Increlex (Mecasermin)

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.