Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional may give you or your child this medicine. You or your health caregiver may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.

Each package of metreleptin contains a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you understand:

  • How to prepare the medicine.
  • How to inject the medicine.
  • How to dispose of used vials, syringes, and needles.

It is best to use a different place on the body for each injection (eg, under the skin of your abdomen or stomach, thigh, or upper arm). If you have questions about this, contact a member of your health care team.

The powder medicine in the vial should be white and not discolored. Do not shake or use the mixed medicine if it is cloudy, discolored, or has large particles in it.

This medicine can be mixed with bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI) or sterile water for injection (WFI). Ask your doctor which liquid should be used and mixed with your medicine.

This medicine should be given at the same time each day, taken with or without food.

Do not mix this medicine and insulin in the same syringe or vial. Also, do not inject this medicine and insulin at the same injection site.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form:
    • For congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy:
      • Adults and children weighing over 40 kilograms (kg)—
        • Females: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 5 milligrams (mg) injected under your skin per day. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
        • Males: Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 2.5 milligrams (mg) injected under your skin per day. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
      • Adults and children weighing 40 kg or less—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 0.06 mg per kg of body weight injected under your skin per day. Your doctor will adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 0.13 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Unused vials: Store the unused vials in the refrigerator. Protect from direct light. Do not freeze.

Mixed medicine with bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI): This mixture can be used for more than one dose for up to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator and away from direct light. Throw away any unused medicine after 3 days.

Mixed medicine with sterile water for injection (WFI): This mixture should be used right away and should not be saved for later use.