pasireotide diaspartate at a glance
Medicine class
Somatostatin analogue
Licensed use
Adult pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease when surgery is not an option or has failed
Administration
Subcutaneous injection after healthcare-professional training
Important monitoring
Blood glucose, liver function, heart rhythm, electrolytes, cortisol, gallbladder and pituitary function
What is pasireotide diaspartate used for?
This product is licensed for:
Treatment of adults with Cushing’s disease when pituitary surgery is not possible or has failed.
How does pasireotide diaspartate work?
Pasireotide activates somatostatin receptors, particularly subtype 5 on ACTH-producing pituitary tumour cells. This reduces ACTH release and can reduce cortisol production by the adrenal glands.
pasireotide diaspartate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 0.3 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.9 mg
How to take pasireotide diaspartate
Use only after a doctor or nurse has shown you how to prepare and give the subcutaneous injection.
Inject into fatty tissue in the upper thigh or abdomen, avoiding the navel and waistline.
Use a different site each time and avoid inflamed, sore or irritated skin.
Check that the solution is clear, colourless and free from visible particles.
Use sterile equipment and put used needles and syringes directly into an approved sharps container.
Do not mix the solution with another medicine.
pasireotide diaspartate side effects
Common or expected effects
- High blood glucose or diabetes
- Diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal pain
- Gallstones
- Injection-site reactions
- Tiredness
- Headache, dizziness or vomiting
- Slow heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Hair loss, itching, muscle pain or joint pain
- Abnormal liver or pancreatic blood-test results
Get urgent medical advice
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Low cortisol with marked weakness, vomiting, weight loss or low blood pressure
- Gallbladder inflammation or obstructed bile flow, with fever, abdominal pain or jaundice
- Clinically significant liver dysfunction, including jaundice
- Marked slow heartbeat, fainting or a serious heart-rhythm disturbance
pasireotide diaspartate in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited. Pasireotide is not recommended during pregnancy or when effective contraception is not being used. As control of Cushing’s disease may restore fertility, pregnancy planning or suspected pregnancy requires prompt specialist review.
pasireotide diaspartate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether pasireotide enters human breast milk. Breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment, with specialist advice about feeding options.
pasireotide diaspartate interactions
Provide the specialist team with a complete list of prescribed, non-prescribed and complementary products. Important interactions include:
Medicines that prolong the QT interval
These include some antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, antipsychotics, antihistamines, antimalarials and systemic ketoconazole; they may add to abnormal heart-rhythm risk.
Medicines that slow the heart rate
Beta blockers, verapamil, diltiazem, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and some antiarrhythmics may increase slow-heartbeat risk.
Insulin and other glucose-lowering medicines
Pasireotide can substantially alter glucose control, so diabetes treatment may need review and adjustment.
Common questions about pasireotide diaspartate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
It is licensed for adults with Cushing’s disease when pituitary surgery cannot be performed or has not worked.
Can it affect blood glucose?
Yes. High blood glucose and diabetes are recognised effects, so glucose monitoring is required.
Can it affect the heart?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.