Serostim (Somatropin) for HIV

Serostim (somatropin) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and wasting or cachexia, a condition that causes serious loss of body weight and muscle.

How Serostim Works and How It’s Taken

Serostim is a growth hormone medicine. It works by attaching to growth hormone receptors on many types of cells in the body. Some of its effects also happen through insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In adults with HIV, this helps reduce loss of lean body mass and low body weight.

Doctors prescribe Serostim in adults with HIV who have wasting or cachexia, a condition that can cause serious loss of body weight and muscle. It can help increase lean body mass and body weight and improve physical endurance. Serostim must be used along with antiretroviral therapy.

HIV is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Serostim is given as an injection under the skin, usually once daily at bedtime. With proper training from a healthcare provider, injections may be given at home.

Typical Dosing for HIV

The usual starting dose is 0.1 milligrams per kilogram injected under the skin once daily, up to a total dose of 6 milligrams.

The dose is based on body weight:

More than 55 kilograms — 6 milligrams once daily
45 kilograms to 55 kilograms — 5 milligrams once daily
35 kilograms to 45 kilograms — 4 milligrams once daily
Less than 35 kilograms — 0.1 milligrams per kilogram once daily

A doctor may consider a starting dose of 0.1 milligrams per kilogram every other day for people who have a higher risk of side effects from growth hormone treatment. A doctor may also lower the amount given or reduce the number of doses each week if side effects occur.

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Serostim Side Effects

In clinical studies of Serostim for adults with HIV-associated wasting or cachexia, the most common side effects occurred in about 5 percent to 36 percent of people. These include:

Joint pain
Myalgia (muscle pain)
Edema (swelling)
Fluid retention (swelling in the hands, feet, or legs)
Hypoesthesia (reduced feeling or numbness)

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Serostim can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:

Acute critical illness — Higher risk of death has been reported in people who are critically ill after major surgery, severe injury, or with acute breathing failure.
Cancer — People with HIV have a higher risk of some cancers. If you have had cancer before, your doctor should monitor you for cancer returning or getting worse.
High blood sugar, impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes — Blood sugar can rise, and serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic coma have been reported.
Intracranial hypertension — High pressure in the skull can cause headache, vision changes, nausea, or vomiting.
Severe allergic reactions — These reactions can include anaphylaxis or angioedema, which can cause trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Carpal tunnel syndrome — Pressure on a nerve in the wrist can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the hand.
Pancreatitis — Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

How To Save on Serostim

EMD Serono, the manufacturer of Serostim, offers the Serostim Copay Assistance Program. Eligible people with commercial or private insurance may pay as little as $0 out of pocket.

The Patient AXIS Center also offers help verifying insurance benefits, understanding coverage options, and finding pharmacies that dispense Serostim.

To learn more, visit the Serostim Copay Assistance Program website or call 877-714-2947.

What To Know Before Taking Serostim

Before starting Serostim, your doctor should do an eye exam called a funduscopic exam. This checks for swelling around the nerve at the back of the eye, called papilledema.

Before starting Serostim, tell your doctor if you:

Have an allergy to somatropin or any ingredient in Serostim
Have a critical illness caused by complications after open heart or abdominal surgery, multiple serious injuries, or acute respiratory failure
Have cancer or have had cancer in the past
Have diabetes, are at risk for diabetes, or have high blood sugar
Have diabetic retinopathy, which is damage to the eye caused by diabetes

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Serostim may interact with certain medicines, including some corticosteroids, oral estrogen, insulin, and other medicines used to lower blood sugar. Your doctor may need to monitor you or adjust your medicines.

Do not take Serostim if you:

Are critically ill because of complications after open heart or abdominal surgery, multiple serious injuries, or acute respiratory failure
Have active cancer
Have a known allergy to somatropin or any ingredient in Serostim
Have active proliferative or severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, a serious form of diabetic eye disease that can damage the retina at the back of the eye

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Serostim, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Serostim for HIV?

In studies of adults with HIV-associated wasting or cachexia, Serostim improved body weight, lean body mass, and physical performance over 12 weeks. In one study, people taking Serostim gained 1.6 kilograms more body weight and 3.1 kilograms more lean body mass than people taking placebo. Their median treadmill work output also increased by 13 percent.

In another 12-week study, cycle work output improved by about 9 percent in both Serostim groups and decreased by less than 1 percent with placebo. Lean body mass and body weight also increased.

How long does Serostim take to work for HIV?

Most of Serostim’s effect on work output and lean body mass was apparent after 12 weeks of treatment. In studies, these improvements were maintained or improved further during an additional 12 weeks of treatment.

Can Serostim be used with other medicines for HIV?

Yes. Serostim is meant to be used along with antiretroviral therapy, the medicines used to treat HIV. People with HIV should stay on their antiretroviral treatment while taking Serostim.

Not every HIV medicine has been studied with Serostim, so your doctor should review all of your medicines before treatment.