mecasermin

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Pronunciation: ME ka SER min

Brand: Increlex

What is the most important information I should know about mecasermin?

Mecasermin should not be given to a child who has cancer, or a child who has finished growing (the bone growth plates are closed).

What is mecasermin?

Mecasermin is a man-made form of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a substance that is normally produced in the body. IGF-1 is important for the growth of bones and muscles.

Mecasermin is used to treat growth failure in children whose bodies do not make enough IGF-1.

Mecasermin is not for use in children who have growth hormone deficiency, malnutrition, underactive thyroid, or those who are taking long-term steroid medications.

Mecasermin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mecasermin?

Your child should not use mecasermin if he or she is allergic to it, or if:

  • the child has cancer; or
  • the child has finished growing and his or her bone growth plates are closed.

To make sure mecasermin is safe for your child, tell the doctor if the child has:

  • diabetes;
  • kidney disease;
  • liver disease; or
  • a curved spine (scoliosis).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy.

It is not known whether mecasermin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Mecasermin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

How is mecasermin given?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. The doctor may occasionally change your child's dose for the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Mecasermin is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not give this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Do not inject mecasermin into a vein.

Mecasermin is usually given twice per day, shortly before or after the child eats a meal or snack. Skip a dose if the child will miss a meal. Mecasermin can cause low blood sugar, which may be worse if the child does not eat.

Tell your doctor if your child has any changes in weight. Mecasermin doses are based on weight and any changes may affect the dose.

Your care provider will show you the best places on your child's body to inject mecasermin. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Do not use the medicine if it looks cloudy or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

While using mecasermin, your child may need frequent examinations and medical tests. The child's blood sugar may also need to be checked often.

Watch your child for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar available in case the child has low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help the child in an emergency.

Keep track of how many days in a row your child has had low blood sugar symptoms after a mecasermin injection.

Call the doctor if hypoglycemia symptoms do not get better after eating or drinking a sugar source.

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze. Throw away the vial 30 days after opening it, even if it still contains unused mecasermin.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Be sure the child eats within 20 minutes before or after the injection. If the child skips a meal, do not use mecasermin. Wait until the next meal.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of mecasermin can cause severe hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia may include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, or seizure (convulsions).

Long term use of high mecasermin doses can lead to unusual or excessive growth in any part of the body.

What should I avoid while using mecasermin?

Mecasermin may impair thinking, reactions, or physical abilities. For the first 2 to 3 hours after an injection, the child should avoid doing anything that requires alertness or coordination.

What are the possible side effects of mecasermin?

Get emergency medical help if your child has signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your child's face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if your child has:

  • pain in the hip or knee, walking with a limp;
  • low blood sugar --headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery;
  • swollen tonsils --snoring, breathing problems during sleep, pain or fullness in the ear, hearing problems; or
  • increased pressure inside the skull --headache with vision problems, nausea, pain behind the eyes.

Common side effects may include:

  • low blood sugar;
  • swollen tonsils; or
  • an allergic reaction.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect mecasermin?

Other drugs may interact with mecasermin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines your child uses now and any medicine the child starts or stops using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about mecasermin.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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