Increlex (mecasermine) is a medication used to promote growth in children who suffer from reduced growth hormone production. According to Drugs.com, Increlex is a synthetic form of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) hormone, and it works to promote muscle and bone growth. Increlex is available as an injection, and its initial starting dose is 0.04 to 0.08mg/kg two times a day, says the National Library of Medicine. Its maximum dosage is 0.12mg twice daily.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Increlex's most common side effects include headache, vomiting, dizziness and easy bruising. Chronic vomiting can cause dehydration, while easy bruising is typically the result of thrombocytopenia, a blood abnormality in which your platelet counts are lowered. Platelets are supposed to clot your blood. Increlex can also cause joint pain, facial skin thickening and pain, redness or swelling at the injection site. Call your doctor when these effects persist even after three days.
Serious Side Effects
The National Library of Medicine says that Increlex may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), tonsillar hypertrophy (enlarged tonsils) and intracranial hypertension. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include cold sweats, confusion, blurry vision, fatigue and a headache. Drink orange juice or eat a high sugar-containing food to rapidly raise your blood glucose levels. Tonsillar hypertrophy can potentially lead to sleep apnea, a condition in which you temporarily stop breathing during sleep. Your doctor can simply remove your tonsils when they get large. Intracranial hypertension can lead to headaches, brain damage and even death if left untreated. Drugs.com says that Increlex can also cause convulsions and ear pain. Go to the emergency room at the onset of these side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Increlex if you are allergic to mecasermin or any other insulin growth factor-like medications. You can develop an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, hives and angioedema (lip, tongue or facial swelling).
Drugs.com says that you should not take Increlex if you suffer from scoliosis (a curved spine), malnutrition, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), diabetes, liver or kidney disease. Increlex may exacerbate these medical conditions.
It is unknown whether Increlex passes into breast milk or can harm your unborn baby. Notify your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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