Increlex
Increlex is a prescription medication used to treat growth failure in children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (Primary IGFD) or with growth hormone (GH) gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to growth hormone. Increlex is not a steroid; it is a recombinant form of the human Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), produced by recombinant DNA technology.
Indications[edit | edit source]
Increlex is indicated for the treatment of growth failure in pediatric patients with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency or with growth hormone gene deletion who have developed neutralizing antibodies to growth hormone.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Increlex works by binding to the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF-1R) on the surface of human cells. This binding activates the IGF-1R, leading to intracellular signaling that promotes cell growth and survival.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of Increlex include hypoglycemia, local or systemic allergic reactions, and tonsillar hypertrophy. Serious side effects may include severe hypoglycemia, intracranial hypertension, and malignant neoplasia.
Contraindications[edit | edit source]
Increlex is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to mecasermin or any of its components, in patients with closed epiphyses, and in patients with malignant neoplasia.
Drug Interactions[edit | edit source]
Concurrent treatment with insulin or other anti-diabetic agents may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Other medications that may interact with Increlex include corticosteroids, estrogens, and thyroid hormones.
Dosage and Administration[edit | edit source]
Increlex should be administered subcutaneously twice daily. The dosage should be individualized for each patient based on body weight and serum IGF-1 concentrations.
Precautions[edit | edit source]
Patients should be monitored closely for signs of hypoglycemia, especially at the initiation of Increlex therapy. Increlex should be used with caution in patients with a history of malignant neoplasia.
References[edit | edit source]
- Increlex (mecasermin [rDNA origin]) Injection. Tercica, Inc. 2005.
- Rosenfeld RG, Wilson DM, Lee PD, et al. Insulin-like growth factors I and II in evaluation of growth retardation. J Pediatr. 1986;109(3):428-433.
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