Signifor is a medicine that contains pasireotide diaspartate, a substance that is a copy of the natural hormone somatostatin, which has the action of blocking the release of ACTH. When this happens, blood cortisol levels decrease, relieving the typical symptoms of Cushing's disease.
This drug cannot yet be purchased at pharmacies in Brazil, but has already been registered with Anvisa, and should be available soon.
Price
Signifor is already approved in Brazil by Anvisa, however it is not yet being marketed, and can only be purchased in the United States, for example.
What is it for
This remedy is indicated to treat Cushing's disease, in cases where surgery was not effective to relieve symptoms or when it is not considered a treatment option.
How to use
Signifor is an injection that must be administered under the skin, in doses of 0.6 mg twice a day. After two months of treatment, the results should be evaluated by the responsible oncologist, in order to identify whether it is necessary to increase the dose to 0.9 mg or decrease it to 0.3 mg, according to the adverse reactions.
If a dose is missed, the next injection should be given at the scheduled time.
To correctly administer this injection, the doctor or nurse must teach at the hospital, before taking the medicine home.
Possible side effects
The most common adverse effects of using this medicine include increased blood sugar levels, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, injection site allergy, headache, decreased blood pressure, vomiting, falling hair and muscle pain.
Who should not use
Signifor is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as for people with severe liver disease or allergy to any of the components of the formula.
