pasireotide pamoate at a glance
Medicine class
Long-acting somatostatin analogue
Licensed uses
Selected adults with Cushing’s disease or acromegaly
Administration
Deep intramuscular injection by a trained healthcare professional
Key safety issue
Blood glucose can rise substantially, including in people without known diabetes
What is pasireotide pamoate used for?
UK-licensed uses in adults are:
Cushing’s disease when surgery is not an option or has failed.
Acromegaly when surgery is not an option or has not been curative, and another somatostatin analogue has not provided adequate control.
How does pasireotide pamoate work?
Pasireotide activates several somatostatin-receptor subtypes, particularly receptor subtype 5. In Cushing’s disease this reduces pituitary ACTH release and therefore cortisol production; in acromegaly it suppresses growth hormone and IGF-1 activity.
pasireotide pamoate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg
How to take pasireotide pamoate
A trained healthcare professional prepares the suspension immediately before use and injects it deeply into a buttock muscle. Repeat injections should alternate between the left and right sides. Food does not affect administration because the product is injected.
Do not attempt to prepare or inject this formulation yourself unless specifically trained and authorised by the treating service.
Tell the clinical team about new medicines, blood-sugar changes or significant symptoms before an injection.
pasireotide pamoate side effects
Common or expected effects
- High blood glucose or diabetes
- Diarrhoea, nausea or abdominal pain
- Gallstones
- Fatigue
- Headache or dizziness
- Vomiting or abdominal bloating
- Injection-site pain, swelling, itching or a lump
- Changes in liver tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe hyperglycaemia or diabetic ketoacidosis
- Low cortisol or adrenal insufficiency
- Slow heartbeat or QT-interval prolongation
- Gallbladder inflammation, bile-duct infection or impaired bile flow
- Clinically significant liver injury
pasireotide pamoate in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited and pasireotide is not recommended during pregnancy unless a specialist considers it necessary. Hormonal control may restore fertility, so discuss contraception, pregnancy planning or a possible pregnancy promptly with the endocrine team.
pasireotide pamoate while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether pasireotide enters human milk. The UK product information advises stopping breastfeeding during treatment; discuss feeding options with the specialist team.
pasireotide pamoate interactions
Important interactions include:
Ciclosporin
Pasireotide may reduce ciclosporin exposure, so concentrations and treatment may need adjustment.
QT-prolonging medicines
Antiarrhythmics, some antibiotics, antipsychotics, antimalarials and systemic ketoconazole may add to the risk of abnormal cardiac repolarisation.
Heart-rate-lowering medicines
Beta blockers, certain calcium-channel blockers, antiarrhythmics and cholinesterase inhibitors may increase bradycardia risk, requiring heart-rate monitoring.
Common questions about pasireotide pamoate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can pasireotide pamoate cause diabetes?
Yes. High blood glucose and diabetes are among its most important adverse effects and can occur without previously diagnosed diabetes, so regular glucose monitoring is required.
What symptoms of high blood sugar matter during treatment?
Excessive thirst, passing more urine, unusual hunger, weight loss, tiredness, nausea or abdominal pain should be reported promptly. Fruity breath, difficult breathing or confusion require urgent help.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.