Signifor is a medicine that contains diastereomates of pasireotide, a substance that is a copy of the natural hormone somatostatin, which acts to block the release of ACTH. When this happens, blood cortisol levels decrease, alleviating the typical symptoms of Cushing's disease.
This drug can not yet be bought in pharmacies in Brazil, but has already been registered with Anvisa, and should be available soon.
Price
The signifor is already approved in Brazil by Anvisa, however it is not yet commercialized, and can only be acquired in the United States, for example.
What is it for
This remedy is indicated for treating Cushing's disease in those cases where the surgery was not effective in relieving the symptoms or when it is not considered a treatment option.
How to use
The signifor is an injection that should be administered under the skin at doses of 0.6 mg twice daily. After two months of treatment, the results should be evaluated by the oncologist responsible to determine whether it is necessary to increase the dose to 0.9 mg or decrease to 0.3 mg according to the adverse reactions.
In case of forgetting a dose, the next injection should be given at the intended time.
To properly administer this injection, the doctor or nurse should teach at the hospital before taking the medication home.
Possible side effects
The most common adverse effects of the use of this medicine include increased blood sugar levels, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, injection site allergy, headache, blood pressure lowering, vomiting, headache and muscle aches.
Who should not use
Signifor is contraindicated for pregnant or breast-feeding women, as well as for people with severe liver disease or allergy to any of the ingredients in the formula.
