Somavert Kit
FDA Label NDC 0009-7166

SOMAVERT is indicated for the treatment of acromegaly in patients who have had an inadequate response to surgery or radiation therapy, or for whom these therapies are not appropriate. The goal of treatment is to normalize serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels.

The recommended loading dose of SOMAVERT is 40 mg given subcutaneously, under healthcare provider supervision. Provide proper training in subcutaneous injection technique to patients or their caregivers so they can receive once daily subcutaneous injections. On the next day following the loading dose, instruct patients or their caregivers to begin daily subcutaneous injections of 10 mg of SOMAVERT.

Titrate the dosage to normalize serum IGF-I concentrations (serum IGF-I concentrations should be measured every four to six weeks). The dosage should not be based on growth hormone (GH) concentrations or signs and symptoms of acromegaly. It is unknown whether patients who remain symptomatic while achieving normalized IGF-I concentrations would benefit from increased SOMAVERT dosage.

• Increase the dosage by 5 mg increments every 4–6 weeks if IGF-I concentrations are elevated.
• Decrease the dosage by 5 mg decrements every 4–6 weeks if IGF-I concentrations are below the normal range.
• IGF-I levels should also be monitored when a Somavert dose given in multiple injections is converted to a single daily injection [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12)].

The recommended dosage range is between 10 to 30 mg given subcutaneously once daily and the maximum daily dosage is 30 mg given subcutaneously once daily.

Prior to the start of SOMAVERT, patients should have an assessment of baseline levels of liver tests [serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum total bilirubin (TBIL), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)]. For recommendations regarding initiation of SOMAVERT based on baseline liver tests and recommendations for monitoring of liver tests while on SOMAVERT, refer to Table 1 in Warning and Precautions (5.2).

The following instructions are for the healthcare provider to reconstitute and prepare the 40 mg loading dose. The healthcare provider will need to reconstitute 2 vials of lyophilized powder of SOMAVERT each containing 20 mg of pegvisomant with supplied diluent [two vials of lyophilized powder and two 2.25 mL syringes containing diluent (Sterile Water for Injection) will be needed for the 40 mg loading dose]. The healthcare provider will also need to inject the reconstituted SOMAVERT solution twice into the patient's upper arm, upper thigh, abdomen, or buttocks (each injection in a different area).

• (a)Before administering the loading dose, remove the first package (1 vial of lyophilized powder of SOMAVERT containing 20 mg of pegvisomant and one 2.25 mL syringe containing the diluent) from the refrigerator about 10 minutes prior to the planned injection time.
• (b)Reconstitute the first 20 mg vial of lyophilized powder of SOMAVERT containing 20 mg of pegvisomant with diluent. When using the diluent in the 2.25 mL syringe, inject the contents of the syringe slowly onto the sides of the vial containing lyophilized powder of SOMAVERT. Do not inject the diluent directly on the powder.
• (c)Do not invert the vial or shake the solution as this may cause denaturation of the pegvisomant protein. Slowly swirl the solution to ensure that all of the lyophilized powder has gone into solution. If foaming of the reconstituted SOMAVERT solution is seen, the solution is likely damaged and therefore inappropriate to inject.
• (d)Visually inspect the reconstituted SOMAVERT solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The reconstituted solution should be clear. If the solution is cloudy, do not use it. Once reconstituted, the solution will contain 20 mg of pegvisomant in 1 mL of solution.
• (e)Withdraw the 1 mL reconstituted SOMAVERT solution. The solution must be administered within 6 hours of reconstitution.
• (f)Inject the first reconstituted SOMAVERT solution (20 mg/mL) subcutaneously into the patient's upper arm, upper thigh, abdomen, or buttocks using a 90-degree angle.
• (g)Repeat steps (a) to (e) to reconstitute the second SOMAVERT dose of 20mg.
• (h)Finally, inject the second reconstituted SOMAVERT solution (20 mg/mL) subcutaneously into the patient's upper arm, upper thigh, abdomen, or buttocks using a 90-degree angle (different area than the first injection).

For patient or caregiver instructions for reconstitution and administration of daily doses (10 to 30 mg), see the Patient's Instructions for Use.

• a)Before administering the dose, remove one package (1 vial of lyophilized powder of SOMAVERT containing 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 mg of pegvisomant and one 2.25 mL syringe (containing the diluent) from the refrigerator about 10 minutes prior to the planned injection time.
• b)Reconstitute the lyophilized powder of SOMAVERT with diluent. When using the diluent in the 2.25 mL syringe, inject the contents of the syringe slowly onto the sides of the vial containing lyophilized powder of SOMAVERT. Do not inject the diluent directly on the powder.
• c)Do not invert the vial or shake the solution as this may cause denaturation of the pegvisomant protein. Slowly swirl the solution to ensure that all of the lyophilized powder has gone into solution. If foaming of the reconstituted SOMAVERT solution is seen, the solution is likely damaged and therefore inappropriate to inject.
• d)Visually inspect the reconstituted SOMAVERT solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The reconstituted solution should be clear. If the solution is cloudy, do not use it. Once reconstituted, the solution will contain 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 mg of pegvisomant in 1 mL of solution.
• e)Withdraw the 1 mL reconstituted SOMAVERT solution. The solution must be administered within 6 hours of reconstitution.
• f)Inject the reconstituted SOMAVERT solution subcutaneously into the upper arm, upper thigh, abdomen, or buttocks using a 90-degree angle.

For injection: 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 mg (as protein) lyophilized powder in single-use vial for reconstitution with supplied 2.25 mL syringe containing 1 mL of diluent (Sterile Water for Injection) and a separate 27 gauge ½ inch safety needle.

None.

GH opposes the effects of insulin on carbohydrate metabolism by decreasing insulin sensitivity; thus, glucose tolerance may improve in some patients treated with SOMAVERT. Patients should be carefully monitored and doses of anti-diabetic drugs reduced as necessary to avoid hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum total bilirubin (TBIL), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels should be obtained prior to initiating therapy with SOMAVERT. Table 1 lists recommendations regarding initiation of treatment with SOMAVERT, based on the results of these liver tests (LTs).

Asymptomatic, transient elevations in transaminases up to 15 times ULN have been observed in < 2% of subjects among two open-label trials (with a total of 147 patients). These reports were not associated with an increase in bilirubin. Transaminase elevations normalized with time, most often after suspending treatment (SOMAVERT should be used in accordance with the information presented in Table 2 with respect to liver test abnormalities while on Somavert treatment).

If a patient develops LT elevations, or any other signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction while receiving SOMAVERT, the following patient management is recommended (Table 2).

SOMAVERT has significant structural similarity to growth hormone (GH) which causes it to cross-react in commercially available GH assays. Since serum concentrations of therapeutically effective doses of SOMAVERT are generally 100 to 1000 times higher than the actual serum GH concentrations seen in patients with acromegaly, measurements of serum GH concentrations will appear falsely elevated.

There have been cases of lipohypertrophy in patients treated with SOMAVERT. In a double-blind, 12-week, placebo-controlled study, there was one case (1.3%) of injection site lipohypertrophy reported in a subject receiving 10 mg/day. The subject recovered while on treatment. Among two open-label trials (with a total of 147 patients), there were two subjects, both receiving 10 mg/day, who developed lipohypertrophy. One case recovered while on treatment, and one case resulted in a discontinuation of treatment. Injection sites should be rotated daily to help prevent lipohypertrophy (different area than the last injection).

In subjects with systemic hypersensitivity reactions, caution and close monitoring should be exercised when re-initiating Somavert therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6.3)].

Clinically significant adverse reactions that appear in other section of the labeling include:

• Hypoglycemia associated with GH lowering in patients with Diabetes Mellitus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Liver test elevations [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Cross-reactivity with GH assay [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Lipohypertrophy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Systemic hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]

Elevations of serum concentrations of ALT and AST greater than ten times the ULN were reported in two patients (0.8%) exposed to SOMAVERT in pre-approval clinical studies. One patient was rechallenged with SOMAVERT, and the recurrence of elevated transaminase levels suggested a probable causal relationship between administration of the drug and the elevation in liver enzymes. A liver biopsy performed on the second patient was consistent with chronic hepatitis of unknown etiology. In both patients, the transaminase elevations normalized after discontinuation of the drug.

Elevations in ALT and AST levels were not associated with increased levels of TBIL and ALP, with the exception of two patients with minimal associated increases in ALP levels (i.e., less than 3 times ULN). The transaminase elevations did not appear to be related to the dose of SOMAVERT administered, generally occurred within 4 to 12 weeks of initiation of therapy, and were not associated with any identifiable biochemical, phenotypic, or genetic predictors.

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reactions rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

In a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, fixed-dose study of SOMAVERT in subjects with acromegaly, 32 subjects received placebo and 80 subjects received SOMAVERT once daily [see Clinical Studies (14)]. A total of 108 subjects (30 placebo, 78 Somavert) completed 12 weeks of study treatment.

Overall, eight patients with acromegaly (5.3%) withdrew from pre-marketing clinical studies because of adverse events, including two patients with marked transaminase elevations, one patient with lipohypertrophy at the injection sites, and one patient with substantial weight gain. Most adverse events did not appear to be dose-dependent. Table 3 shows the incidence of adverse events that were reported in at least two patients treated with SOMAVERT and at frequencies greater than placebo during the 12-week, placebo-controlled study.

In pre-marketing clinical studies, approximately 17% of the SOMAVERT-treated patients developed low titer, non-neutralizing anti-GH antibodies. Although the presence of these antibodies did not appear to impact the efficacy of SOMAVERT, the long-term clinical significance of these antibodies is not known. No assay for anti-pegvisomant antibodies is commercially available for patients receiving SOMAVERT.

The data above reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to SOMAVERT. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to SOMAVERT with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of SOMAVERT. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Systemic hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions, laryngospasm, angioedema, generalized skin reactions (rash, erythema, pruritus, urticaria) have been reported in post-marketing use. Some patients required hospitalization. Symptoms did not re-occur in all patients after re-challenge [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Registry of Patients with Acromegaly Treated with SOMAVERT

ACROSTUDY is an international observational registry that captures long term safety data in patients with acromegaly treated with SOMAVERT, as used in clinical practice. Treatment dose and schedule were at the discretion of each treating physician. Although safety monitoring as per the recommended schedule was mandatory, not all assessments were performed at all time points for every patient. Because of this, comparison of rates of adverse events to those in the original clinical trial is not appropriate. In an interim report, there were 1288 patients enrolled (mean duration of treatment 3.7 years).

At the start of SOMAVERT treatment 648 patients were on SOMAVERT monotherapy for acromegaly. Of the 454 patients who had a normal AST and ALT at baseline, 4 patients had elevated tests >3 times ULN, two of whom had elevated tests >5 times ULN.

Lipohypertrophy was reported in 6 (0.5%) patients.

MRIs were compared to any previous ones, and a change in tumor volume was reported as significant locally only if the diameter increased by more than 3 mm for microadenomas or volume increased by more than 20% for macroadenomas. All MRI changes considered significant at the local reading were reanalyzed centrally. Of the 747 patients who had a MRI reported at baseline and at least once during follow up in the study, 51 (7%) were reported to have an increase by local MRI. Of these, 16 patients (2%) had confirmation of this increase, 6 patients had a decrease, 12 had "no change"; there was 1 with insufficient data and 16 patients did not have a central MRI reading.

Absorption: Following subcutaneous administration, peak serum pegvisomant concentrations are not generally attained until 33 to 77 hours after administration. The mean extent of absorption of a 20-mg subcutaneous dose was 57%, relative to a 10-mg intravenous dose.

Distribution: The mean apparent volume of distribution of pegvisomant is 7 L (12% coefficient of variation), suggesting that pegvisomant does not distribute extensively into tissues. After a single subcutaneous administration, exposure (C_max, AUC) to pegvisomant increases disproportionately with increasing dose. Mean ± SEM serum pegvisomant concentrations after 12 weeks of therapy with daily doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg were 6600 ± 1330; 16,000 ± 2200; and 27,000 ± 3100 ng/mL, respectively.

The relative bioavailability of 1 × 30 mg pegvisomant was compared to 2 × 15 mg pegvisomant in a single dose study. The AUCinf and Cmax of pegvisomant when administered as one injection of 30 mg strength was approximately 6% and 4% greater, respectively, as compared to when administered as two injections of 15 mg strengths.

Metabolism and Elimination: The pegvisomant molecule contains covalently bound polyethylene glycol polymers in order to reduce the clearance rate. Clearance of pegvisomant following multiple doses is lower than seen following a single dose. The mean total body systemic clearance of pegvisomant following multiple doses is estimated to range between 36 to 28 mL/h for subcutaneous doses ranging from 10 to 20 mg/day, respectively. Clearance of pegvisomant was found to increase with body weight. Pegvisomant is eliminated from serum with a mean half-life estimates ranging from 60 to 138 hours following either single or multiple doses. Less than 1% of administered drug is recovered in the urine over 96 hours. The elimination route of pegvisomant has not been studied in humans.

Drug Interaction Studies

In clinical studies, patients on opioids often needed higher serum pegvisomant concentrations to achieve appropriate IGF-I suppression compared with patients not receiving opioids. The mechanism of this interaction is not known [see Drug Interactions (7.2)].

Specific Populations

No pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted in patients with renal impairment, patients with hepatic impairment, geriatric patients, or pediatric patients and the effects of race on the pharmacokinetics of pegvisomant has not been studied. No gender effect on the pharmacokinetics of pegvisomant was found in a population pharmacokinetic analysis.

After initiation of SOMAVERT, patients with acromegaly and diabetes mellitus treated with insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents may require dose reductions of insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

In clinical studies, patients taking opioids often needed higher SOMAVERT doses to normalize IGF-I concentrations compared with patients not receiving opioids. The mechanism of this interaction is not known.

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Early embryonic development and teratology studies were conducted in pregnant rabbits with pegvisomant at subcutaneous doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day. There was no evidence of teratogenic effects associated with pegvisomant treatment during organogenesis. At the 10-mg/kg/day dose (10 times the maximum human therapeutic dose based on body surface area), a reproducible, slight increase in post-implantation loss was observed in both studies. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human responses, SOMAVERT should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

It is not known whether pegvisomant is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in milk, caution should be exercised when SOMAVERT is administered to a nursing woman.

The safety and effectiveness of SOMAVERT in pediatric patients have not been established.

Clinical studies of SOMAVERT did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

SOMAVERT was not studied in patients with renal impairment and the safety and efficacy in these patients is not known.

In one reported incident of acute overdose with SOMAVERT during pre-marketing clinical studies, a patient self-administered 80 mg/day (2.7 times the maximum recommended maintenance dosage) for seven days. The patient experienced a slight increase in fatigue, had no other complaints, and demonstrated no significant clinical laboratory abnormalities.

In cases of overdose, administration of SOMAVERT should be discontinued and not resumed until IGF-I levels return to within or above the normal range.

SOMAVERT contains pegvisomant, an analog of human growth hormone (GH) that has been structurally altered to act as a GH receptor antagonist.

Pegvisomant is a protein of recombinant DNA origin containing 191 amino acid residues to which several polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers are covalently bound (predominantly 4 to 6 PEG/protein molecule). The molecular weight of the protein of pegvisomant is 21,998 Daltons. The molecular weight of the PEG portion of pegvisomant is approximately 5000 Daltons. The predominant molecular weights of pegvisomant are thus approximately 42,000, 47,000, and 52,000 Daltons. The schematic shows the amino acid sequence of the pegvisomant protein (PEG polymers are shown attached to the 5 most probable attachment sites). Pegvisomant is synthesized by a specific strain of Escherichia coli bacteria that has been genetically modified by the addition of a plasmid that carries a gene for GH receptor antagonist. Biological potency is determined using a cell proliferation bioassay. Binding of Somavert to the GH receptor results in disruption of the proper binding of the second GH receptor with inhibition of functional receptor dimerization and subsequent intracellular signaling.

Chemical Structure (Somavert 01) Stippled residues indicate PEG attachment sites (Phe1, Lys38, Lys41, Lys70, Lys115, Lys120, Lys140, Lys145, Lys158)

Shown below are the amino acid substitutions in pegvisomant, relative to human GH.

SOMAVERT for injection is supplied as a sterile, white lyophilized powder intended for subcutaneous injection after reconstitution with 1 mL of Sterile Water for Injection. SOMAVERT is available in single-dose sterile vials containing 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 mg of pegvisomant protein (approximately 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 U activity, respectively). Each vial 10, 15 and 20 also contains 1.36 mg of glycine, 36.0 mg of mannitol, 1.04 mg of sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, and 0.36 mg of sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate. Each 25 mg vial also contains 1.7 mg of glycine, 45 mg of mannitol, 1.3 mg of sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, and 0.45 mg of sodium dihyrogen phosphate monohydrate. Each 30 mg vial also contains 2.04 mg of glycine, 54 mg of mannitol, 1.56 mg of sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, and 0.54 mg of sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate.

SOMAVERT is supplied in packages that include a syringe with diluent (Sterile Water for Injection). Sterile Water for Injection, USP, is a sterile, nonpyrogenic preparation of water for injection that contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent, or added buffer, and is supplied in single-dose containers to be used as a diluent.

Pegvisomant selectively binds to growth hormone (GH) receptors on cell surfaces, where it blocks the binding of endogenous GH, and thus interferes with GH signal transduction.

Inhibition of GH action results in decreased serum concentrations of IGF-I, as well as other GH-responsive serum proteins such as free IGF-I, the acid-labile subunit of IGF-I (ALS), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3).

Pegvisomant binds selectively to the GH receptor, and does not cross-react with 19 other cytokine receptors tested, including prolactin. Pegvisomant leads to decreased serum concentrations of IGF-I, free IGF-I, ALS, and IGFBP-3 [see Clinical Studies (14, Figure 1)].

Carcinogenesis

Pegvisomant was administered subcutaneously to rats daily for 2 years at doses of 2, 8 and 20 mg/kg (about 2, 10 and 25-fold a single 20 mg dose in humans on an AUC basis). Long term treatment with pegvisomant at 8 and 20 mg/kg caused an increase in malignant fibrous histiocytoma at injection sites in males. Injection site tumors were not seen in female rats at the same doses. The increased incidence of injection site tumors was most probably caused by irritation and the high sensitivity of the rat to repeated subcutaneous injections.

Mutagenesis

Pegvisomant did not cause genetic damage in standard in vitro assays (bacterial mutation, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration).

Impairment of Fertility

Pegvisomant was found to have no effect on fertility or reproductive performance of female rabbits at subcutaneous doses up to 10 mg/kg/day (10-fold the recommended human dose on a body surface area basis)

A total of one hundred twelve patients (63 men and 49 women) with acromegaly participated in a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, multi-center study comparing placebo and SOMAVERT. The mean ±SD age was 48±14 years, and the mean duration of acromegaly was 8±8 years. Ninety three had undergone previous pituitary surgery, of which 57 had also been treated with conventional radiation therapy. Six patients had undergone irradiation without surgery, nine had received only drug therapy, and four had received no previous therapy. At study start, the mean ± SD time since the subjects' last surgery and/or irradiation therapy, respectively, was 6.8 ± 0.93 years (n=63) and 5.6 ± 0.57 years (n=93).

Subjects were qualified for enrollment if their serum IGF-I, drawn after the required drug washout period, was ≥1.3 times the upper limit of the age-adjusted normal range. They were randomly assigned at the baseline visit to one of four treatment groups: placebo (n=32), 10 mg/day (n=26), 15 mg/day (n= 26), or 20 mg/day (n=28) of SOMAVERT subcutaneouslyIGF-I. The primary efficacy endpoint was IGF-I percent change in IGF-I concentrations from baseline to week 12. The three groups that received SOMAVERT showed statistically significant (p<0.01) reductions in serum levels of IGF-I compared with the placebo group (Table 4).

There were also reductions in serum levels of free IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and ALS compared with placebo at all post-baseline visits (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Effects of SOMAVERT on Serum Markers (Mean ± Standard Error)

Figure 1 (Somavert 02)

After 12 weeks of treatment, the following percentages of patients had normalized IGF-1 (Figure 2):

Figure 2. Percent of Patients Whose IGF-I Levels Normalized at Week 12

Figure 2 (Somavert 03)

Table 5 shows the effect of treatment with SOMAVERT on ring size (standard jeweler's sizes converted to a numeric score ranging from 1 to 63), and on signs and symptoms of acromegaly. Each individual score for a sign or symptom of acromegaly (for soft-tissue swelling, arthralgia, headache, perspiration and fatigue) was based on a nine-point ordinal rating scale (0 = absent and 8 = severe and incapacitating), and the total score for signs or symptoms of acromegaly was derived from the sum of the individual scores. Mean baseline scores were as follows: ring size = 47.1; total signs and symptoms = 15.2; soft tissue swelling = 2.5; arthralgia = 3.2; headache = 2.4; perspiration = 3.3; and fatigue = 3.7.

Serum growth hormone (GH) concentrations, as measured by research assays using antibodies that do not cross-react with pegvisomant, rose within two weeks of beginning treatment with SOMAVERT. The largest increase in GH concentration was seen in patients treated with doses of SOMAVERT 20 mg/day. This effect is presumably the result of diminished inhibition of GH secretion as IGF-I levels fall. As shown in Figure 3, when patients with acromegaly were given a loading dose of SOMAVERT followed by a fixed daily dose, the rise in GH was inversely proportional to the fall in IGF-I and generally stabilized by week 2. Serum GH concentrations remained stable in patients treated with SOMAVERT for the average of 43 weeks (range, 0-82 weeks).

Figure 3. Percent Change in Serum GH and IGF-I Concentrations

Figure 3 (Somavert 04)

In the open-label extension to the clinical study, 109 subjects (including 6 new patients) with mean treatment exposure of 42.6 weeks (range 1 day – 82 weeks), 93 (85.3%) subjects had an adverse event, 16 (14.7%) had an SAE, and 4 (3.7%) discontinued due to an AE (headaches, elevated liver function tests, pancreatic cancer, and weight gain). A total of 100 (92.6%) of the 108 subjects with available IGF-I data had a normal IGF-I concentration at any visit during the study.

SOMAVERT (pegvisomant) is supplied in the following strengths and package configurations:

Storage

Prior to reconstitution, SOMAVERT should be stored in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F). Do not freeze.

See FDA- approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).

Inform patients (and/or their caregivers) of the following information to aid in the safe and effective use of SOMAVERT:

• Not to use SOMAVERT if they are allergic to SOMAVERT or anything in it.
• They will need blood testing to check IGF-I levels and liver tests before and during treatment with SOMAVERT and that the dose of SOMAVERT may be changed based on the results of these tests
• SOMAVERT has not been studied in pregnant women and instruct them to notify their healthcare provider as soon as they are aware that they are pregnant.
• It is not known whether SOMAVERT is excreted in human milk and instruct them to notify their healthcare provider if they plan to do so.

Advise patients (and/or their caregivers) of the following adverse reactions:

• The most common reported adverse reactions are injection site reaction, elevations of liver tests, pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
• If they have liver test elevations they may need to have more frequent liver tests and/or discontinue SOMAVERT. Instruct patients to immediately discontinue therapy and contact their physician if they become jaundiced.
• GH-secreting tumors may enlarge in people with acromegaly and that these tumors need to be watched carefully and monitored by MRI imaging.
• Thickening under the skin may occur at the injection site that could lead to lumps and that switching sites may prevent or lessen this.
• If they have diabetes mellitus, they may require careful monitoring and dose reductions of insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic agents while on SOMAVERT.
• If they take opioids, they may need higher SOMAVERT doses to achieve appropriate IGF-I suppression.

Advise patients that SOMAVERT is supplied as lyophilized powder in different strengths of 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg in a sterile glass vial within a package with a 2.25 mL syringe containing 1 mL of diluent (Sterile Water for Injection) and a separate 27 gauge ½ inch safety needle. Advise patients that the vial stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex. Advise patients to follow the directions for reconstitution provided with each package. Include that spraying the diluent directly onto the powder may cause foaming and that shaking may induce denaturation (destruction) of the active ingredient (therefore do not shake).

Advise patients that the package of SOMAVERT should be stored in a refrigerator 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F) prior to use. It should NOT BE FROZEN.



Logo (Somavert 05)

LAB-0782-1.0

SOMAVERT^® (SOM-ah-vert)
(pegvisomant)
for injection, for subcutaneous use

Read these Instructions for Use before you start using SOMAVERT and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment. Your healthcare provider should show you or a caregiver how to inject SOMAVERT the right way before you inject it for the first time.

Important:

• Do not share your SOMAVERT syringes or needles with other people. You may give other people a serious infection, or get an infection from them.
• SOMAVERT comes in a vial as a white block of powder. You must mix SOMAVERT with a liquid (diluent) before you can use it. The liquid comes in a single-dose pre-filled syringe labeled 'Sterile Water for Injection'. Do not use any other liquid to mix with SOMAVERT.
• You must use the mixed SOMAVERT within 6 hours after you mix it. If you have not used the mixed SOMAVERT within 6 hours, throw the SOMAVERT away.

Step 1. Things you need

A single SOMAVERT pack containing:

• A vial of SOMAVERT powder.
• A pre-filled syringe.
• A safety needle.

You will also need:

• A cotton ball.
• An alcohol swab.
• A sharps disposal container. See "Dispose" at the end of these instructions.


Figure (Somavert 06)

Step 2. Getting ready

Before you start:

• Only mix SOMAVERT and the liquid when you are ready to inject your dose.
• Remove a single SOMAVERT pack from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature in a safe place at least 10 minutes before you need to use it.
• Do not heat the SOMAVERT pack by using a heat source such as hot water or microwave. Let it warm up on its own.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry completely.
• Peel open the packaging of the syringe and safety needle to make it easier to pick up each item as you prepare for your injection.
• Do not use the syringe or vial if:
  • they are damaged or faulty
  • the expiration date has passed
  • it has been frozen, even if it has now thawed (syringe only)

  Step 3. Choose injection area

  

  Figure (Somavert 07)

  • Choose a different location within an area for each injection.
  • Avoid bony areas or areas that are bruised, red, sore or hard, or areas that have scars or skin conditions.
  • Clean the injection area with the alcohol swab as instructed by your healthcare provider.
  • Allow the injection area to dry.

  Step 4. Remove vial cap

  

  Figure (Somavert 08)

  • Remove the cap from the vial.
  • Throw the cap away. It is not needed again.
    Caution: Do not let anything touch the vial stopper.

  Step 5. Remove syringe cap

  

  Figure (Somavert 09)

  • Snap off the syringe cap leaving the syringe collar in place. It may take more effort to snap off than you might expect.
  • Throw the syringe cap away. It is not needed again.
  • Keep the syringe upright to avoid leakage.
    Caution: Do not let the end of the syringe touch anything when the syringe cap is off.

  Step 6. Attach safety needle

  

  Figure (Somavert 10)

  • Push down and twist the safety needle firmly onto the syringe as far as it will go.

  Step 7. Remove needle cover

  

  Figure (Somavert 11)

  • Fold the needle guard out of the way of the needle cover.
  • Carefully pull the needle cover straight off.
  • Throw the needle cover away. It is not needed again.
    Caution: Do not let the needle touch anything.

  Step 8. Insert needle

  

  Figure (Somavert 12)

  • Push the needle through the center of vial stopper, as shown.
  • Support the syringe while the needle is in the vial stopper to prevent bending the needle.

  Step 9. Add liquid

  

  Figure (Somavert 13)

  • Tilt both the vial and syringe at an angle, as shown.
  • Push the plunger rod down slowly until all the liquid has emptied into the vial.
  • Caution: Do not squirt the liquid directly onto the powder. This creates foam. Foam makes the medicine unusable.
  • Do not withdraw the needle yet.

  Step 10. Swirl vial

  

  Figure (Somavert 14)

  • Support both the syringe and vial in 1 hand, as shown.
  • Gently and slowly swirl the liquid, sliding the vial in a circular motion on a flat surface.
  • Continue swirling the liquid until all the powder has fully dissolved.
    Note: This may take up to 5 minutes.
    Do not shake.

  Step 11. Check medicine

  

  Figure (Somavert 15)

  • Keeping the needle in the vial, look carefully at the medicine. It must be clear and free of particles.
  • Do not use if:
    • the medicine is cloudy or hazy
    • the medicine has any color at all
    • there are any particles or foam in the vial
    • If you have any doubts about your medication go to www.SOMAVERT.com or call 1-800-645-1280.

    Step 12. Reposition needle

    

    Figure (Somavert 16)

    • Turn the vial so that you can see the stopper gap, as shown.
    • Pull the needle down so that the needle tip is at the lowest point in the liquid. This will help you to draw off as much liquid as possible.
    • Check that the plunger rod has not moved. If the plunger rod has moved, then push it back all the way into the syringe. This ensures that all air is removed from the syringe before you draw off the dose.

    Step 13. Draw off dose

    

    Figure (Somavert 17)

    • Slowly pull back the plunger rod to withdraw as much medicine as possible from the vial.
      Note: If you see air in the syringe, tap the barrel to float the bubbles to the top, and then gently push the bubbles out into the vial.
    • Pull the needle out of the vial.

    Step 14. Insert needle

    

    Figure (Somavert 18)

    • Gently pinch the skin at the site of injection.
    • Insert the needle to its full depth into the pinched skin.

    Step 15. Inject medicine

    

    Figure (Somavert 19)

    • Push the plunger rod down slowly until the barrel is empty.
      Note: Make sure you keep the needle in at full depth.
    • Release the pinched skin and pull the needle straight out.

    Step 16. Make needle safe

    

    Figure (Somavert 20)

    • Fold the needle guard over the needle.
      Gently apply pressure using a hard surface to lock the needle guard in place.
    • Note: You will hear a click when the needle guard has been locked.

    Step 17. Dispose

    

    Figure (Somavert 21)

    • Put your used syringes in a FDA cleared sharps disposal container right away after use.
    • Do not throw away (dispose of) syringes in your household trash.
      Note: If you do not have a FDA cleared sharps disposal container, please refer to the safe syringe disposal information on the right hand side of this leaflet.

    Step 18. After injection

    

    Figure (Somavert 22)

    • If necessary, use a clean cotton ball and press lightly on the injection area.
    • Do not rub the area.

What should I do if anything has accidentally touched the vial stopper?

• Clean the vial stopper with a fresh alcohol wipe, and leave it to dry completely. If you are unable to clean the stopper, do not use the vial.

What should I do with the syringe if it has been dropped?

• Do not use it even if it looks undamaged. Dispose of the syringe in the same way as a used syringe. You will need a replacement syringe.

How many times can I safely insert the needle into the vial stopper?

• Only 1 time. Withdrawing and reinserting greatly increases the risk of needle damage, and will blunt the needle. This can cause discomfort and increases risk of skin damage and infection. There is also a risk you may lose some of the medicine.

Is it okay to shake the vial if the powder is not dissolving?

• No. Never shake the vial. Shaking can destroy the medicine and create foam. The powder may take a few minutes to dissolve fully, so continue swirling the vial gently until the liquid is completely clear.

How can I tell if there is any foam in the vial?

• Foam looks like a mass of small bubbles that float as a layer to the top of the liquid. Do not inject SOMAVERT if it has foamed.


Figure (Somavert 23)

How can I prevent the medicine from foaming?

• Press the plunger very slowly so that the liquid gently runs down the inside of the vial. Do not spray the liquid directly onto the powder, because this creates foam. This will also reduce the swirling time and allow more of the medicine to be drawn off.

I can see some air in the syringe. Is this okay?

• Tiny air bubbles in the liquid are normal and are safe to inject. However, it is possible to accidently draw air into the syringe, which should be removed before injecting. Bubbles or air gaps that float to the top of the liquid should be pushed back out into the vial.

Why can I not get all of the medicine out of the vial?

• The shape of the vial means that a very small amount of the medicine will be left behind in the vial. This is normal. To ensure that only a trace of medicine remains, make sure the needle tip is as low as it can be in the vial when drawing off your dose.

What should I do if I have any doubts about my medicine?

• For more information, go to www.SOMAVERT.com or call 1-800-645-1280.

Safe syringe disposal information

If you do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:

• made of heavy-duty plastic,
• can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
• upright and stable during use, leak-resistant, and
• properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.

When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used needles and syringes.

For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal

This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.



Logo (Somavert 24)

LAB-0784-1.0
April 2016

NO TEXT AREA

1 mL SINGLE DOSE
NDC 0009-5936-01

Sterile Water for Injection

For reconstitution of SOMAVERT^®
Contains no antimicrobial or other
added substance. Sterile, nonpyrogenic.

Distributed by
Pharmacia & Upjohn Co
Division of Pfizer Inc, NY, NY 10017

LOT/EXP
Rx only

PAA078025

Principal Display Panel (1 mL Syringe Label)

NDC 0009-5175-02

Pfizer

Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection

10 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Use Only
single dose vial
1 Vial
Rx only

Principal Display Panel (10 mg Vial Label)

Pfizer
Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection
10 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Injection Only
single dose vial

Package also contains
Prefilled Diluent Syringe, USP

TEAR HERE

PAA090143

Principal Display Panel (10 mg Kit Carton)

NDC 0009-5177-02

Pfizer

Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection

15 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Use Only
single dose vial
1 Vial
Rx only

Principal Display Panel (15 mg Vial Label)

Pfizer
Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection
15 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Injection Only
single dose vial

Package also contains
Prefilled Diluent Syringe, USP

TEAR HERE

PAA090144

Principal Display Panel (15 mg Kit Carton)

NDC 0009-5179-02

Pfizer

Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection

20 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Use Only
single dose vial
1 Vial
Rx only

Principal Display Panel (20 mg Vial Label)

Pfizer
Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection
20 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Injection Only
single dose vial

Package also contains
Prefilled Diluent Syringe, USP

TEAR HERE

PAA090145

Principal Display Panel (20 mg Kit Carton)

NDC 0009-5201-04

Pfizer

Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection

25 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Use Only
single dose vial
1 Vial
Rx only

Principal Display Panel (25 mg Vial Label)

Pfizer
Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection
25 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Injection Only
single dose vial

Package also contains
Prefilled Diluent Syringe, USP

TEAR HERE

PAA090146

Principal Display Panel (25 mg Kit Carton)

NDC 0009-5376-04

Pfizer

Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection

30 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Use Only
single dose vial
1 Vial
Rx only

Principal Display Panel (30 mg Vial Label)

Pfizer
Somavert^®
pegvisomant for injection
30 mg (as protein)

For Subcutaneous Injection Only
single dose vial

Package also contains
Prefilled Diluent Syringe, USP

TEAR HERE

PAA090147

Principal Display Panel (30 mg Kit Carton)