Note: This document contains side effect information about pegvisomant. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Somavert.

Applies to pegvisomant: subcutaneous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of Somavert

Along with its needed effects, pegvisomant (the active ingredient contained in Somavert) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking pegvisomant:

More common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, or discoloration of skin at site of injection
• bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• blurred vision
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• dizziness
• feeling of pressure
• fever
• headache
• hives
• hoarseness
• infection, inflammation, itching, or lump at site of injection
• nervousness
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pounding in the ears
• rapid weight gain
• slow or fast heartbeat
• tingling of hands or feet
• unusual weight gain or loss

Less common

• Thickening of the skin

Incidence not known

• Abdominal pain or tenderness
• clay colored stools
• dark urine
• decreased appetite
• fever
• itching
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• skin rash
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellow eyes or skin

Other side effects of Somavert

Some side effects of pegvisomant may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Accidental injury
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• diarrhea
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• joint pain
• muscle aches and pains
• pain
• pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones
• runny or stuffy nose
• shivering
• shortness of breath or troubled breathing
• sore throat
• sweating
• tightness of chest or wheezing
• trouble sleeping

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to pegvisomant: subcutaneous powder for injection.

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Liver test elevations^[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Lipohypertrophy^[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Cross-reactivity with growth hormone assay^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Systemic hypersensitivity^[Ref]