Pasireotide Injection
Pasireotide injection (Signifor and Signifor LAR) is used to treat Cushing’s disease (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [cortisol]) in adults who cannot be treated with surgery or who did not respond to surgery. Pasireotide injection (Signifor LAR) is also used to decrease the amount of growth hormone (a natural substance) produced by people with acromegaly (condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, causing enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features; joint pain; and other symptoms) who cannot be treated with surgery or who did not respond to surgery. Pasireotide injection is in a class of medications called somatostatin agonists. It works by decreasing the amounts of cortisol produced by the body.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Pasireotide comes a solution (liquid) (Signifor) to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin). Pasireotide also comes as a suspension (liquid) (Signifor LAR) to be mixed with another solution and injected into the muscles of the buttocks by a doctor or nurse. Pasireotide solution (Signifor) is usually injected twice a day at home. It should be injected around the same times every day. Pasireotide suspension (Signifor LAR) is usually injected once every 4 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use pasireotide injection exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are using pasireotide solution (Signifor), you may be able to inject the medication yourself at home or have a friend or relative perform the injections. Your healthcare provider will show you or the person who will be giving the injections how to inject a dose of pasireotide solution (Signifor) at home. Before you use pasireotide solution (Signifor) for the first time, you or the person who will be giving the injections should read the manufacturer’s information for the patient that comes with it. These instructions describe how to inject a dose of pasireotide solution (Signifor). Be sure that you understand these directions. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to inject the medication or how to dispose of used needles and syringes after you inject the medication.
Always look at pasireotide solution (Signifor) before injecting it. Check that the expiration date has not passed and that the liquid is clear and colorless. The liquid should not be cloudy or contain visible particles. Do not use if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
You can inject pasireotide solution (Signifor) anywhere on the front of your thighs (upper leg) or your stomach area. Choose a different spot each time you inject your medication. Do not inject your medication into skin that is irritated or reddened.
Continue to use pasireotide injection even if you feel well. Do not stop using pasireotide injection without talking to your doctor.
It’s not just health insurance premiums, but also deductibles, that keep on rising. In 2018, the average deductible was $3,000 for a gold-tier family plan, $8,000 for a silver-tier family plan and $12,000 for a bronze-tier family plan, according to USC Annenberg’s Center for Health Journalism.
Your doctor may need to increase or decrease your dose depending on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with pasireotide injection.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.