Pasireotide

Generic Name: pasireotide

Somatostatin Analog [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Signifor

11 DESCRIPTION SIGNIFOR (pasireotide) injection is prepared as a sterile solution of pasireotide diaspartate in a tartaric acid buffer for administration by subcutaneous injection. SIGNIFOR is a somatostatin analog.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION SIGNIFOR (pasireotide) injection is prepared as a sterile solution of pasireotide diaspartate in a tartaric acid buffer for administration by subcutaneous injection. SIGNIFOR is a somatostatin analog.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SIGNIFOR is a somatostatin analog indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Cushing's disease for whom pituitary surgery is not an option or has not been curative ( 1 ) 1.1 Cushing's Disease SIGNIFOR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Cushing's disease for whom pituitary surgery is not an option or has not been curative.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended initial dosage is either 0.6 mg or 0.9 mg by subcutaneous injection twice a day; recommended dosage range is 0.3 mg to 0.9 mg twice a day ( 2.1 ) Titrate dosage based on treatment response [clinically meaningful reduction in 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) and/or improvements in signs and symptoms of disease] and tolerability ( 2.1 ) Testing Prior to Dosing : fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), liver tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), gallbladder ultrasound, and serum potassium and magnesium levels ( 2.2 ) Patients With Hepatic Impairment : Child-Pugh B: Recommended initial dosage is 0.3 mg twice a day and maximum dosage is 0.6 mg twice a day ( 2.3 , 8.6 ) Child-Pugh C: Avoid use in these patients ( 2.3 , 8.6 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosa...

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinically significant adverse reactions that appear in other sections of the labeling include: Hypocortisolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hyperglycemia and Diabetes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Bradycardia and QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Liver Test Elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Cholelithiasis and Complications of Cholelithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Pituitary Hormone Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Steatorrhea and Malabsorption of Dietary Fats [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 20% of patients are diarrhea, nausea, hyperglycemia, cholelithiasis, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, and diabetes mellitus ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVE...

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Drugs that Prolong QT : Use with caution in patients who are at significant risk of developing QTc prolongation ( 5.3 , 7.1 ) Cyclosporine : Consider additional monitoring ( 7.2 ) Bromocriptine : Consider bromocriptine dose reduction ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on SIGNIFOR Drugs That Prolong QT Coadministration of drugs that prolong the QT interval with SIGNIFOR may have additive effects on the prolongation of the QT interval. Caution is required when coadministering SIGNIFOR with drugs that may prolong the QT interval [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] .

Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypocortisolism : Decreases in circulating levels of cortisol may occur resulting in biochemical and/or clinical hypocortisolism. SIGNIFOR dose reduction or interruption and/or adding a low-dose short-term glucocorticoid may be necessary ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia and Diabetes (occurs with initiation) : Intensive glucose monitoring is recommended and may require initiation or adjustment of anti-diabetic treatment per standard of care ( 5.2 ) Bradycardia and QT Prolongation : Use with caution in at-risk patients; ECG testing prior to dosing and on treatment ( 5.3 , 7.1 ) Liver Test Elevations : Evaluate liver tests prior to and during treatment ( 5.4 ) Cholelithiasis and Complications of Cholelithiasis : Monitor periodically. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited data with SIGNIFOR in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In embryo-fetal development studies in rabbits, findings indicating developmental delay were observed with subcutaneous administration of pasireotide during organogenesis at doses less than the exposure in humans at the highest recommended dose; maternal toxicity was not observed at this dose (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING SIGNIFOR is supplied as a single dose, colorless glass ampule packaged in a box of 60 ampules, arranged in 10 packs of 6 ampules each. The following packaging configurations are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pasireotide used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE SIGNIFOR is a somatostatin analog indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Cushing's disease for whom pituitary surgery is not an option or has not been curative ( 1 ) 1.1 Cushing's Disease SIGNIFOR is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Cushing's disease for whom pituitary surgery is not an option or has not been curative.

What are the side effects of Pasireotide?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinically significant adverse reactions that appear in other sections of the labeling include: Hypocortisolism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Hyperglycemia and Diabetes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Bradycardia and QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Liver Test Elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Cholelithiasis and Complications of Cholelithiasis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Pituitary Hormone Deficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Steatorrhea and Malabsorption of Dietary Fats [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Most common adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 20% of patients are diarrhea, nausea, hyperglycemia, cholelithiasis, headache, abdominal pain, fatigue, and diabetes mellitus ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVE...

Can I take Pasireotide during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary The limited data with SIGNIFOR in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. In embryo-fetal development studies in rabbits, findings indicating developmental delay were observed with subcutaneous administration of pasireotide during organogenesis at doses less than the exposure in humans at the highest recommended dose; maternal toxicity was not observed at this dose (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S.

What are the important warnings for Pasireotide?

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypocortisolism : Decreases in circulating levels of cortisol may occur resulting in biochemical and/or clinical hypocortisolism. SIGNIFOR dose reduction or interruption and/or adding a low-dose short-term glucocorticoid may be necessary ( 5.1 ) Hyperglycemia and Diabetes (occurs with initiation) : Intensive glucose monitoring is recommended and may require initiation or adjustment of anti-diabetic treatment per standard of care ( 5.2 ) Bradycardia and QT Prolongation : Use with caution in at-risk patients; ECG testing prior to dosing and on treatment ( 5.3 , 7.1 ) Liver Test Elevations : Evaluate liver tests prior to and during treatment ( 5.4 ) Cholelithiasis and Complications of Cholelithiasis : Monitor periodically. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.