Pasireotide is used to treat a certain condition
(Cushing's disease) when surgery has not been fully successful or cannot be
used to correct the condition. Cushing's disease occurs when the body makes
too much of a certain hormone called cortisol. Having too much cortisol in
the body may lead to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and other
problems. Pasireotide works by decreasing the amount of cortisol made in
the body.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
provided by your pharmacist before you start using pasireotide and each
time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and
use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually twice daily. The injection is given in the thigh or
abdominal/stomach area. The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before
injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the
injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time
to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is red or
irritated. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot.
Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each
day.
It may take up to 2 months before you get the full
benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Headache, hair loss, dizziness, diarrhea, gas, bloating,
constipation, muscle pain, swelling of arms/legs, and
redness/pain/swelling/itching/bleeding at injection site may occur. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may cause changes in blood sugar,
especially if you have diabetes. Symptoms of high blood sugar include
increased thirst and urination. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden
sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or
tingling hands/feet. Follow your doctor's instructions to treat low blood
sugar (for example, by eating a quick source of sugar such as glucose
gel/tablets, table sugar, honey, or drinking fruit juice or non-diet soda).
Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of high or low blood
sugar while using this medication. Monitor your blood sugar levels as
directed by your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes
medications.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- nausea/vomiting
- weakness
- unusual tiredness
- weight loss
- change in stool color
- extreme drowsiness
- mental/mood changes
- seizures
- slow heartbeat
- signs of liver/gall bladder disease (such as loss of
appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using pasireotide, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- liver disease
- heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat, heart
block)
- diabetes
- gallbladder problems (such as gallstones)
Pasireotide may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using pasireotide, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your
doctor about using pasireotide safely.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially QT prolongation.
Treatment with this medication may improve fertility in
women and may lead to unintended pregnancy. Ask your doctor for more
details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood sugar tests,
hemoglobin A1c, liver function, hormone levels including cortisol and
thyroid, EKG, gallbladder ultrasound) should be done before you start using
this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep the medication in the
original packaging to protect from light. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.