Unintentional weight loss may be a sign of HIV-associated wasting

TheBody.com: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource

This message is an advertisement from EMD Serono, Inc.

HIV-associated wasting consists of different symptoms, one of which is involuntary weight loss.
"I've been meaning to ask you, is everything OK? You look thinner." "Actually, I just haven't been feeling myself lately. I've been losing weight without trying."
Follow Melanie, a fictional HIV-positive patient, as she uncovers the issues surrounding HIV-associated wasting and learns of treatment options. Start Session.
What is Serostim® [somatropin (rDNA origin) for injection]?
Serostim® is human growth hormone and is the only FDA-approved medicine clinically proven to significantly increase lean body mass and body weight, and improve physical endurance. You must be on anti-retroviral therapy to be prescribed Serostim®.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
Before beginning treatment, patients should discuss with their clinician potential benefits and risks associated with Serostim®.

You should NOT take Serostim® if:
 You are hospitalized with complications due to heart or abdominal surgery
 You are hospitalized for serious injuries
 You are hospitalized for respiratory failure
 You currently have cancer. Any cancer treatment should be completed before starting Serostim®
 You are allergic to Growth Hormone products or any materials associated with the product

You should tell your clinician if:
 You are pregnant or breastfeeding
 You are currently taking any medications for HIV
 You have a history of diabetes

The most common adverse reactions associated with Serostim® are:
 Muscle aches
 Joint pain
 Swelling (particularly of the hands or feet)

These side effects were generally mild-to-moderate in severity, and were often managed by lowering the dose.

High blood glucose (sugar levels) may occur in HIV-infected individuals for many reasons and has also been reported in Serostim® clinical studies. If you have a history of high blood glucose or have other risk factors for glucose intolerance, you should be monitored closely while on Serostim®. New onset type 2 diabetes or worsening of current diabetes has been reported with Serostim®. Patients have experienced complications of diabetes, some of which were serious and continued after stopping treatment with Serostim®.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not intended to replace discussions with your clinician. For additional information about Serostim® please consult the Prescribing Information and ask your clinician if Serostim® is right for you. You can also call the AXIS Center toll-free at 1-877-714-AXIS (2947). Serostim® is available by prescription only.

Please click here to see Serostim® Prescribing Information: English and Spanish.

Serostim
EMD Serono. ©2011 EMD Serono, Inc. 110818-091305 10/11 All rights reserved.

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