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In this Article

• What is mecasermin (Increlex)?
• What are the possible side effects of mecasermin (Increlex)?
• What is the most important information I should know about mecasermin (Increlex)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mecasermin (Increlex)?
• How should I use mecasermin (Increlex)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Increlex)?
• What happens if I overdose (Increlex)?
• What should I avoid while using mecasermin (Increlex)?
• What other drugs will affect mecasermin (Increlex)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using mecasermin (Increlex)?

Your child should not use this medication if he or she is allergic to mecasermin, or if the child has cancer or has finished growing and his or her bone growth plates are closed. Mecasermin is not for use in children who have growth hormone deficiency, malnutrition, underactive thyroid, or those who are taking long-term steroid medications.

If your child has certain conditions, he or she may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before your child receives mecasermin, tell the doctor if your child has:

• diabetes;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• a curved spine (scoliosis); or
• a history of allergic reaction to a preservative called benzyl alcohol.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether mecasermin is harmful to an unborn baby. This medication should not be used during pregnancy without the advice of a doctor.

It is not known whether mecasermin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. This medication should not be used while breast-feeding a baby without the advice of a doctor.

How should I use mecasermin (Increlex)?

Mecasermin is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give your child this injection. You and your child will be shown how to inject the medicine at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

Do not give this medication as an IV injection directly into a vein.

Use a different place on your child's upper arm, thigh, stomach, or buttocks each time you give your child a mecasermin injection. Your care provider will show you the places on your child's body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Your doctor may occasionally change your child's dose to make sure your child gets the best results from this medication. The doctor may also want you to check the child's blood sugar before meals until the correct dose is determined.

Mecasermin is usually given twice per day. Give the mecasermin injection 20 minutes before or after the child eats a meal or snack. Skip the dose if the child's meal or snack will be missed. Mecasermin can cause low blood sugar, which may be worse if the child does not eat before or after the injection.

Take care not to let your child's blood sugar get too low while using mecasermin. Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them:

• hunger, weakness, nausea, irritability, tremors;
• drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision;
• confusion, trouble concentrating;
• sweating, fast heartbeat;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• fainting, coma (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal).

Always keep a source of sugar available in case your child has symptoms of low blood sugar. Sugar sources include orange juice, glucose gel, candy, or milk. If your child has severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, use an injection of glucagon. Your doctor can give you a prescription for a glucagon emergency injection kit and tell you how to give the injection.

Call your doctor if hypoglycemia symptoms do not get better after eating or drinking a sugar source.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your child will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

Store new unopened vials (bottles) of mecasermin in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any mecasermin that has become frozen.

Once you have opened a vial and started using it, the medication will keep for up to 30 days if stored in the refrigerator.