Mecasermin

(mek a SER min)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

• Growth Hormone

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to mecasermin or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Not if your child has a known or possible tumor.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to help children grow.

How does this medicine work?

• Mecasermin helps the body grow and develop.

How is this medicine given?

• This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
• Your child's healthcare provider will teach you how to give the shot.
• This medicine must be given within 20 minutes of your child's meal or snack.
• If your child is not able to eat, do not give a dose and do not make up for the missed dose.
• Wash hands before and after use.
• Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• It may take several years to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.
• Do not give a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop your child's medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• If your child has diabetes, talk with healthcare provider.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
• Headache.
• Bone pain.
• Larger tonsils.
• Ear discomfort.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For the occurrence of side effects.
• Monitor your child's growth carefully.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child has low blood sugar.
• If your child has a severe headache.
• If your child has a change in vision.
• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.
• If your child has hip or knee pain.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store vials in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused portion of opened vials after 1 month.
• Protect from light.
• Do not use if solution changes color.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear allergy identification at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

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