Mecasermin Injection
Mecasermin injection is used to replace insulin-like growth factor (a natural hormone produced by your body) in children 2 years of age or older whose bodies do not make enough of this hormone and who are short for their age. Mecasermin is a human insulin-like growth factor (hIGF) analog. It works by replacing a hormone that promotes normal growth of bones and tissues.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Mecasermin comes as a solution (liquid) in a vial to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected twice a day at around the same time of day. Mecasermin must be injected within 20 minutes before a meal or 20 minutes after a meal. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use mecasermin injection exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You may receive your first dose of mecasermin injection in your doctor’s office or your doctor may allow you or a caregiver to perform the injections at home. Before you use mecasermin injection for the first time, you or the person who will be giving the injections should read the manufacturer’s information for the patient that comes with it. These instructions describe how to inject a dose of mecasermin. Be sure that you understand these directions.Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to inject the medication or how to dispose of used needles and syringes after you inject the medication.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of mecasermin and may gradually increase your dose after at least 1 week.
You can inject mecasermin anywhere on your upper arms, front of your thighs (upper leg), buttocks, or on your stomach. Choose a different spot each time you inject your medication.
Always look at mecasermin solution before injecting it. Check that the expiration date has not passed and that the liquid is clear and colorless. The liquid should not contain visible particles. Do not use if it is expired or if the liquid is cloudy or contains particles.
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Do not reuse or share needles. Dispose of used needles in a puncture-resistant container that is out of the reach of children. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
