Tesamorelin injection

What is this medication?

TESAMORELIN (TES a moe REL in) is used to reduce excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected patients.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Egrifta

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•cancer

•head injury

•recent or ongoing head radiation therapy

•pituitary gland problems including tumor

•diabetes

•recent surgery or trauma

•an unusual or allergic reaction to tesamorelin, mannitol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Do not use this medicine if it has solid particles in it, or if it is cloudy or colored. It should be clear and colorless.

A patient package insert for the product will be given to you with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•cortisone

•prednisone

•ritonavir

•simvastatin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your doctor may order blood tests and other tests to see how you are doing. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed.

This medicine may cause harm to an unborn child. Women taking this medicine must avoid becoming pregnant. If pregnancy occurs, this medication should be stopped. Talk to your doctor if you think you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•chest pain or chest tightness

•increased hunger or thirst

•increased urination

•palpitations

•unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•depressed mood

•muscle pain

•nausea, vomiting

•pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

•pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

•swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store this medicine in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep this medicine protected from light and in the original box. Store the diluent, syringes, and needles at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F).

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.