Is your child not tall enough? Let's learn about the Mecasermin (Increlex) vaccine, which helps with growth

As a parent, you may be wondering, "Oh, my child is shorter than other children his age, isn't he?" One reason for this could be a lack of growth factor naturally produced by the body. So, today we're talking about a special vaccine that is given to help such children grow taller. The brand name of this is Increlex.

Simply put, what is this Mecasermin vaccine?

This is a man-made growth factor. To be precise, it is made in a way that is similar to the growth factor that our bodies produce naturally. It is used to help children who are not tall enough for their age and whose bodies produce less of that growth factor to grow taller.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before your child starts this vaccine, it is very important to give the doctor a complete description of their health. Especially if they have any of the following conditions:

• If the child has or has had cancer .
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
• If you have trouble breathing during sleep or snore loudly (sleep apnea) .
• If you have scoliosis .
• If you have a thyroid condition.
• If you have an allergic reaction to this Mecasermin medicine, benzyl alcohol, other medicines, foods, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Based on this information, the doctor decides whether this treatment is suitable for the child or not.

How to use the vaccine correctly?

This vaccine is injected under the skin. You have nothing to worry about, the doctor or nursing staff will teach you how to give this to your child at home.

Vaccination time and food

This is the most important part of this treatment.

• The vaccine should be given 20 minutes before or 20 minutes after a meal or snack.
• Remember this! If the child does not want to eat for some reason, says he cannot eat, or has a situation where he cannot eat, do not give the vaccine at that time. That vaccination time should be skipped completely. It is essential that the child eats well with this medicine.

Other important points

• Checking the medicine: Before injecting the vaccine, look at the vial. It should be a clear, colorless liquid, like water. Do not use it if it is cloudy, thickened, discolored, or has any powdery material inside.
• Disposing of needles: Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. There is a special container for them (sharps container). If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor or hospital for one.
• If you overdose: If you think your child has been given too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
• If you miss a dose: If this happens, don't panic and call your doctor for advice. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Pay special attention to low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)!

This is the main risk you face when using this vaccine. If you inject the vaccine without eating, your child's blood sugar level can drop dangerously low.

• Safety: Keep your child away from risky activities (e.g., driving a vehicle, playing in high places) for 2-3 hours after the vaccination.
• Symptoms of low blood sugar: Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., sweating, shaking, extreme hunger, dizziness, irritability) and what to do when they occur.
• Quick fix: Always keep something sugary (e.g. orange juice, glucose gel, sugar cubes, toffee) nearby.
• Emergency: If your child loses consciousness or has a seizure, do not give them anything to eat or drink, as they may choke. You should seek medical attention immediately. You may need to give them a glucagon injection. Ask your doctor about this in advance.

Possible side effects of this medicine

Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.

Can there be problems with other medications?

Yes, some medications can interact with this vaccine. So tell the doctor about all the medications your child is taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies). Especially,

• Other forms of growth hormone
• Diabetes medication
• Steroid medicines (e.g. Prednisone, Cortisone)

How do you store medicine properly?

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store on an inside shelf of the fridge , not in the door. Store at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.
• Never freeze.
• Protect from light.
• Discard any remaining contents within 30 days of opening the bottle.
• Do not use expired medicine.

This treatment can make a big difference to your child. So don't be afraid, talk to your doctor about everything, and follow his instructions exactly.

Mecasermin, Increlex, Growth Factor, Child Height, Growth, Hypoglycemia, Child Health, Vaccine