WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Pasireotide injection (Signifor® and Signifor LAR®) is used to treat Cushing's disease (an abnormal condition that is caused by excess hormones [cortisol]) in adults who cannot be treated with surgery or who did not respond to surgery. Pasireotide injection (Signifor LAR®) is also used to decrease the amount of growth hormone (a natural substance) produced by people with acromegaly (condition in which the body produces too much growth hormone, causing enlargement of the hands, feet, and facial features; joint pain; and other symptoms) who cannot be treated with surgery or who did not respond to surgery. Pasireotide injection is in a class of medications called somatostatin agonists. It works by decreasing the amounts of cortisol produced by the body.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Pasireotide comes a solution (liquid) (Signifor®) to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin). Pasireotide also comes as a suspension (liquid) (Signifor LAR®) to be mixed with another solution and injected into the muscles of the buttocks by a doctor or nurse. Pasireotide solution (Signifor®) is usually injected twice a day at home. It should be injected around the same times every day. Pasireotide suspension (Signifor LAR®) is usually injected once every 4 weeks. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use pasireotide injection exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are using pasireotide solution (Signifor®), you may be able to inject the medication yourself at home or have a friend or relative perform the injections. Your healthcare provider will show you or the person who will be giving the injections how to inject a dose of pasireotide solution (Signifor®) at home. Before you use pasireotide solution (Signifor®) for the first time, you or the person who will be giving the injections should read the manufacturer's information for the patient that comes with it. These instructions describe how to inject a dose of pasireotide solution (Signifor®). Be sure that you understand these directions. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to inject the medication or how to dispose of used needles and syringes after you inject the medication.
Always look at pasireotide solution (Signifor®) before injecting it. Check that the expiration date has not passed and that the liquid is clear and colorless. The liquid should not be cloudy or contain visible particles. Do not use if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
You can inject pasireotide solution (Signifor®) anywhere on the front of your thighs (upper leg) or your stomach area. Choose a different spot each time you inject your medication. Do not inject your medication into skin that is irritated or reddened.
Continue to use pasireotide injection even if you feel well. Do not stop using pasireotide injection without talking to your doctor.
Your doctor may need to increase or decrease your dose depending on how well the medication works for you and the side effects you experience. Tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with pasireotide injection.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before using pasireotide injection,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
If you are using pasireotide solution (Signifor®), skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of pasireotide suspension (Signifor LAR®), call your doctor as soon as possible.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Pasireotide injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Pasireotide injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to store your medication. Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand how to store your medication properly.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to pasireotide injection.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: December 15, 2024.