostim while you are pregnant. It is not known if Serostim is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Serostim, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Serostim side effects
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Mild swelling (eg, of the hands or feet); muscle or joint pain; nausea.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); body pain or stiffness; breast enlargement; burning, numbness, or tingling; change in appearance or size of a mole; chest pain; depression; fast heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent cough or sore throat; new growth on the skin; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach or back pain, nausea, or vomiting; severe or persistent swelling of the ankles, legs, hands, or feet; shortness of breath; snoring or irregular breathing during sleep; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; confusion; unusual drowsiness); thickened or hardened skin at the injection site; trouble breathing; unusual bruising; vision changes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
Can Serostim be stopped immediately or do I have to stop the consumption gradually to ween off?
In some cases, it always advisable to stop the intake of some medicines gradually because of the rebound effect of the medicine.
It's wise to get in touch with your doctor as a professional advice is needed in this case regarding your health, medications and further recommendation to give you a stable health condition.
Who should not take Serostim?
Some medical conditions may interact with Serostim. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have a history of lung or breathing problems (eg, airway blockage, respiratory infection, sleep apnea), an underactive thyroid, heart problems, high blood pressure, pancreas problems, liver or kidney problems, or endocrine problems (eg, pituitary or adrenal gland problems)
if you have a history of diabetes, high blood sugar levels, or if a member of your family has had diabetes
if you have a history of leukemia, other types of cancer (eg, skin cancer), or any unusual growths or tumors (especially in the brain)
if you have curvature of the spine (scoliosis), carpal tunnel syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, or a certain eye problem called papilledema (swelling of the area around your optic nerve)
if you are very overweight or have had a recent major surgery or injury
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Serostim. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Estrogens because they may decrease Serostim's effectiveness
Anticonvulsants (eg, carbamazepine) or cyclosporine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Serostim
Corticosteroids (eg, cortisone, prednisone) or insulin or other medicines for diabetes because their effectiveness may be decreased by Serostim
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Serostim may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How should I take Serostim?
Use Serostim as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Serostim is given as an injection under the skin. A health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Serostim. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
Serostim should be clear and colorless. Do not use Serostim if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the container is cracked or damaged.
Do not shake Serostim. Swirl the vial gently to mix it.
Be sure to rotate your injection site as directed to help avoid thickening or hardening of the skin.
Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
If you miss a dose of Serostim, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Serostim.
Can Serostim be taken or consumed while pregnant?
Please visit your doctor for a recommendation as such case requires special attention.
Can Serostim be taken for nursing mothers or during breastfeeding?
Kindly explain your state and condition to your doctor and seek medical advice from an expert.
Reviews
Following the study conducted by gmedication.com on Serostim, the result is highlighted below. However, it must be clearly stated that the survey and result is based solely on the perception and impression of visitors and users of the website as well as consumers of Serostim. We, therefore, urge readers not to base their medical judgment strictly on the result of this study but on test/diagnosis duly conducted by a certified medical practitioners or physician.
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