Increlex (Mecasermin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Increlex Used For?
Increlex is a prescription injection that contains mecasermin, a synthetic version of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) that’s similar to the IGF-1 your body naturally makes.
Primary Uses
Increlex is used to treat children and adolescents from 2 to 18 years old who are very short for their age because their bodies don’t make enough IGF-1. This condition is called primary IGF-1 deficiency.
How It Works
Mecasermin works as a synthetic replacement for the natural IGF-1 hormone that helps promote growth in children whose bodies don’t produce enough of this important growth factor.
Important: There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine for children under the age of 2 years.
How to Take Increlex
Increlex is given as an injection just under the skin. Your doctor will show you how to properly inject this medication before you start treatment.
Dosage Instructions
The typical dose is 0.08 to 0.12 mg/kg of patient weight given twice a day. Inject just under the skin in the upper arm, upper leg (thigh), stomach area (abdomen), or buttocks. Never inject into a vein or muscle. Change the injection site for each injection. Give the injection shortly before or after a meal or snack (within 20 minutes) because it may cause low blood sugar levels. Only use Increlex that is clear to slightly cloudy and colorless to slightly yellow.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Do not make up the missed dose by giving two doses the next time. The next dose should be given as usual, with a meal or snack. If an Increlex dose cannot be given shortly before or just after a meal, that dose should not be given. Do not inject the dose if your child cannot eat for any reason.
Important: Never double the dose to make up for a missed dose. Always give with food to prevent low blood sugar.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- low blood sugar (dizziness, tiredness, restlessness, hunger, irritability, trouble concentrating, sweating, nausea, fast or irregular heartbeats)
- injection site reactions (pain, irritation, bleeding, bruising, redness, hardening, swelling)
- pain in the upper belly
- joint pain, pain in limbs
- headache
- dizziness, tremors
- breast enlargement
- skin thickening, moles, abnormal hair texture
- weight increase
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- seizures/fits, becoming unconscious (signs of severe low blood sugar)
- visual changes, headache, nausea, vomiting (signs of increased brain pressure)
- localized rash or signs of generalized allergic reaction (hives, trouble breathing, faintness or collapse)
- increased blood sugar levels
- infection (especially middle ear)
- hearing loss, ear pain
- enlarged tonsils/adenoids, snoring, difficulty breathing or swallowing, sleep apnea
- cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
Important Warnings
Increlex has several important warnings that you need to know about before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Increlex
Do not give Increlex if your child: currently has any tumor or growth (cancerous or non-cancerous), has had cancer in the past, has any conditions that may increase cancer risk, is a premature baby or newborn (contains benzyl alcohol), is allergic to mecasermin or any ingredients, has finished growing (bone growth plates are closed), is pregnant, or is under 2 years old.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if your child has: curved spine (scoliosis), limp or hip/knee pain, enlarged tonsils, symptoms of increased brain pressure (visual changes, headache, nausea, vomiting), previous allergic reactions to Increlex, or heart problems. Your doctor will check heart function before starting treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use during pregnancy as it may affect the developing baby. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine. A negative pregnancy test is recommended for all women of childbearing potential before treatment, and adequate contraception should be used during treatment.
Cancer Risk: There is an increased risk of tumors and growths (both cancerous and non-cancerous) in children and adolescents treated with Increlex. Tell your doctor immediately if any new growth, skin lesion, or cancer symptoms occur.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines your child is taking, including over-the-counter medications from pharmacies, supermarkets, or health food shops.
- insulin or other anti-diabetes medicines – dose adjustment may be needed
Alcohol & Driving
Increlex may affect your child’s ability to drive or operate machinery due to potential side effects.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Your child should be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Increlex affects them. Mecasermin may cause low blood sugar levels that may affect their ability to drive and use machines because their ability to concentrate or react may be reduced. Other side effects include dizziness and convulsions which could also affect their ability to drive or use machines. They should avoid engaging in any high-risk activities within 2-3 hours after dosing, particularly at the start of treatment. Children should be careful when riding bicycles or climbing trees.
Temperature Regulation
No specific temperature regulation warnings mentioned in the source material.
Storage
Keep the vial in the outer carton until it’s time to use it to protect from light. Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. After first use, the vial may be stored for up to 30 days at 2°C to 8°C. Keep where children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think your child has been given too much Increlex, immediately call your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. Your child may need urgent medical attention. Symptoms of overdose may include low blood sugar levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment with mecasermin is a long-term therapy. Your child’s doctor will monitor their progress with regular appointments and tests to ensure the medicine is working effectively.
Yes, you should give Increlex shortly before or after a meal or snack (within 20 minutes) because it may cause low blood sugar levels. If a dose cannot be given with food, skip that dose rather than giving it without food.
Give your child 5-7 jelly beans, 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey, half a can of non-diet soft drink, or 2-3 glucose tablets. Unless they’re within 20 minutes of their next meal, follow up with extra carbohydrates like plain biscuits, fruit, or milk.
You must use a different injection site each time to avoid lipohypertrophy (increase in fat under the skin). This condition will prevent Increlex from being absorbed properly, making it ineffective.
Do not stop giving the medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your child’s doctor. A disruption or early ending of treatment may impair the success of the growth therapy.
Regular blood glucose monitoring is recommended, especially at the start of treatment, when doses change, or if your child isn’t eating enough or is unwell. Your doctor will also monitor heart function, check for scoliosis progression, examine for enlarged tonsils, and perform regular skin checks.
Vigorous physical activity should be avoided for 2-3 hours after injection unless your doctor advises otherwise. If physical activity takes place after breakfast, a snack should be taken. Children should be careful with high-risk activities like riding bicycles or climbing trees.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.