Brand names: Increlex™
- Drug Forms:
- Mecasermin injection (below)
- Mecasermin (E. Coli) Solution for injection
Mecasermin injection
What is Mecasermin injection?
MECASERMIN (Increlex®) is a man-made insulin-like growth factor or IGF-1. IGF-1 is important for the growth and health of many parts of the body. Mecasermin is used to increase growth in children who are short for their age because their bodies do not make enough IGF-1. Your doctor may prescribe this medication for other reasons. Generic mecasermin injection is not available yet.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• any type of cancer
• diabetes or changes in your blood sugar
• ear infection
• sleep apnea or loud snoring
• scoliosis
• underactive or overactive thyroid
• an unusual or allergic reaction to mecasermin, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or other preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
Mecasermin is for injection under the skin. Use exactly as directed. Never inject mecasermin into a vein or muscle. Do not use more medication than prescribed. It is important to follow the directions given to you by your health care professional or doctor. You will be taught how to inject mecasermin.You must eat within 20 minutes before or after you inject mecasermin. If you are not able to eat, do not use that dose of mecasermin.
Always check the appearance of your medication before using it. Mecasermin should be clear and colorless like water. Do not use mecasermin if it is cloudy, thickened, colored, or has solid particles in it. Do not use mecasermin if it has been frozen or if it has been open for more than 30 days.
What if I miss a dose?
The dose and dosing schedule for mecasermin is specific for you. Your health care professional or prescriber should discuss a plan for missed doses with you. If you do miss a dose, follow their plan. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with
Mecasermin?
• growth hormone
• medicines for attention deficit disorder (ADHD), (examples: dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate)
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for narcolepsy
• medicines for thyroid disease
• octreotide
• tamoxifen
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Mecasermin?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.Dangerously low blood sugar can occur when mecasermin is injected and no food is eaten within 20 minutes. Checking and recording your blood glucose is very important when you start mecasermin and when your dose is changed. Do not do anything that may be dangerous such as driving a car for 2—3 hours after you get the medicine.
Throw away the syringe and needle in a closed container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Mecasermin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• difficulty breathing
• difficulty walking or knee or hip pain
• skin rash or itching
• dizziness
• severe headache
• visual changes
• vomiting
• Signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, hunger, pale skin, nausea, fatigue, sweating, headache, palpitations, numbness of the mouth, tingling in the fingers, tremors, muscle weakness, blurred vision, cold sensations, uncontrolled yawning, irritability, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. You should learn to recognize your own symptoms of hypoglycemia. Your symptoms may be different than others. If you are uncertain about your symptoms of hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar often to help you learn to recognize the symptoms. Hypoglycemia may cause you to not be aware of your actions or surroundings if it is severe, so you should let others know what to do if you cannot help yourself in a severe reaction. Your health care professional or prescriber will teach you how to treat hypoglycemia.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• bone or muscle pain
• increase or decrease in fat under the skin near where you inject your medicine
• pain or swelling where you inject your medicine
• snoring or difficulty sleeping
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.Store unopened vials of mecasermin in the refrigerator between 35—46 degrees F (2— 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Once opened, vials of mecasermin should be kept in the refrigerator. The open vial of mecasermin can be used for 30 days. After 30 days it must be thrown away.
Throw away any unopened medicine after the expiration date printed on the vial.
Last updated: 9/6/2005 11:57:00 AM
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
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