Somavert is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat a hormonal disorder called acromegaly in certain adults. With acromegaly, your body produces too much growth hormone. In adults, this can cause symptoms such as enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.

Somavert is approved for use in adults whose growth hormone levels haven’t improved enough with surgery or radiation treatment. It can also be used in adults who cannot have surgery or radiation to treat acromegaly.

See the “Somavert uses” section below for details about acromegaly and how Somavert is used to treat it.

Drug details

The active drug in Somavert is pegvisomant. This drug belongs to a class of medications called growth hormone receptor antagonists. (A class of medications is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.) Pegvisomant works to block the growth hormone receptor in your brain. This can prevent excess growth hormone from causing new or worsening symptoms.

Somavert is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells. It comes as a powder that’s mixed with sterile water to form a solution. The solution is then given by subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin) once daily. The drug is available in the following strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Somavert, see the “Somavert uses” section below.

Somavert is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s a biologic drug, which is also called a biologic. This means it’s made from living cells. It‘s not possible to replicate this type of drug exactly. Instead, a biosimilar drug may be developed. A biosimilar drug is just as safe and effective as the brand-name biologic but may cost less. At this time, Somavert is not currently available in biosimilar form.

The Somavert dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

Typically, your doctor will administer your first dose of Somavert in their clinic or office. Then they’ll monitor your blood levels and adjust your dosage over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for your needs.

* IGF-1 is a hormone that helps your bones, organs, and other tissues in your body grow. See “Dosage for acromegaly” just below for more information.

Drug forms and strengths

Somavert comes as a powder that’s mixed with sterile water to form a solution. The solution is then given by subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin). Each package of Somavert comes with the powder and sterile water that are needed to prepare the injection.

Somavert is available in the following strengths:

  • 10 milligrams (mg)
  • 15 mg
  • 20 mg
  • 25 mg
  • 30 mg

Dosage for acromegaly

Somavert’s recommended dosing range for treating acromegaly is 10 mg to 30 mg, taken daily. However, the first dose of Somavert is given as a higher “loading” dose of 40 mg. A loading dose helps the medication start working right away.

After the first dose of 40 mg, you’ll start taking 10 mg daily. Your doctor will then monitor your IGF-1 levels with blood tests every 4 to 6 weeks while you’re taking Somavert. This is a way for your doctor to monitor how well Somavert is working for you. Based on these test results, your doctor may adjust your dosage if needed at any point in your treatment. Specifically:

  • if your IGF-1 levels are too high, your doctor may increase your dosage by 5 mg, or
  • if your IGF-1 levels are too low, your doctor may decrease your dosage by 5 mg

The first dose of Somavert is given at your doctor’s clinic or office. You’ll then be shown how you or a caregiver can give your next injections at home.

The maximum dosage of Somavert is 30 mg in 24 hours, except for the first 40-mg loading dose.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Somavert, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. If you’re not sure when to take your next dose after missing a dose, call your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Somavert is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Somavert is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Somavert can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Somavert. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Somavert, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Somavert, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Somavert can include:

  • infections, such as a respiratory tract infection
  • pain
  • diarrhea
  • flu-like symptoms, such as a fever and body aches
  • injection site reactions, such as redness or other discoloration, swelling, and pain†
  • nausea†

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Somavert. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Somavert’s patient brochure.
† For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Somavert aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects* and their symptoms can include:

* For more information about these side effects, see “Side effect details” below.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Increased liver enzymes

One of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of Somavert was increased liver enzymes. Enzymes are a type of protein that are involved in chemical changes in your body. Increased liver enzymes can be a sign of liver damage.

Symptoms of liver damage may include:

  • yellowing of your skin or eyes
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal (belly) pain

Before you start taking Somavert, your doctor will test your liver enzyme levels with a liver function test. And when you start Somavert, you’ll have monthly liver function tests for at least 6 months. This is done to make sure the drug isn’t affecting your liver.

If your liver enzyme levels increase, your doctor may adjust your Somavert dosage or have you stop taking the drug completely. In most cases, liver enzyme levels return to normal after stopping Somavert. At this time, your doctor may have you try treatment with Somavert again, or they may recommend a different medication to treat your acromegaly.

To find out how often this side effect occurred in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information. If you have questions about your risk for increased liver enzymes while you’re taking Somavert, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Injection site reactions

It’s possible to have injection site reactions while taking Somavert. In fact, injection site reactions were one of the most common side effects people had in clinical trials of the drug.

Injection site reactions result from the insertion of the needle into your skin and the medication affecting the tissue around the injection. Symptoms may include redness or other discoloration, swelling, and pain.

It’s also possible to develop lumps or thickening of the skin at the injection site. These symptoms were much rarer than those listed above. Injecting Somavert into a different area for each dose can help prevent lumps or thickened skin.

If you’re having injection site reactions that concern you or bother you, talk with your doctor about ways to prevent or relieve symptoms. To find out how often this side effect occurred in clinical studies, see the drug’s prescribing information. And if you have questions about your risk for injection site reactions while you’re taking Somavert, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Nausea

Nausea is a very common side effect of Somavert. If you’re experiencing nausea while taking Somavert, discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to prevent nausea or reduce its severity.

To find out how often this side effect occurred in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information. If you have questions about nausea while you’re taking Somavert, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Somavert. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (warmth or redness/deepening of skin color for a brief time)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Allergic reactions have occurred in people using Somavert, but it’s not known how often they occurred in the drug’s clinical trials.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Somavert, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

As with all medications, the cost of Somavert can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Somavert. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Somavert, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Somavert, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Somavert, help may be available.

Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Somavert, offers a copay card that may help lower the cost of their drug. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-645-1280 or visit the drug’s website.

Mail-order pharmacies

Somavert may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Somavert, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic or biosimilar version

Somavert is available only as a brand-name medication.

Somavert is a biologic drug, which is also called a biologic. This means it’s made from living cells. It‘s not possible to replicate this type of drug exactly. Instead, a biosimilar drug may be developed. A biosimilar drug is just as safe and effective as the brand-name biologic but may cost less. At this time, Somavert is not currently available in biosimilar form.

You should take Somavert according to your doctor’s or healthcare provider’s instructions.

Somavert is given by subcutaneous injection, which is an injection under your skin. Your doctor will administer your first dose of Somavert in their clinic or office. You’ll then be shown how you or a caregiver can give your next injections at home.

Somavert can be injected into the upper arm, upper thigh, abdomen, or buttocks. You should rotate injection sites so that you give each injection into a slightly different area.

Each package of Somavert contains a vial of powder and a vial of sterile water. You’ll mix the powder and water to form a solution. After you mix the solution, be sure not to shake the vial or turn it upside down. This can cause the medication to be less effective.

Also, the solution should not foam. If you see foaming when preparing your injection, don’t give the injection and call your doctor or pharmacist. It’s unlikely that this dose can be injected.

Remove Somavert from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before your injection. This lets the solution warm up to room temperature, which can make the injection more comfortable. And always inject your dose of Somavert within 6 hours after mixing it. After 6 hours, the drug is no longer effective, and you must discard it.

For step-by-step injection instructions and proper injection site locations, see the Somavert injection instructions.

When to take

You should take Somavert once a day, at about the same time each day.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Somavert to treat certain conditions. Somavert may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Somavert for acromegaly

Somavert is used in certain adults to treat a hormonal disorder called acromegaly. Acromegaly occurs when your body produces too much growth hormone. This is often caused by a pituitary gland tumor. The pituitary gland in the brain produces growth hormone.

Acromegaly can occur at any age. High growth hormone levels in a child mean that the child will grow in height. But adults may develop symptoms such as:

  • enlarged hands, feet, and facial features, such as the lower jaw or nose
  • severe snoring
  • headaches
  • sweating more than usual

Over time, acromegaly can also affect your organs. This can cause serious side effects, such as cardiomyopathy (an enlarged heart) or a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).

Somavert is approved for use in adults whose growth hormone levels haven’t improved enough with surgery or radiation treatment. It can also be used in adults who cannot have surgery or radiation to treat acromegaly.

Effectiveness for acromegaly

In clinical trials, Somavert was an effective treatment for adults with acromegaly. This drug is also recommended in treatment guidelines by both the Endocrine Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

For more information on how Somavert did in clinical trials, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Somavert and children

Somavert hasn’t been studied in children. So, it’s not known if it may be a safe or effective treatment option for children with acromegaly.

There are no known interactions between Somavert and alcohol. However, Somavert may increase your liver enzymes,* which can be a sign of liver damage. Alcohol may also cause liver damage. Another possible side effect of Somavert is nausea, which can be made worse by drinking alcohol.

For these reasons, your doctor may recommend limiting how much alcohol you drink while you’re taking Somavert. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink while taking Somavert.

* Enzymes are a type of protein that are involved in chemical changes in your body.

Somavert can interact with several other medications. It’s not known to interact with supplements or foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the number of side effects or make them more severe.

Somavert and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Somavert. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Somavert.

Before taking Somavert, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Types of drugs that can interact with Somavert include:

  • Certain diabetes drugs. These drugs (which may include insulin and other oral* and injectable diabetes drugs) cause your blood sugar levels to decrease. Taking Somavert with these drugs may cause your blood sugar levels to decrease to an unsafe level. Your doctor will likely monitor your blood sugar levels while you’re taking Somavert, and they may reduce your dosage of diabetes drug if needed. These actions can help prevent you from experiencing low blood sugar levels. Examples of these diabetes drugs include:
  • Opioids. Somavert may not be as effective as usual in people taking opioid drugs. Talk with your doctor about the best dosage of Somavert for you if you’re taking an opioid drug. Your doctor may recommend a higher than usual dosage of Somavert for you. Examples of opioid drugs include:

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

* Oral means taken by mouth.

Somavert and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Somavert. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Somavert.

Somavert and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Somavert. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Somavert, talk with your doctor.

Somavert is used in certain adults to treat a hormonal disorder called acromegaly.

What happens with acromegaly

Acromegaly occurs when your body produces too much growth hormone. In adults, this can cause symptoms such as enlarged hands, feet, and facial features. Other symptoms may include severe snoring, headaches, or sweating more than usual. This condition can also affect your organs over time, which can be serious.

See the “Somavert uses” section above for details about acromegaly.

What Somavert does

Somavert works to block the growth hormone receptor in your brain. This can prevent excess growth hormone from causing new acromegaly symptoms. It can also keep your current symptoms from getting worse.

For growth hormone to cause symptoms, it must first bind (attach) to a receptor in your brain. A receptor is a type of protein. To prevent this, Somavert binds to the growth hormone receptor. This prevents the growth hormone from binding to the receptor and further affecting your body.

Your doctor will monitor your insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels with blood tests throughout your Somavert treatment. IGF-1 is a hormone that helps your bones, organs, and other tissues in your body grow. By blocking the effects of growth hormone, Somavert causes IGF-1 levels to decrease. So, IGF-1 monitoring is a way for your doctor to monitor how well Somavert is working for you.

How long does it take to work?

Somavert begins working a few days after your first injection. However, it’s important to note that Somavert works to prevent acromegaly symptoms from getting worse. It can also prevent new symptoms from developing. But it doesn’t reverse any changes in your body that have already occurred.

For example, if you have enlarged hands, Somavert won’t cause your hands to return to the size they were before treatment. Instead, this medication works to prevent your hands from growing more. If you have questions about what to expect from taking Somavert, talk with your doctor.

It’s not known if Somavert is safe to take during pregnancy. There’s not enough data on the use of Somavert during pregnancy to determine if the drug is a safe option.

In animal studies, there was a risk of pregnancy loss in pregnant females who were given Somavert. But, animal studies don’t always predict what might happen in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before starting Somavert.

Somavert and fertility

Somavert may cause an increase in fertility (the ability to conceive a child) in females.* This means that it may be easier to become pregnant while taking Somavert. Somavert isn’t known to affect fertility in males.*

Talk with your doctor about the possibility of pregnancy occurring while you’re taking Somavert. They may recommend birth control methods if you would like to prevent pregnancy from occurring.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

It’s not known if Somavert is safe to take during pregnancy. Somavert may also increase the chance of becoming pregnant, in females.*

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Somavert.

For more information about taking Somavert during pregnancy, see the “Somavert and pregnancy” section above.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

It is not known if it’s safe to breastfeed while taking Somavert. In one report, Somavert was not detected in breast milk when taken while breastfeeding. However, more information is needed to determine how safe it is to breastfeed while taking this drug.

If you’re breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of Somavert treatment.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Somavert.

Will I need to have lab tests done while I’m taking Somavert?

Yes. Throughout Somavert treatment, your doctor will monitor your insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. This is done with a blood test every 4 to 6 weeks. Somavert works to block the effects of excess growth hormone, which causes IGF-1 levels to decrease. So, monitoring your IGF-1 levels is a way for your doctor to monitor how well Somavert is working for you.

You’ll also have liver function tests before and during Somavert treatment. This is a blood test that checks for signs that the drug may be affecting your liver. During Somavert treatment, liver function tests are typically done:

  • once a month for the first 6 months,
  • every 3 months for the next 6 months, and then
  • once every 6 months for the rest of your treatment

If your doctor notices changes in your liver function, they may recommend having liver function tests more often to monitor the changes. And based on your IGF-1 test results or your liver function test results, your doctor may adjust your Somavert dosage.

If you have more questions about what lab tests you may need to have done before and during Somavert treatment, talk with your doctor.

Does Somavert cure acromegaly?

No, Somavert doesn’t cure acromegaly. Instead, the drug works to prevent your symptoms of acromegaly from getting worse. It can also prevent new symptoms from developing. But the drug doesn’t reverse any changes in your body that have already occurred.

For example, if you have enlarged hands, Somavert won’t cause your hands to return to the size they were before treatment. Instead, this medication works to prevent your hands from growing more.

If you’re curious about what Somavert does, see the “How Somavert works” section above. And if you have additional questions about what to expect from taking Somavert, talk with your doctor.

What is IGF-1? And how is it affected by Somavert?

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a hormone that helps your bones, organs, and other tissues in your body grow. Growth hormone causes your body to produce IGF-1. So if you have a high level of growth hormone in your body, you’ll also have a high IGF-1 level.

You’ll have blood tests every 4 to 6 weeks throughout your Somavert treatment to monitor your IGF-1 levels. This is because Somavert works to block the effects of growth hormone, and this causes your IGF-1 levels to decrease. So, monitoring IGF-1 levels helps your doctor assess how well Somavert is working for you.

Growth hormone levels and IGF-1 levels are both measured with blood tests. But IGF-1 tests provide a more stable measurement of your average growth hormone levels than growth hormone tests do. This is because growth hormone is released into your body in short bursts throughout the day. This can cause growth hormone test results to be falsely high or low, depending on the timing of the test.

Monitoring your IGF-1 levels helps your doctor determine the best dosage of Somavert for you and how effective the medication is for you. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor.

Before taking Somavert, talk with your doctor about your health history. Somavert may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Diabetes. If you have diabetes, your doctor will likely monitor your blood sugar more often than usual while you’re taking Somavert. Somavert may decrease your blood sugar levels. This can cause your blood sugar to fall to an unsafe level, especially if you take diabetes medications that can also lower blood sugar. If your blood sugar levels become too low while you’re taking Somavert, your doctor may decrease your dosage of diabetes medications. Be sure to discuss your diabetes with your doctor before starting Somavert.
  • Liver problems. Somavert may cause increased liver enzymes,* which can be a sign of liver damage. If you already have a liver problem, taking Somavert may make it worse. Be sure to talk with your doctor about any liver problems that you may have. They may recommend having blood tests to monitor your liver function more often than usual. They may also recommend a medication other than Somavert to treat your acromegaly.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Somavert or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Somavert. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
  • Pregnancy. It is not known if Somavert is safe to take during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Somavert and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It is not known if Somavert is safe to use when breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Somavert and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Somavert, see the “Somavert side effects” section above.

* Enzymes are a type of protein that are involved in chemical changes in your body.

Using more than the recommended dosage of Somavert can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Somavert than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose may include fatigue (lack of energy).

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Somavert from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication. However, once this medication is mixed, you must use it within 6 hours.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Before you mix the powder and sterile water to form a solution, you should store Somavert in the refrigerator. The temperature should be 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). You should never freeze Somavert.

Disposal

Right after you’ve used a syringe, needle, or autoinjector, dispose of it in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident or harming themselves with the needle. You can buy a sharps container online or ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health insurance company where to get one.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.