What is Increlex?
Increlex, a synthetic form of the substance insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), is produced by the body. IGF-1 plays a vital role in the growth of muscles and bones.Increlex treats growth failure in children who do not produce enough IGF-1.
Increlex should not be used in children with growth hormone deficiency or malnutrition. It is also not recommended for those taking long-term steroids.
Warnings
Children with cancer or children who have finished growing (their growth plates are closed) should not receive Increlex.Increlex should not be used in children with growth hormone deficiency or malnutrition. It is also not recommended for those taking long-term steroids.
Tell the doctor before your child takes this medication if they have diabetes, kidney or liver disease, a curled spine (scoliosis), or if they've ever experienced an allergic reaction to the preservative benzyl alcohol.
Increlex is injected beneath the skin. Your child and you may be taught how to administer injections at home. You should be able to understand the correct way to inject and dispose of the used needles.Be careful not to allow your child's sugar levels to drop too low when using this medication. Learn the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and how you can recognise them.
Before you take this drug
Increlex should not be used by your child if they are allergic to mecasermin or if
- The child has cancer.
- The child's growth plate has closed, and the child is finished growing.
Tell your doctor if you or your child have:
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Curved spine.
Increlex 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.Increlex should not be used by children under 2 years of age.
How to take Increlex?
Inject Increlex under the skin. You may be taught how to inject at home. You should not administer this medicine if the patient does not know how to properly use an injection or dispose of needles and syringes. The medicine must not be injected in a vein.Increlex should be given to children twice a day, either before or after a meal. If the child is going to miss a meal, skip the dose. Mecasermin may cause low blood sugar.
Inform your doctor of any weight changes. Weight is a factor in the dosage of Increlex, and changes in weight can affect it.Your provider will show the best spots on your child's skin to inject Increlex. Each time you inject, use a new location. 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 Increlex. 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, hard candies, crackers, and raisins. Make sure that your family members and friends are aware of how to assist the child if an emergency occurs.Track how many consecutive days your child experienced low blood sugar symptoms following a dose.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. Where can you get it and what to do with it? Ask your pharmacist. 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 Increlex 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 developed antibodies against growth hormone (GH) or severe primary IGF-1 deficiencies.
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. Increlex 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 or double vision, sweating, and difficulty speaking. Other symptoms include tremors, nausea, confusion, and seizures.Mecasermin can cause abnormal or excessive growth anywhere on the body.
What should be avoided?
Increlex 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.
Side effects of Increlex
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Increlex, you should seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
If your child is suffering from:
- A limp or pain in the knee or hip;
- Low blood sugar symptoms include headaches, fatigue, weakness, sweating, and confusion.
- Swollen tonsils can cause snoring or breathing problems at night, pain in the ear or fullness, or hearing problems.
- Increased pressure inside the head, headaches with vision problems, nausea, and pain behind the eye
Some of the common side effects of Increlex 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.
Interaction with other drug
Mecasermin may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor about any medicines that your child is taking now, as well as those they may start or stop using.
