mecasermin at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant human IGF-1
Licensed role
Growth failure caused by confirmed severe primary IGF-1 deficiency
Administration
Subcutaneous injection given around a meal or snack
Important risk
Can lower blood glucose, particularly when treatment starts
Specialist care
Directed by a clinician experienced in childhood growth disorders
What is mecasermin used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Growth failure in children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years with confirmed severe primary IGF-1 deficiency. Diagnosis requires marked short stature, low IGF-1 despite sufficient growth hormone, and exclusion of secondary causes such as malnutrition, hypothyroidism or hypopituitarism.
It is not a replacement for growth hormone and should not be used to promote growth after the growth plates have closed.
How does mecasermin work?
Growth hormone normally stimulates the body to make IGF-1, which supports bone and tissue growth. Mecasermin replaces deficient IGF-1 directly. It also has insulin-like effects that can reduce blood glucose.
mecasermin preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 10 mg/mL
How to take mecasermin
Use mecasermin exactly as taught by the specialist team.
Inject under the skin shortly before or after a meal or snack.
Do not give it if the patient cannot eat.
Rotate injection sites to reduce thickened fatty tissue and unreliable absorption.
Do not inject into a vein.
Check that the solution is clear; do not use it if it is cloudy or contains particles.
Keep the vial refrigerated, do not freeze it, and protect it from light.
mecasermin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Low blood sugar, which may cause shaking, sweating, hunger, dizziness, confusion or headache
- Headache
- Vomiting or upper abdominal pain
- Joint or limb pain
- Middle-ear infection
- Bruising or thickened tissue at the injection site
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe low blood sugar causing a seizure or loss of consciousness
- Anaphylaxis or another systemic allergic reaction
- Persistent severe headache, vomiting or visual changes suggesting raised pressure around the brain
- New or unexplained lumps, growths or other symptoms suggesting a tumour
- A new limp or hip or knee pain
mecasermin in pregnancy
Pregnancy data are very limited. Mecasermin should not be used during pregnancy. Pregnancy testing before treatment and effective contraception during treatment are recommended for people who could become pregnant; seek specialist advice if pregnancy occurs.
mecasermin while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended because it is unknown whether mecasermin passes into human milk. Discuss feeding options with the specialist team.
mecasermin interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. Tell the specialist team about all medicines being used, especially those that lower blood glucose.
Insulin
The combined glucose-lowering effect may increase the risk of low blood sugar, so the diabetes regimen may require specialist review.
Other glucose-lowering medicines
These may add to mecasermin's glucose-lowering effect and require closer monitoring or specialist adjustment.
Common questions about mecasermin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is mecasermin used for in the UK?
It is licensed for growth failure in children and adolescents with confirmed severe primary IGF-1 deficiency.
Is mecasermin the same as growth hormone?
No. It replaces IGF-1 and is not a substitute for growth hormone.
Why is mecasermin given with food?
It has insulin-like effects and can lower blood glucose. Giving the injection around a meal or snack reduces this risk.
Can mecasermin be given if a child cannot eat?
No. Withhold the injection if the patient cannot eat because of the risk of low blood sugar.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.