This medication is used to reduce excess fat in the
stomach area (abdomen) in people with HIV infection who have changes in the
way their body fat is distributed. Some HIV drugs may cause this side
effect (increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in
the arms and legs). Tesamorelin works by causing your body to make more
growth hormone.
This medication should not be used for weight
loss.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start this medication
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 once daily. The injection is given in the stomach
(abdomen).
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 scarred,
bruised, 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 time each
day.
Redness, itching, pain, irritation, or bruising at the
injection site may occur. Muscle aches may also 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- muscle/joint pain or stiffness
- numbness/tingling/swelling in your arms or legs
This medication may rarely make your blood sugar rise,
which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have
symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you
already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and
share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your
diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
This medication may rarely increase the risk of getting
a new cancer or of a previous cancer coming back. Talk with your doctor for
details.
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 this medication, 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:
- cancer
- diabetes
- tumors
- hypothalamus or pituitary gland problems (such as due to head
injury, pituitary tumor/surgery)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It
may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be
pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because breast milk may transmit HIV, 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, IGF-1
levels) should be done while you are using this medication. 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.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. 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.