How to Use Mecasermin
Complete guide to Mecasermin dosing, administration, timing, and protocol recommendations.
Quick Overview
Mecasermin is recombinant human IGF-1, identical to the 70-amino-acid hormone your liver makes in response to growth hormone. Sold as Increlex, it was FDA approved in 2005 for a narrow group: children with severe primary IGF-1 deficiency (mostly Laron syndrome) or a growth hormone gene deletion with antibodies against GH. In those kids it is the only thing that works, because GH cannot do its job. It is not a GH substitute, and its real risks (low blood sugar, tonsil overgrowth, cancer warnings) are why it stays a specialist drug.
Dosing Guidelines
Common Dose
0.04-0.08 mg/kg twice daily to start
Frequency
Twice daily
Dose Range
0.04-0.12 mg/kg twice daily
Note: Labeled doses are weight-based and pediatric. The dose goes up in 0.04 mg/kg steps after at least a week if there is no hypoglycemia. A dose should be skipped if the child cannot eat. There is no approved adult dose.
Administration Method
Subcutaneous injection, rotating sites, within about 20 minutes before or after a meal or snack
Best Time to Take
Shortly before or after a meal or snack, twice daily
IGF-1 lowers blood sugar like insulin, so the label requires dosing within about 20 minutes of food and says to skip the dose if the meal is skipped.
Protocol Duration
Long-term, until growth plates close (closed epiphyses are a contraindication)
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these. Individual responses vary.
- •Hypoglycemia (42% in trials), including hypoglycemic seizures
- •Tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy, snoring, sleep apnea
- •Injection site lipohypertrophy, bruising, pain
- •Allergic reactions, including rare anaphylaxis
- •Intracranial hypertension (headache, vision changes)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended dose for Mecasermin?
0.04-0.08 mg/kg twice daily to start
How do you administer Mecasermin?
Subcutaneous injection, rotating sites, within about 20 minutes before or after a meal or snack
When is the best time to take Mecasermin?
Shortly before or after a meal or snack, twice daily
How long should you use Mecasermin?
Long-term, until growth plates close (closed epiphyses are a contraindication)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any peptide. Dosing information is based on research literature and community reports, not medical advice.