Generalized Lipodystrophy (GL)
Becky
Everything changed so quickly
Later in life, Becky was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. A few years after that, her health took a sudden turn. What started as the flu quickly became much more serious and developed into meningitis, along with rapid and severe weight loss.
In just a few months, she lost over 70 pounds, became too weak to walk, and needed a feeding tube. Even as doctors treated these urgent conditions, something else was happening that no one could yet explain.
She and her healthcare providers didn’t know what was causing it
Even after intensive treatment, Becky’s health challenges continued. She developed severe insulin resistance, requiring very high doses of insulin, and began noticing unusual changes in her body.
Finally, a diagnosis and a path forward
Support along the way
As Becky continued her journey, she found support through the Chiesi Total Care℠ program. She was connected with a dedicated nurse who helped her learn how to prepare and administer her injections and answered her questions. Having someone she could reach out to directly gave her confidence as she adjusted to a new routine.
The program also provided helpful resources and ongoing support, making it easier for Becky to stay organized and manage her treatment day to day. With that guidance, what once felt overwhelming became a routine she could manage with confidence.
Creating a routine that fits her lifestyle
After her diagnosis, Becky connected with others through online communities. These groups helped her learn more about the condition and hear from people with similar experiences.
What is Myalept?
Myalept® (metreleptin) is a leptin replacement therapy used with a doctor-recommended diet to treat problems caused by not having enough leptin (leptin deficiency) in people with generalized lipodystrophy.
- It is not known if Myalept is safe and effective when used to treat problems (complications) caused by partial lipodystrophy or to treat liver disease, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Myalept should not be used to treat people with HIV-related lipodystrophy or people with metabolic disease, including diabetes mellitus and hypertriglyceridemia, without signs or symptoms of congenital or acquired generalized lipodystrophy.
Important Safety Information
Myalept is only available through a restricted program called the Myalept Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program. Your doctor must be enrolled and certified in the program in order to prescribe Myalept.
Myalept may cause serious side effects, including:
- risk for developing certain proteins called neutralizing antibodies that may reduce how well your own leptin or Myalept works. Side effects of these antibodies may include infection, problems with blood sugar (including diabetes), or an increase in triglycerides.
- increased risk of a type of blood cancer called lymphoma.
You should not take Myalept if you:
- have general obesity not caused by a congenital leptin deficiency.
- are allergic to metreleptin or any of the ingredients in Myalept. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching (hives), swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, fainting or dizziness, rapid heartbeat.
Before using Myalept, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions including if you:
- have or have had problems with your blood cells, including low blood cell counts (especially your white blood cells), bone marrow, immune system, pancreas, swollen lymph nodes, lymphoma, high blood triglyceride levels, or use insulin or a sulfonylurea.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant as it is unknown if Myalept will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while using Myalept, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with a program to collect information about the outcomes of moms and babies exposed to Myalept during pregnancy. You can enroll in the Myalept program by calling 1-855-669-2537.
- are nursing or plan to nurse. You should not nurse while you take Myalept.
Other possible side effects
The most common side effects of Myalept include headache, low blood sugar, decreased weight, and/or abdominal pain.
You may get low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if you take Myalept with other medicines used to lower blood sugar, such as insulin or sulfonylurea. Your doses of these medications may need to be lowered while you use Myalept. Tell your doctor right away if you experience shakiness, sweating, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, or a jittery feeling because these may be signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
For newborns and infants, mix Myalept with sterile water for injection (preservative-free) (WFI). Serious side effects including death have happened in newborns or infants who have received the preservative benzyl alcohol. Bacteriostatic water for injection contains benzyl alcohol and it should not be used to mix Myalept for newborns and infants.
Myalept may worsen symptoms caused by certain problems in your immune system (autoimmune disorder). Ask your doctor about what symptoms you should watch for that may require further testing.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Myalept. For more information, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Take Myalept exactly as your doctor instructs you.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.