Myalept

Generic name:metreleptin [ MET-re-LEP-tin ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous metabolic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 28, 2022.

What is Myalept?

Myalept is used together with diet to treat complications caused by leptin deficiency in people who have lipodystrophy (also called fat redistribution). Lipodystrophy (LIP-oh-DIS-tro-fee) is a problem with the way the body stores fat.

Myalept is not for use in people who have lipodystrophy caused by taking medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.

Myalept may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

In some people, Myalept can trigger an immune response to the medicine, making it less effective or causing certain side effects. Call your doctor if you develop any signs of a new infection (fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, swollen glands, flu symptoms), or worsening of your lipodystrophy symptoms. If you are diabetic, tell your doctor if you have any changes in your blood sugar levels.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Myalept if you are allergic to metreleptin.

This medicine is not for use in treating obesity that is unrelated to leptin deficiency.

Myalept is available only from a certified pharmacy under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks of taking this medication.

To make sure Myalept is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a blood cell disorder, or history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

• liver disease (including "fatty liver");

• diabetes (especially if you use insulin or oral diabetes medicine);

• high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);

• any other metabolic disorder;

• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;

• a history of pancreatitis;

• bone marrow suppression; or

• a history of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).

It is not known whether Myalept will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether metreleptin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I use Myalept?

Take Myalept exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Metreleptin doses are based on weight, especially in children.

Myalept is injected under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Myalept should not be injected into a muscle or vein. Do not self inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

This medicine comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Myalept is usually given once daily. Use the medici...