Mecasermin
Generic Name: mecasermin
Brand Names:
Increlex
11 DESCRIPTION Mecasermin is a human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1) produced by recombinant DNA technology. IGF-1 consists of 70 amino acids in a single chain with three intramolecular disulfide bridges and a molecular weight of 7649 Da. The amino acid sequence of the product is identical to that of endogenous human IGF-1. The rhIGF-1 protein is synthesized in bacteria ( E. coli ) that have been modified by the addition of the gene for human IGF-1.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Mecasermin is a human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-1) produced by recombinant DNA technology. IGF-1 consists of 70 amino acids in a single chain with three intramolecular disulfide bridges and a molecular weight of 7649 Da. The amino acid sequence of the product is identical to that of endogenous human IGF-1. The rhIGF-1 protein is synthesized in bacteria ( E. coli ) that have been modified by the addition of the gene for human IGF-1.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE INCRELEX (mecasermin) injection is indicated for the treatment of growth failure in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with severe primary IGF- 1 deficiency or with growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH. ( 1 ) Limitations of use: INCRELEX is not a substitute to GH for approved GH indications. Severe Primary IGF-1 Deficiency (Primary IGFD) INCRELEX is indicated for the treatment of growth failure in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with: severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH.
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION INCRELEX should be administered subcutaneously. ( 2.2 ) Injection sites should be rotated to avoid lipohypertrophy. ( 2.2 ) Recommended starting dosage: 0.04 mg/kg to 0.08 mg/kg twice daily. If well-tolerated for at least one week, the dose may be increased by 0.04 mg/kg per dose, to the maximum dose of 0.12 mg/kg given twice daily. ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage Treatment with INCRELEX should be supervised by a physician who is experienced in the diagnosis and management of pediatric patients with short stature associated with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or with growth hormone gene deletion and who have developed neutralizing antibodies to growth hormone. The dosage of INCRELEX should be individualized for each patient.
Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions, including Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Intracranial hypertension (IH) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Tonsillar and Adenoidal Hypertrophy and related complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Malignant Neoplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Benzyl Alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Common INCRELEX-related adverse reactions in clinical trials include: hypoglycemia, local and systemic hypers...
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypoglycemia: Severe hypoglycemia leading to hypoglycemic seizures has been observed with INCRELEX treatment. Administer INCRELEX shortly before or after a meal or snack, because it has insulin-like hypoglycemic effects. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions, including Anaphylaxis: A low number of cases indicative of anaphylaxis requiring hospitalization have been reported. Parents and patients should be informed that such reactions are possible and that if a systemic allergic reaction occurs, treatment should be interrupted and prompt medical attention should be sought. ( 5.2 ) Intracranial Hypertension : Funduscopic examination is recommended at the initiation and periodically during the course of INCRELEX therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Known Hypersensitivity to mecasermin ( 4 ) Closed Epiphyses ( 4 ) Malignant Neoplasia ( 4 ) Known Hypersensitivity INCRELEX should not be used by patients who are allergic to mecasermin (rhIGF-1) or any of the inactive ingredients in INCRELEX, or who have experienced a severe hypersensitivity to INCRELEX [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6) ].
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on INCRELEX use in pregnant women. Exposure to INCRELEX during pregnancy is unlikely because the drug is not indicated for use after epiphyseal closure. In animal reproduction studies, there were no observed embryo-fetal development abnormalities with intravenous administration of INCRELEX to pregnant rats and rabbits during fetal organogenesis given at exposures up to 11 and 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 0.24 mg/kg/day based on body surface area (BSA), respectively (see Data ) .
Storage
Storage and Handling Before Opening – Vials of INCRELEX are stable when refrigerated at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). Avoid freezing the vials of INCRELEX. Protect from direct light. Expiration dates are stated on the labels. After Opening – Vials of INCRELEX are stable for 30 days after initial vial entry when stored refrigerated at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F). Avoid freezing the vials of INCRELEX.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mecasermin used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE INCRELEX (mecasermin) injection is indicated for the treatment of growth failure in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with severe primary IGF- 1 deficiency or with growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH. ( 1 ) Limitations of use: INCRELEX is not a substitute to GH for approved GH indications. Severe Primary IGF-1 Deficiency (Primary IGFD) INCRELEX is indicated for the treatment of growth failure in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with: severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to GH.
What are the side effects of Mecasermin?▼
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions, including Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Intracranial hypertension (IH) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Tonsillar and Adenoidal Hypertrophy and related complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Progression of Preexisting Scoliosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Malignant Neoplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Benzyl Alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Common INCRELEX-related adverse reactions in clinical trials include: hypoglycemia, local and systemic hypers...
Can I take Mecasermin during pregnancy?▼
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on INCRELEX use in pregnant women. Exposure to INCRELEX during pregnancy is unlikely because the drug is not indicated for use after epiphyseal closure. In animal reproduction studies, there were no observed embryo-fetal development abnormalities with intravenous administration of INCRELEX to pregnant rats and rabbits during fetal organogenesis given at exposures up to 11 and 3 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 0.24 mg/kg/day based on body surface area (BSA), respectively (see Data ) .
What are the important warnings for Mecasermin?▼
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypoglycemia: Severe hypoglycemia leading to hypoglycemic seizures has been observed with INCRELEX treatment. Administer INCRELEX shortly before or after a meal or snack, because it has insulin-like hypoglycemic effects. ( 5.1 ) Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions, including Anaphylaxis: A low number of cases indicative of anaphylaxis requiring hospitalization have been reported. Parents and patients should be informed that such reactions are possible and that if a systemic allergic reaction occurs, treatment should be interrupted and prompt medical attention should be sought. ( 5.2 ) Intracranial Hypertension : Funduscopic examination is recommended at the initiation and periodically during the course of INCRELEX therapy. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Known Hypersensitivity to mecasermin ( 4 ) Closed Epiphyses ( 4 ) Malignant Neoplasia ( 4 ) Known Hypersensitivity INCRELEX should not be used by patients who are allergic to mecasermin (rhIGF-1) or any of the inactive ingredients in INCRELEX, or who have experienced a severe hypersensitivity to INCRELEX [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Adverse Reactions (6) ].
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Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.