As a parent, you might sometimes worry when you look at your child. You may wonder why your child is much shorter than other kids of the same age. One reason for this can be a lack of a natural growth factor in the body.
Today, we will talk about a special medicine given to help children like this grow taller. The brand name for this treatment is Increlex. Let us walk through everything you need to know about this medicine in a simple, clear way.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Mecasermin is a man-made growth factor that helps children grow when their bodies do not make enough naturally.
- You must give the injection close to meal times to prevent dangerous drops in blood sugar.
- Watch closely for signs of low blood sugar, such as sweating, dizziness, and shaking.
- Store the medicine safely in the refrigerator and never freeze it.
- Always talk to your doctor right away if your child has severe side effects or unusual symptoms.
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What is Mecasermin Injection?
Simply put, Mecasermin is a man-made growth factor. It is made to act just like the natural growth factor found inside our bodies. Doctors use this medicine to help children who are shorter than normal for their age because their bodies make very little of this substance.
The most important thing to remember is that this medicine only works while your child is still growing. Once your child's bones stop growing and the growth plates close up, this medicine will no longer help them gain height.
Things to Tell Your Doctor Before Using This Medicine
Before your child starts taking this injection, sharing a complete health history with your doctor is very important. If your child has any of the health conditions listed below, you must tell your doctor right away.
- Your child has or had a cancer condition in the past.
- Your child has diabetes or high blood sugar issues.
- Your child has a kidney disease or a liver problem.
- Your child suffers from sleep apnea. This they snore loudly or stop breathing while sleeping.
- Your child has a curved spine, known as scoliosis.
- Your child has a thyroid gland problem.
- Your child has allergies to Mecasermin, benzyl alcohol, preservatives, foods, or other medicines.
- You are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or currently breastfeeding.
Your doctor will look at all of these details to decide if this treatment is safe and right for your child.
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Check Availability →How to Use the Injection Properly
This medicine is given as a shot under the skin. You do not need to worry because your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the injection safely at home.
Injection Timing and Food
This is one of the most important parts of the treatment plan.
- You should give the injection within twenty minutes before or twenty minutes after a meal or a snack.
- Always remember that if your child refuses to eat, says they cannot eat, or misses a meal, you must skip the injection for that meal time.
- Your child must eat well when taking this medicine to stay safe and healthy.
More Important Details
- Check the medicine: Look at the vial before giving the shot. The liquid should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it looks cloudy, thick, colored, or has floating particles inside.
- Safe needle disposal: Never throw used needles and syringes into the regular trash bin. Always use a special hard container made for sharp items. Ask your doctor or hospital for one if you need it.
- Overdose action: If you think you gave your child too much medicine by mistake, go to the nearest emergency department right away or call your local emergency number.
- Missed dose: If a dose is missed, stay calm and call your doctor for advice. Never give a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Special Attention to Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
The main risk you must watch out for with this medicine is low blood sugar. If your child takes the injection without eating, their blood sugar level can drop to a dangerous point.
- Safety first: Keep your child away from risky activities like playing in high places or riding bikes for two to three hours after the injection.
- Know the signs: Learn the symptoms of low blood sugar, such as sweating, shaking, extreme hunger, dizziness, and irritability.
- Quick fix: Always keep a fast-acting sugar source nearby, like fruit juice, glucose gel, sugar cubes, or candy.
- Emergency care: If your child loses consciousness or has a seizure, do not try to feed them anything by mouth because they could choke. Seek emergency medical help right away.
Possible Side Effects of This Medicine
Like all medicines, this injection can cause side effects. Some are mild. This others need urgent medical attention.
| Side Effect Type | Description and What to Do |
|---|---|
| Severe Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Seek immediate medical help. |
| Low Blood Sugar Signs | Shaking, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. Give sugar and call a doctor. |
| High Pressure in Skull | Constant or severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, or sudden changes in vision. |
| Other Serious Signs | Breathing trouble, ear pain, hip or knee pain, limping, seizures, or changes in sleep breathing. |
| Injection Site Changes | Pain or swelling where the shot was given, or changes in the thickness of the fat under the skin. |
| Muscle Pain | Mild aches and pains in the body muscles that usually go away over time. |
Can Other Medicines Cause Issues?
Yes, some medicines can interact with this injection. Because of this, you must tell your doctor about every product your child uses, including vitamins and herbal remedies. Pay special attention to:
- Other forms of growth hormone medicines.
- Medicines used to treat diabetes.
- Steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone.
How to Store the Medicine Correctly
- Always store the medicine safely out of the reach of children.
- Keep it in the refrigerator on an inside shelf, not in the door. Maintain a temperature between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F).
- Never freeze the medicine.
- Protect the vial from bright light.
- Throw away any leftover medicine thirty days after you first open the vial.
- Never use medicine that has passed its expiration date.
🚨 When to Seek Emergency Medical Help
Call 911 (US/Canada), 999 (UK), or go to your nearest Emergency Department right away if your child experiences severe breathing difficulties, sudden loss of consciousness, uncontrolled seizures, severe allergic reactions with swelling, or signs of very high brain pressure like blinding headaches and vomiting.
This treatment can make a big difference in your child's growth journey. Talk openly with your doctor, ask questions whenever you are unsure, and follow all safety instructions carefully.
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