What is Iplex?
Iplex, a synthetic form of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), is produced by your body. IGF-1 plays a vital role in the growth of muscles and bones.
Iplex can be used to treat children who are not growing properly because their bodies don't produce enough IGF-1. Iplex can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Warnings
If your child is suffering from cancer, has stopped growing (the growth plates of the bones are closed), or has any other cause for growth failure, iplex should be avoided. This medicine should be administered 20 minutes before or after the child consumes a snack or meal. The medicine should not be used if a meal or snack has not been eaten. Wait 20 minutes after the child has eaten before injecting iplex. Iplex can lower blood sugar levels if used without food.
Always eat a snack or meal 20 minutes prior to or after injecting iplex. Iplex can cause a problem with the bones in the upper leg. If your child has a limp or is experiencing hip or knee pain, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Know how to identify the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in your child. Keep sugar on hand in case your kid shows signs of low blood glucose. Orange juice, glucose gels, milk, and candy are all sugar sources. Severe hypoglycemia may cause fainting, seizures (convulsions), or death. Give an injection of glucagon if your child is suffering from severe hypoglycemia. You can get a glucagon injection kit from your doctor. He will also tell you how to administer the injection.
Iplex can temporarily increase pressure in the brain. If your child is experiencing pain behind the eyelids, nausea, and vomiting, call your doctor immediately. Iplex can worsen scoliosis. Your child with scoliosis will need to have their spine curvature checked frequently.
Similar/related drugs
Increlex, Mecasermin
Before you take this drug
If your child is:
- The bone growth plates have closed.
- Has cancer
- There are other reasons for growth failure.
Tell your doctor if:
- Diabetes;
- Kidney problems;
- Liver problems
- Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine.
If your child suffers from any of these conditions, he or she may require a dose adjustment and/or special tests in order to use iplex safely.
This medication is in FDA pregnancy category C. It may harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while on treatment. It is unknown if iplex can pass into breast milk or if it would harm a baby who was nursing. Iplex shouldn't be used when breast-feeding a child.
How to take Iplex?
Do not exceed the dosage or duration prescribed by your physician. Use it only as directed. Follow the instructions on your child's medication label. The dose of this medication may be changed by your doctor from time to time in order to ensure that your child receives the best possible results.
Iplex can be given by injection under the skin of your child's upper thigh or upper arm. It may also be injected into their stomach, buttocks, or upper thigh. Do not inject the medicine into a muscle, vein, or any other part of your child's body. You will receive specific instructions from your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse on where and how to inject the medicine. You should not give your child an injection at home if it is not clear to you how the injection will be given and how to properly dispose of needles and syringes.
Each time you inject, use a new area of the skin. Your provider will show you where to safely inject medication into your child. Do not repeat the same injection in the same area. This medicine should be administered 20 minutes before or after the child consumes a snack or meal. The medicine should not be used if a meal or snack has not been eaten. Wait 20 minutes after the child eats before administering the iplex.
You should not inject your child until you have drawn the iplex into a syringe. If the medication has changed color or contains particles, do not use it. You can call your doctor to get a new prescription. Each disposable needle should only be used once. Use a puncture-proof container to throw away used needles (ask the pharmacist how you can dispose of one). This container should be kept out of the reach of pets and children.
You may have to restrict or limit certain foods for your child while they are using iplex. You should follow your doctor's advice regarding diet and medications. Regular blood tests will be required to ensure that the medication is improving your child's health. A vision exam may be required. Keep all scheduled appointments. Store iplex until you're ready to use it. Keep the medicine at a temperature 4 degrees below zero Fahrenheit or -20 degrees Celsius to prevent it from thawing between uses.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator and let it thaw for 45 minutes at room temperature. Warm the medication in hot water, but not in the microwave. After the medication has thawed, it should be taken within an hour. Iplex may be frozen for up to 2 months. If the medication has been frozen for longer than two months, it should not be used.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you remember, give the injection. If the missed dose falls close to its next scheduled dosage, forgo it. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
Do not inject iplex if the child hasn't eaten a meal for at least 20 minutes.
What happens if I overdose?
If you suspect that your child may have received too much medicine, seek immediate medical attention.
Overdose symptoms can include low blood sugar symptoms such as headaches, nausea, hunger, and confusion. They may also include weakness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
What should be avoided?
If your child is sick or can't eat, don't give them this medication. If the child has not eaten a meal within 20 minutes of the injection, do not administer an iplex. Iplex can lower blood sugar levels if used without food.
Side effects of Iplex
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using iplex immediately and seek emergency medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Iplex can temporarily increase pressure in the brain. The symptoms include nausea and vomiting, as well as pain behind the eye. If your child is experiencing a headache and vomiting, call your doctor immediately.
Iplex can cause a problem with the bones called "slipped capital femoral epiphysis." The upper leg's (femur), which is the top, can slip apart. If your child has hip or leg pain or develops a limp, you should take them to the doctor immediately. Iplex can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness or headaches, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating, as well as sweating or nausea. Be on the lookout for symptoms of low blood glucose. If you suspect low blood sugar, carry a hard candy that is not dietetic or glucose tablets.
Other sources of sugar include orange juice (or other fruit juices), glucose gel, sweets, and milk. Severe hypoglycemia may cause fainting, seizures (convulsions), or death. Give an injection of glucagon if your child is suffering from severe hypoglycemia. You can get a prescription from your doctor for an emergency glucagon injection kit. Your doctor will also tell you how to administer the injection. Iplex can cause tonsils to enlarge. This can lead to snoring (breathing stops while sleeping), sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing, or an accumulation of fluid in your middle ear. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, call your doctor.
Iplex can worsen scoliosis due to rapid growth. Your child's spine should be monitored for any changes in curve if they have scoliosis. Iplex can also cause redness, bruising, or changes in the skin where it was injected. The list is not complete, and other side effects may occur. Inform your doctor if you experience any side effects that are unusual or bothersome.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if your child is taking any diabetes medication, such as insulin, or medications taken orally (glucotrol, diabeta, micronase, orinase, and others). Your child may need a special test or dose adjustment if he or she is taking any of these medications.
Other drugs that are not listed may also affect iplex. Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medications that your child is taking. Included in this are vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, as well as drugs prescribed by doctors. You should not begin using any new medication on your child without first consulting their doctor.
