Increlex

Generic name:mecasermin [ ME-ka-SER-min ]
Drug class:Insulin-like growth factors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 2, 2022.

What is Increlex?

Increlex 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.

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

Increlex is not for use in children who have growth hormone deficiency, malnutrition, underactive thyroid, or those who are taking long-term steroid medications.

Warnings

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

Increlex is not for use in children who have growth hormone deficiency, malnutrition, underactive thyroid, or those who are taking long-term steroid medications.

Before your child receives this medicine, tell the doctor if your child has diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, a curved spine (scoliosis), or if the child has ever had an allergic reaction to a preservative called benzyl alcohol.

Increlex s injected under the skin. You and your child may be shown how to use injections at home. Make sure you fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

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

Before taking this medicine

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

• the child has cancer; or

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

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

• diabetes;

• kidney disease;

• liver disease; or

• a curved spine (scoliosis).

It is not known whether Increlex 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.

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

How is Increlex given?

Increlex 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 this medicine into a vein.

Increlex 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. Increlex 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 Increlex. 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 c...