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Pegvisomant 💊
Pegvisomant
💉 Pegvisomant is a growth hormone receptor antagonist used in the treatment of acromegaly. Unlike somatostatin analogues, it does not reduce GH secretion but blocks its peripheral action 🧬. Always check the BNF for up-to-date prescribing advice.
⚙️ Mode of Action
- 🧬 Binds to growth hormone (GH) receptors → prevents receptor dimerisation & activation.
- ⬇️ Blocks hepatic production of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1).
- Symptom control is monitored via serum IGF-1 levels 📊.
📋 Indications / Dose
- 👴 Acromegaly: Used when surgery, radiotherapy, or somatostatin analogues are insufficient.
- 💉 Dose: Titrated according to IGF-1 levels (see BNF).
🔗 Interactions
- See BNF for full list.
⚠️ Cautions
- Monitor liver function (risk of hepatitis).
- See BNF for full cautions.
🚫 Contraindications
- See BNF for details.
💊 Side Effects
- ⚠️ Hepatitis (≈1%) → LFT monitoring essential.
- Injection-site reactions 💉
- Headache 🤕
- Rare: allergic reactions 🚨
💡 Clinical Pearl:
Pegvisomant is the only GH receptor antagonist used clinically.
It normalises IGF-1 in most patients but does not shrink tumour size, so MRI surveillance is still required.
🔗 References
- British National Formulary (BNF): Pegvisomant
- Melmed S. Acromegaly pathogenesis and treatment. J Clin Invest. 2009.
- Trainer PJ et al. Safety and efficacy of long-term treatment with pegvisomant. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009.
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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