Mecasermin

Mecasermin is a man-made version of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which is a substance that the body usually makes. IGF-1 is essential for the growth of bones and muscles.

Mecasermin is used to treat growth failure in children whose bodies do not produce enough IGF-1.

Mecasermin is not for children who have growth hormone deficiency, malnutrition, underactive thyroid, or those who are using long-term steroid medications.

Mecasermin may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. The doctor may occasionally change your child's dose for the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Mecasermin is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not give this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Do not inject mecasermin into a vein.

Mecasermin is usually given twice per day, shortly before or after the child eats a meal or snack. Skip a dose if the child will miss a meal. Mecasermin can cause low blood sugar, which may be worse if the child does not eat.

Tell your doctor if your child has any changes in weight. Mecasermin doses are based on weight and any changes may affect the dose.

Your care provider will show you the best places on your child's body to inject mecasermin. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Do not use the medicine if it looks cloudy or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

While using mecasermin, your child may need frequent examinations and medical tests. The child's blood sugar may also need to be checked often.

Watch your child for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Symptoms include headache, hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Always keep a source of sugar available in case the child has low blood sugar. Sugar sources include fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, and non-diet soda. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help the child in an emergency.

Keep track of how many days in a row your child has had low blood sugar symptoms after a mecasermin injection.

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

Use a disposable needle and syringe only once. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" disposal container (ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to throw it away). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze. Throw away the vial 30 days after opening it, even if it still contains unused mecasermin.

Mecasermin should not be given to a child who has cancer, or a child who has finished growing (the bone growth plates are closed).

Your child should not use mecasermin if he or she is allergic to it, or if:

• the child has cancer; or
• the child has finished growing and his or her bone growth plates are closed.

To make sure mecasermin is safe for your child, tell the doctor if the child has:

• diabetes;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease; or
• a curved spine (scoliosis).

It is not known whether mecasermin will harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy.

It is not known whether mecasermin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Mecasermin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

Get emergency medical help if your child shows signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your child's face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if your child has:

• pain in the hip or knee, walking with a limp;
• low blood sugar—headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, rapid heart rate, or feeling jittery;
• swollen tonsils—snoring, breathing difficulties during sleep, pain or fullness in the ear, hearing difficulties; or
• increased pressure inside the skull—headache with vision problems, nausea, pain behind the eyes.

Common side effects of mecasermin may include:

• low blood sugar;
• swollen tonsils; or
• an allergic reaction.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Primary IGF-1 Deficiency:

Initial dose: 0.4 to 0.8 mg/kg subcutaneously 2 times a day for at least 7 daysMaximum dose: 0.12 mg/kg subcutaneously 2 times a dayComments:-Not a substitute to growth hormone (GH) for approved GH indications.Uses: Treatment of growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or with growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH.

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Make sure the child eats within 20 minutes before or after the injection. If the child skips a meal, do not use mecasermin. Wait until the next meal.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much mecasermin can lead to severe hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia may include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, or seizure (convulsions).

Using high doses of mecasermin for a long time can cause unusual or excessive growth in any part of the body.

Mecasermin may affect thinking, reactions, or physical abilities. For the first 2 to 3 hours after an injection, the child should avoid activities that require alertness or coordination.

Other drugs may interact with mecasermin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines your child uses now and any medicine the child starts or stops using.