Serostim® Injection for HIV-Associated Wasting

Serostim is prescription somatropin used to treat HIV-associated wasting. This page explains how it works, how to use it, and key safety points, with US delivery from Canada. You will also find ways to manage costs without insurance.

What Serostim Is and How It Works

Serostim® is recombinant human growth hormone. It supports protein synthesis and helps preserve lean body mass in adults with HIV-associated wasting. The medicine acts on multiple tissues to promote nitrogen retention and improve body composition. Effects may also reflect better fluid balance and increased exercise capacity when combined with nutrition and activity plans advised by your prescriber.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

Growth hormone can influence glucose metabolism. Your healthcare professional may monitor blood sugar more closely if you have diabetes risk factors. See our overview of Thyroid Disease for background on hormonal conditions that sometimes overlap with metabolic issues.

Exact product directions can vary by patient and vial strength. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the package insert.

For clarity, Serostim somatropin functions as an anabolic therapy that may help increase lean body mass in this setting.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adults with HIV-associated wasting or cachexia who continue to lose weight or lean mass despite standard care. It is not a general weight-loss drug and is not approved for children or for athletic performance.

People with active cancer, known hypersensitivity to somatropin or excipients, or certain acute critical illnesses should not use this therapy. Those with diabetes, a history of carpal tunnel syndrome, pancreatitis, scoliosis, or intracranial hypertension require careful monitoring. Your prescriber will evaluate risks and benefits before starting.

For background on related conditions, explore our categories on Cachexia and Wasting.

Dosage and Usage

Therapy is typically given as a subcutaneous injection once daily. Dosing is commonly weight-based with a maximum daily dose defined in the official labeling. Some patients at higher risk of glucose intolerance may use an alternate schedule such as every other day, as directed by their prescriber.

General administration steps:

• Wash hands and gather supplies, including vial, diluent, syringe, and alcohol swabs.
• Reconstitute the powder with the provided diluent per the package insert. Swirl gently; do not shake.
• Inspect the solution. Do not use if discolored or if particles are present.
• Choose a site on the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttock. Rotate sites to reduce local reactions.
• Clean the skin, inject subcutaneously at the angle taught by your clinician, and dispose of the needle safely.

If you need a refresher on subcutaneous technique, see our stepwise guide in How To Inject Mounjaro. The general steps are similar, though your device and volumes will differ.

Strengths and Forms

Common presentations include lyophilized vials, such as 4 mg, 5 mg, and Serostim 6 mg, packaged with a compatible diluent and instructions for mixing. Availability can vary by country and wholesaler. Your prescriber will select a presentation that fits your dosing plan and minimizes waste.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Do not double up. If you miss doses often, speak with your prescriber or pharmacist about tools to improve adherence, such as reminders or setting a consistent injection time.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store vials exactly as directed in the package insert. Protect from light, keep out of children’s reach, and do not use past the labeled expiration. After mixing, follow the product-specific guidance for refrigeration and discard timelines. Do not freeze the solution.

For travel, keep the therapy with you rather than checked luggage, and bring your prescription or a copy of the label. Use an insulated carrier if advised by your prescriber. Security screening typically permits medically necessary supplies when accompanied by documentation. Our systems use encrypted checkout, and temperature-controlled handling when required.

Benefits

This medicine may increase lean body mass in adults with HIV-associated wasting. It can support weight maintenance and may improve physical endurance when used alongside medical nutrition therapy and a clinician-approved exercise plan. Benefits are tied to correct dosing, steady adherence, and ongoing evaluation to confirm treatment goals are being met.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects include injection site discomfort, mild swelling, joint stiffness, muscle pain, or tingling sensations in hands or feet. Some people experience fluid retention that presents as ankle puffiness or hand tightness. These effects often lessen with dose adjustments made by your prescriber.

Serious or rare risks include new or worsening glucose intolerance, carpal tunnel syndrome, intracranial hypertension (severe headache or vision changes), pancreatitis, and potential growth of existing malignancies. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, sudden vision problems, or unexplained severe headaches. When used with insulin or sulfonylureas, the risk of hypoglycemia can change and requires monitoring.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Glucocorticoids can reduce the effectiveness of growth hormone therapy. Estrogens taken by mouth may blunt desired effects, sometimes prompting clinicians to re-evaluate the overall plan. Somatropin may alter the clearance of drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, so your prescriber will review all medicines and supplements you take.

People with diabetes or prediabetes may need closer monitoring of blood sugar and individualized nutrition guidance. If glycemic control requires support, your prescriber may consider agents such as a DPP-4 inhibitor; see Sitagliptin for an example of this class.

What to Expect Over Time

Changes in lean mass and energy are gradual and depend on adherence, nutrition, and overall health. Your prescriber may track weight, body composition, and functional measures to gauge progress. If side effects occur, they may adjust the plan, modify the schedule, or consider pauses. Keep consistent follow-ups and share any new symptoms promptly.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approaches for body composition support in HIV care may include nutrition therapy, resistance exercise, and, in select cases, alternative anabolic strategies evaluated by your clinician. These are not direct substitutes for growth hormone. Some patients who experience glucose effects may be managed with antidiabetic medicines alongside or instead of growth-focused therapy. Examples include a DPP-4 inhibitor like Sitagliptin or a GLP-1 receptor agonist such as Mounjaro Kwikpen, when clinically appropriate. Decisions depend on your medical history and goals; your prescriber will guide the choice.

For broader endocrine topics, browse our Endocrine Thyroid category.

Pricing and Access

We provide transparent options so you can review the Serostim price and compare Canadian pricing with local quotes. US delivery from Canada helps many patients access therapy through a licensed channel. See current cash-pay options, or ask about self-pay workflows if you plan to pay out of pocket. If you are looking for savings opportunities, check our Promotions page for any available offers.

To understand cash-pay budgeting, your pharmacist can outline vial counts, expected refill timing, and ways to align with your clinical plan. Billing is straightforward, and our team can help you coordinate prescription transfers when needed.

Availability and Substitutions

We aim to keep Serostim for sale in common strengths. Supply can vary by strength and wholesaler. If a specific presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative or an adjusted plan to maintain continuity. We do not quote restock dates in advance; your pharmacist can review what is currently in stock.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults with documented HIV-associated wasting or cachexia who can follow an injection schedule and monitoring plan. Your prescriber will screen for conditions that increase risk, including uncontrolled diabetes, active malignancy, or a history of intracranial hypertension.

• Multi-month fills: Ask if a larger supply reduces refill frequency and travel time.
• Reduce waste: Use the vial strength that matches your dose to minimize leftover volume.
• Reminders: Set calendar alerts for dosing and reorders to prevent gaps.
• Coordination: Align follow-up visits, lab work, and refills to streamline care.
• Documentation: Keep copies of your prescription for travel and workplace accommodations.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• What dosing schedule fits my medical history and goals?
• How will we monitor lean body mass and metabolic health?
• Which injection sites should I use and rotate?
• What signs of fluid retention or carpal tunnel should I watch for?
• How might this therapy affect my blood sugar and other medicines?
• What should I do if I miss more than one dose?
• How long should we continue before reassessing benefits and risks?

Authoritative Sources

Ready to proceed? Add this medicine to your cart, upload your prescription, and choose prompt, express shipping. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions. This page does not replace medical advice.