mecasermin Health Article

Generic name(s):

mecasermin

Brand name(s):

Increlex

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

In addition to this information, you should receive the specific mecasermin product instructions that show you how to inject the drug. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you did not receive additional product instructions that show you how to inject mecasermin.

Use mecasermin exactly as directed by your doctor for your child. Your doctor or nurse should teach you how to inject mecasermin. Do not give your child mecasermin unless you understand all of the instructions.

What is mecasermin?

Mecasermin is man-made insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is the same as the IGF-1 made by your body. IGF-1 is important in the body 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 may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Your child should not take mecasermin if your child:

• has finished growing (the bone growth plates are closed);

• has cancer;

• has other causes of growth failure;

• is allergic to mecasermin or any of the inactive ingredients. Check with your child's doctor if you are not sure.

Tell your child's doctor about all of your child's health conditions, including if your child:

• has diabetes;

• has kidney problems;

• has liver problems; or

• has a curved spine (scoliosis).

Tell your child's doctor about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your child's doctor if your child takes insulin or other anti-diabetes medicines. A dose adjustment may be needed for these medicines.

Mecasermin is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use mecasermin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether mecasermin passes into breast milk. Do not use mecasermin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use mecasermin?

In addition to this information, you should receive the specific mecasermin product instructions that show you how to inject the drug. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you did not receive additional product instructions that show you how to inject mecasermin.

Use mecasermin exactly as directed by your doctor for your child. Your doctor or nurse should teach you how to inject mecasermin. Do not give your child mecasermin unless you understand all of the instructions.

Mecasermin should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin).

Inject mecasermin under your child's skin shortly (20 minutes) before or after a meal or snack. Skip your child's dose of mecasermin if your child cannot eat for any reason. Do not make up the missed dose by giving two doses the next time.

Inject mecasermin just below the skin in your child's upper arm, upper leg (thigh), stomach area (abdomen), or buttocks. Never inject it into a vein or muscle. Change the injection site for each injection ("rotate the injection site").

Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles and syringes in an appropriate, puncture resistant disposal container.

Only use mecasermin that is clear and colorless. If your child's mecasermin is cloudy or slightly colored, return it for a replacement.

Store new unopened vials of mecasermin in the refrigerator (not the freezer) between 35 to 46F (2 to 8C). Do not freeze mecasermin. Keep mecasermin out of direct heat and bright light. If a vial freezes, throw it away.

Once a vial of mecasermin is opened, you can keep it in the refrigerator between 35 to 46F (2 to 8C) for 30 days after you start using the vial. Do not freeze mecasermin. Keep mecasermin out of direct heat and bright light. If a vial freezes, throw it away. Keep mecasermin and all medicines out of reach of children.