Information about Signifor (Pasireotide)
Signifor (Pasireotide) is a medication used to treat specific types of endocrine disorders, including Cushing's disease and acromegaly. It works by inhibiting the secretion of certain hormones, offering therapeutic benefits in patients with overactive pituitary tumors or other related conditions.
Product Highlights
- Indicated for treating Cushing's disease, a condition resulting from excessive cortisol production due to a pituitary tumor.
- Prescribed for patients with acromegaly, a disorder caused by excess growth hormone, typically due to a pituitary tumor.
- Occasionally used for other endocrine disorders, as determined by a healthcare provider.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Pasireotide helps to lower cortisol levels in patients with Cushing's disease and growth hormone levels in those with acromegaly.
- It can reduce symptoms such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and muscle weakness by controlling cortisol levels.
- Pasireotide helps control abnormal growth in acromegaly patients by lowering excess growth hormone levels.
- It is commonly used when surgery or other treatments have not been successful.
Direction of Use
- Signifor is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically once or twice a day, depending on the patient's condition and doctor's recommendations.
- The dosage is determined by the particular condition being treated. For Cushing's disease, the usual starting dose is 0.6 mg twice daily, while for acromegaly, the dose typically starts at 0.3 mg twice daily. The dosage may be altered depending on the patient's response and tolerance.
- The injection should be administered into the fatty tissue under the skin, usually in the abdomen or thigh, rotating sites to prevent irritation.
- Safety Concerns
- Pasireotide can cause elevated blood sugar levels, potentially leading to or worsening diabetes. Blood glucose should be monitored regularly.
- Prolonged use of pasireotide may increase the risk of gallstones, so patients should be monitored for symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Some patients may experience slow heart rates (bradycardia). Heart function should be monitored, especially in patients with existing heart conditions.
- Pasireotide can affect liver enzymes, so liver function tests should be performed regularly during treatment.
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, which may occur especially during the initiation of therapy.
- In patients with Cushing's disease or acromegaly, Signifor may help shrink pituitary tumors, but it can take time to observe clinical effects.
Avoid Signifor (Pasireotide) If
- Avoid using Signifor if you are allergic to pasireotide or any of its components.
- Avoid Signifor in patients with poorly controlled or untreated diabetes due to the risk of hyperglycemia.
- Pasireotide is not recommended for patients with severe liver impairment, as it can worsen liver function.
- If you have a history of gallstones or gallbladder disease, discuss this with your doctor, as Signifor may increase the risk of developing gallstones.
- Pasireotide can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) and may not be suitable for patients with certain heart conditions without close monitoring.
