What is Somavert? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published May 14, 2021

Somavert overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Somavert

Generic Names:

  • Somavert

Uses:

  • Treats acromegaly (a growth hormone disorder) in patients who cannot be treated with surgery or radiation.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • Under the skin

What is Somavert used for?

Somavert is a man-made form of protein that is similar to the human growth hormone that is available as an injection. It works as a receptor blocker in the body to hinder the effect of acromegaly. Somavert is often prescribed after other methods of treatment has failed including other medications, radiation therapy, or surgery.

What form(s) does Somavert come in?

  • Injectable

What are common Somavert dosages?

  • Solution Reconstituted 10MG

Somavert images - What does Somavert look like?

  • Somavert
    10mg solution reconstituted

  • Somavert
    15mg solution reconstituted

  • Somavert
    20mg solution reconstituted

  • Somavert
    25mg solution reconstituted

  • Somavert
    30mg solution reconstituted

How to take Somavert

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Somavert

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine that has been mixed at room temperature and use it within 6 hours. Throw away any mixed medicine that has not been used within this time. Do not freeze the solution.

  • Injection routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Somavert contraindications - Who shouldn't take Somavert?

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to pegvisomant.

Somavert warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, tumors, or growth hormone deficiency.

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to rubber. The rubber stopper on the vials of this medicine contains latex, which may cause an allergic reaction if you have a latex allergy.

  • This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.

  • Rapid weight gain.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Thickening of the skin.

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Somavert interactions & what to avoid when taking Somavert

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using diabetes medicine (insulin or oral medicine such as glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Glucotrol®) or narcotic pain relievers (such as morphine, codeine, fentanyl, Sublimaze®).

  • Tell your doctor if you are allergic to rubber. The rubber stopper on the vials of this medicine contains latex, which may cause an allergic reaction if you have a latex allergy.

  • This medicine may raise or lower your blood sugar level.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Somavert side effects - How does Somavert make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.

  • Rapid weight gain.

  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blurred vision, dizziness, headache, or slow or fast heartbeat.

  • Chest pain.

  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given.

  • Thickening of the skin.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Stuffy or runny nose.

  • Back pain.

  • Numbness, tingling, burning, or painful feelings.

  • Mild nausea or diarrhea.