What is Metreleptin?
Metreleptin, in conjunction with diet, is used to treat the complications that result from leptin deficiencies among people who suffer from lipodystrophy. The body's fat storage is affected by lipodystrophy. Use of metreleptin in obese people or those with lipodystrophy due to HIV/AIDS or obesity is not recommended. Metreleptin can only be obtained through a specific program. The program requires that you register and be aware of the benefits and risks associated with metreleptin. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of metreleptin.
Side effects of Metreleptin
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, feeling as if you could pass out, swelling on your lips, face, tongue, or throat, you should seek emergency medical attention.
Meterleptin may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, which can reduce its effectiveness or lead to certain side effects. Call your doctor if you develop:
- Any signs that you may have a new virus, such as fever, sores on the mouth, and difficulty breathing; Changes in blood sugar (if diabetic);
- Your lipodystrophy may worsen.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Low blood sugar may result in headaches, hunger pangs, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness or feeling jittery.
- Pancreatitis: severe pain spreading from your stomach to your back and nausea
Side effects common to metreleptin include:
- Low blood sugar
- Headache;
- Weight loss;
- Stomach pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Call the FDA's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088 if experiencing side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Egrifta, Tesamorelin, and Myalept
Warnings
Some people can have an allergic reaction to metreleptin, which may cause it not to work as well or produce certain side effects. If you experience any new symptoms (such as fever, chills, or night sweats) or if your lipodystrophy worsens, call your doctor. Tell your doctor about any change in blood sugar levels if you're diabetic.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to metreleptin, then it is best not to use this product. You should not use metreleptin to treat obesity-related leptin deficiencies.
If you've ever:
- A disorder of the blood cells or a low count of white blood cells (wbcs);
- Liver disease, including "fat "
- Diabetes (especially if insulin or diabetes medication is used).
- Pancreatitis;
- High triglycerides
- Any other metabolic disorder
- An autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or lupus;
- Bone marrow suppression
- Lymphoma
Inform your doctor that you plan to get pregnant. Lipodystrophy can increase the risk of complications such as stillbirths, miscarriages, diabetes, or eclampsia. Treatment of lipodystrophy can be beneficial to both mother and baby. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about breastfeeding while taking metreleptin. You should consult your physician if you are concerned about any risks.
How to take Metereleptin?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. As directed, take your medication as directed. The metreleptin injection is given under the skin. You will be taught how to use this medication properly by a healthcare professional. Metreleptin shouldn't be injected into a vein or muscle. The metreleptin dose is normally given once daily, at any hour of the day, with or without eating. Weight is used to determine the dose of metreleptin (especially for children and adolescents).Dosage requirements may change if your weight increases or decreases. Please read and follow all directions provided with your medication. If you don't understand them, reach out to either your pharmacist or physician for clarification. Before using the metreleptin, it must first be mixed in a liquid. If you are using the injections yourself, make sure that you know how to mix and store them properly. Mixing metereleptin and other medications in the same vial is not recommended. Only prepare an injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medication is cloudy or looks different, it should not be used. For new medication, call your pharmacist. Never use Bacteriostatic Injection Water (BWFI) as a diluting agent when preparing the metreleptin dosage for an infant. BWFI is a diluent that contains an additive that can have serious side effects on very young babies or premature infants. Only use Sterile Water for Injection (WFI) or the recommended diluent by your pharmacist or doctor. Keep metereleptin in its original containers in the fridge. Keep away from sunlight. Avoid freezing. Don't use the medication if it has become discolored or the date of expiration on the bottle has expired.
The mixture of BWFI and metreleptin must be consumed within three days. The mixture should be stored in the fridge. Metreleptin that has been mixed with WFI should be taken immediately. WFI contains no preservatives. Save WFI for future use. Never reuse needles and syringes and dispose of them promptly following local or state regulations to avoid punctures. Also ensure you store it out of reach from pets and children to keep it as effective as possible. If you are also taking insulin or a diabetes oral medicine, meterleptin can cause low blood sugar. Consult your doctor for the best way to treat low blood glucose. Check your blood glucose levels closely if you have diabetes while taking meterleptin.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for lipodystrophy:
Weigh 40 kg or under (for both males and females).
Initial dose: 0,06 mg/kg once daily subcutaneously
Adjust the dose in 0.02 mg/kg increments depending on the clinical response.
Maximum dose: 0.13 mg/kg/day
Weighing more than 40kg
Initial dose for males: 2.5mg subcutaneously, once per day.
The initial dose for females is 5 mg once daily, subcutaneously.
Adjust the dose by 1.25 mg to 2.5mg increments, depending on the clinical response.
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Comment: Adjusting doses should be based on the clinical response, e.g., metabolic control, or any other factors (e.g., tolerability, excessive weight gain).
Use: Used as a replacement therapy for patients who have acquired or congenital generalized lipodystrophy.
The usual pediatric dose for lipodystrophy is:
Weigh 40 kg or under (males and women).
Initial dose: 0,06 mg/kg once daily subcutaneously
Adjust the dose in 0.02 mg/kg increments depending on the clinical response.
Maximum dose: 0.13 mg/kg/day
Weighing more than 40kg
Initial dose for males: 2.5mg subcutaneously, once per day.
The initial dose for females is 5 mg once daily, subcutaneously.
Adjust the dose by 1.25 mg to 2.5mg increments, depending on the clinical response.
Maximum dose: 10 mg/day
Comment: Adjusting doses should be based on the clinical response, e.g., metabolic control, or any other factors (e.g., tolerability, excessive weight gain).
Use: Used as a replacement therapy for patients who have acquired or congenital generalized lipodystrophy.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not use two doses at once. Never use more than one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek emergency medical care. Loss of appetite or weight loss may occur with an overdose.
What should be avoided?
Do not inject the metreleptin in the same area of skin where you have injected insulin. Stop using the drug gradually. Do not stop using metreleptin suddenly.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications, such as herbal supplements and prescription medicines, can affect metereleptin. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
