mecasermin

What is the most important information I should know about mecasermin?

What is mecasermin?

Mecasermin is a man-made form of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a substance that is normally produced in the body. IGF-1 is important for the growth of bones and muscles.

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

Mecasermin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

• 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).

How is mecasermin given?

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.

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.

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

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Be 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.

What happens if I overdose?

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

Long term use of high mecasermin doses can lead to unusual or excessive growth in any part of the body.

What should I avoid while using mecasermin?

What are the possible side effects of mecasermin?

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

Common side effects may include:

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

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

What other drugs will affect mecasermin?

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about mecasermin.