Pegvisomant
Also known as: Somavert
Key Facts: Pegvisomant
- Category
- Hormonal
- FDA Status
- FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- FDA Approved - Acromegaly
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection daily
- Typical Dose
- 10-30 mg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Evidence Level
- FDA Approved
- Duration
- Long-term / chronic use
What to Expect
A GH receptor antagonist that blocks growth hormone action. Used for acromegaly when surgery and somatostatin analogs fail to normalize IGF-1.
Mechanism of Action
Pegvisomant is a modified GH analog that binds GH receptors but prevents receptor activation and signaling. It directly blocks GH action rather than suppressing GH secretion, effectively normalizing IGF-1 levels.
Research Summary
Most effective medical therapy for normalizing IGF-1 in acromegaly (~90% achieve normal IGF-1). Does not shrink tumors. Often combined with somatostatin analogs. PEGylation extends half-life for daily dosing.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
10-30 mg daily
10-40 mg daily
Once daily
GH receptor antagonist for acromegaly. Prescription only. Requires monitoring of liver function.
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
FDA-approved dosing
Doses from Studies
40 mg loading dose
10-30 mg daily maintenance
Duration
Long-term / chronic use
Administration
Subcutaneous injection daily
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Morning or as directed
Follow recommended protocol
Food Recommendation
With or without food
Why This Timing?
Timing may vary based on individual response and goals. Consistency is generally more important than specific timing.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Infection
- ●Pain
- ●Nausea
- ●Injection site reactions
- ●Liver toxicity (rare but serious)
- ●Hypoglycemia in diabetics
- ●FDA approved (Somavert)
References
Related Peptides
Peptides commonly compared with Pegvisomant or used in similar applications.
Gonadorelin
FDAA synthetic version of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Used diagnostically and therapeutically for various reproductive and hormonal conditions.
HormonalLanreotide
FDAA long-acting somatostatin analog similar to octreotide. FDA approved for acromegaly and gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
HormonalMacimorelin
FDAAn oral ghrelin mimetic used to diagnose adult growth hormone deficiency. The first FDA-approved oral GH stimulation test.
HormonalOxytocin
FDAA naturally occurring peptide hormone crucial for social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Being studied for autism, anxiety, and social disorders.
HormonalLeuprolide
FDAA GnRH agonist that suppresses testosterone and estrogen production. FDA approved for prostate cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and precocious puberty.
HormonalDesmopressin
FDAA synthetic analog of vasopressin (ADH) used for diabetes insipidus, bedwetting, and bleeding disorders. Does not cause vasoconstriction like natural vasopressin.
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Educational Information Only
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making any decisions about peptides or other substances. The protocols listed reflect doses observed in research studies, not recommendations.