When the label says no
Contraindication
A contraindication is a reason the drug label says a medicine must not be used.
Bring your health history into the discussion, even if a service asks only a short list of questions.
- Pituitary
- A gland that makes hormones, the body’s chemical signals, and responds to tesamorelin.
What the label rules out
The tesamorelin label rules out use when certain illnesses or injuries disrupt the pituitary gland or the brain signals that control it.
The label names removal of the gland or a gland that makes too few hormones. It also names a tumour or surgery involving the gland, radiation treatment to the head and head injury as causes of this disruption.
It also rules out active cancer, pregnancy and a known allergy to tesamorelin or its other ingredients.
Have the doctor or other health professional review your history against the full label.
- Benefit and harm
- What a treatment might help, set beside what could go wrong.
Past cancer and pregnancy need clear answers
For past, treated cancer, the label calls for careful review before treatment.
It does not establish that tesamorelin causes cancer.
The label says tesamorelin could harm an unborn baby.
It directs stopping the medicine if pregnancy occurs and says mothers receiving it must not breastfeed.
- Severe allergic reaction
- A fast, life-threatening reaction that can affect breathing.
When to get urgent help
Trouble breathing or swelling in your face or tongue can signal a severe allergic reaction.
For severe allergy symptoms, call 911 or go directly to your nearest emergency room.
Do not wait for an online message reply when those severe signs appear.