Mecasermin

Generic name: Mecasermin
Brand names: Increlex
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (10 mg/mL)
Drug class: Insulin-like growth factors

Usage of 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.

Mecasermin side effects

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 of mecasermin 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.

    Before taking 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 mecasermin 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.

    Relate drugs

    How to use Mecasermin

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Primary IGF-1 Deficiency:

    Initial dose: 0.4 to 0.8 mg/kg suBCutaneously 2 times a day for at least 7 daysMaximum dose: 0.12 mg/kg subcutaneously 2 times a dayComments:-Not a substitute to growth hormone (GH) for approved GH indications.Uses: Treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or with growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed Neutralizing antibodies to GH.

    Warnings

    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 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.

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