What is Myalept: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Sep 24, 2021

Myalept overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Myalept

Generic Names:

  • Myalept

Uses:

  • Treats problems caused by leptin deficiency.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Endocrine-Metabolic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Myalept used for?

Myalept is used together with diet to treat certain problems caused by a lack of leptin in people who have generalized lipodystrophy.

What form(s) does Myalept come in

  • Injectable

What are common Myalept doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 11.3MG

Common Myalept prescriptions

  • Myalept
    11.3mg solution reconstituted

How to take Myalept

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually given in your stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. A home health caregiver may also give you this medicine.

  • This medicine should be given at the same time each day.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

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

  • Do not shake the mixed medicine.

  • 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.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

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

  • Store the medicine mixed with bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI) in the refrigerator. This mixture can be used for up to 3 days when stored in the refrigerator and away from direct light. Throw away any unused medicine after 3 days.

  • Do not store the medicine mixed with sterile water for injection (WFI). This mixture should be used right away. Do not save it for later use.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

What to do if you miss a dose of Myalept

Myalept contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to metreleptin, or if you have obesity not caused by congenital leptin deficiency.

Myalept warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have blood or bone marrow problems, an autoimmune disease, high triglyceride levels, swollen lymph nodes, or a history of pancreas problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Antibodies made by your blood that reduce how well leptin worksAn increased risk for lymphoma (a blood cancer)Low blood sugar (when used with insulin or a diabetes medicine)

  • This medicine can be mixed with bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI) or sterile water for injection (WFI). This medicine mixed with BWFI contains benzyl alcohol, which may cause serious reactions in premature or newborn infants. WFI is recommended for use in infants. Ask your doctor which liquid should be mixed with your medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Myalept interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how metreleptin works. Tell your doctor if you are using cyclosporine, theophylline, insulin or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth, or a blood thinner (such as warfarin).

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Antibodies made by your blood that reduce how well leptin worksAn increased risk for lymphoma (a blood cancer)Low blood sugar (when used with insulin or a diabetes medicine)

  • This medicine can be mixed with bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI) or sterile water for injection (WFI). This medicine mixed with BWFI contains benzyl alcohol, which may cause serious reactions in premature or newborn infants. WFI is recommended for use in infants. Ask your doctor which liquid should be mixed with your medicine.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Myalept side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Back, joint, or muscle pain

  • Headache or dizziness

  • Weight loss, nausea, or stomach pain

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