Mecasermin Disease Interactions

Mecasermin has insulin-like hypoglycemic effects, therefore, care should be taken when prescribing this agent to diabetic patients. It is recommended to monitor blood glucose levels in these patients until a well-tolerated dose is established and subsequently as medically indicated.

Lymphoid tissue (e.g., tonsillar and adenoidal) hypertrophy associated with complications such as snoring, sleep apnea, and chronic middle-ear effusions have been reported with the use of mecasermin. Patients presenting these complications should be periodically examined to rule-out the occurrence of lymphoid tissue hypertrophy. Care should be taken when prescribing mecasermin to these patients.

Because mecasermin increases growth rate, patients who experience rapid growth should be closely monitored for any onset of a limp or complaints of hip or knee pain. Patients with a history of scoliosis who are treated with mecasermin should be monitored for progression of scoliosis. Care should be taken when prescribing this agent to patients with a history of scoliosis.

Intracranial hypertension with papilledema, visual changes, headache, nausea and/or vomiting have occurred in patients treated with mecasermin. Ophthalmologic examination is recommended at the initiation and periodically during the course of mecasermin therapy. Assessment is recommended prior to prescribing this agent to patients with ocular complications.