What is Mecasermin?
Mecasermin, a synthetic form of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), is a substance normally produced by the body. IGF-1 plays a role in the growth of muscles and bones. Mecasermin can be used to treat children who have growth problems because their bodies don't produce enough IGF-1. Mecasermin should not be used in children with growth hormone deficiency or malnutrition. Mecasermin can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Mecasermin
If your child shows any of the following signs of an allergy: hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of their face, lips, or throat, you should seek emergency medical attention.
If your child is suffering from:
- A limp or pain in the knee or hip;
- Low sugar—headache; sweating; confusion, irritability, or dizziness. Rapid heart rate.
- Swollen tonsils can cause snoring and breathing problems at night, as well as pain or swelling in the ear.
- Increased pressure in the skull—headache with vision problems nausea and pain behind the eye.
Mecasermin side effects may include:
- Low blood sugar
- Swollen tonsils;
- An allergic reaction is a serious condition.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Increlex
Warnings
Mecasermin is not recommended for children with cancer or those who have finished growing (the growth plates of the bones are closed).
Before you take this drug
You should not give mecasermin to your child if they are allergic to:
- The child has cancer.
- The child's growth plate has closed, and the child is finished growing.
Tell your doctor about any of the following conditions to ensure that mecasermin will be safe for your child:
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- A curved spine (scoliosis).
Mecasermin is not known to harm an unborn child if taken during pregnancy. Mecasermin does not pass into breast milk. It is also unknown if it can harm a baby who is nursing. Mecasermin should not be used by children under 2 years of age.
How to take Mecasermin?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may change the dose of your child's medication from time to time for the best results. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dose or use it for longer. Mecasermin can be injected into the skin. You may be taught how to inject at home. You should not administer this medication if you don't know how to properly use an injection or dispose of used needles. Never inject mecasermin into a vein. Mecasermin should be given to children twice a day, either before or after a meal. Do not give a dose to a child who will be missing a meal. Mecasermin may cause low blood sugar.
Inform your doctor of any weight changes. Mecasermin dosages are determined by weight, and any changes in weight may change the dose. Your child's care provider can show you where to best inject mecasermin. Each time you inject, use a new place. Don't inject in the same spot twice. If the medicine appears cloudy or contains particles, do not use it. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Your child may require frequent medical examinations or tests while using mecasermin. Your child's blood glucose level may need to be monitored frequently. Be on the lookout for symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Keep sugar on hand in case your child's blood sugar drops. Sugar can be found in fruit juice, crackers, and raisins. Make sure that your family members and friends are aware of how to assist the child in case of an emergency.
Count the number of days your child had symptoms of low blood sugar after receiving a mecasermin shot. If hypoglycemia does not improve after eating or drinking sugar, call your doctor. Only use a disposable syringe and needle once. Use a sharps container that is puncture-proof. Ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to dispose of it. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of sharps in a container that is puncture-proof. This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children. Keep this medicine in your refrigerator. Do not freeze, and protect from light. After 30 days, throw away the vial, even if there is still mecasermin in it.
Details on dosage
The usual pediatric dose for primary IGF-1 deficiency is:
Initial dose: 0.4–0.8 mg/kg, 2 times daily subcutaneously for at least seven days.
Maximum dose: 0,12 mg/kg 2x/day subcutaneously
Comments:
not a replacement for growth hormone (GH) when used in approved GH indications.
Uses: Treatment for growth failure in children who have a severe primary GH deficiency or who have a growth hormone gene deletion and are neutralizing antibodies against GH.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, use the missed dose. Make sure that the child has eaten within 20 minutes of the injection. Mecasermin should not be used if the child misses a meal. Wait until your child's next meal.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A mecasermin overdose can lead to severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause extreme weakness, blurred eyesight, sweating, and difficulty speaking. Other symptoms include tremors, nausea, stomach pain, or confusion. Mecasermin can cause abnormal or excessive growth anywhere on the body.
What should be avoided?
Mecasermin can impair the ability to think, react, or move. During the first two to three hours following an injection, children should not do anything that requires coordination or alertness.
Interaction with other drug
Mecasermin may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about any medicines that your child is taking and any new medications.
