Glucarpidase

Generic name: Glucarpidase
Brand names: Voraxaze
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (1000 units)
Drug class: Antidotes

Usage of Glucarpidase

Glucarpidase is used in patients who develop kidney failure while receiving high doses of methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug).

Glucarpidase is an enzyme that breaks down methotrexate in the body so the drug can be easily eliminated when the kidneys are not working properly.

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

Glucarpidase side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have any symptoms of a reaction to the glucarpidase injection: severe dizziness or weakness, severe nausea, cold sweat, itching, numbness or tingly feeling, sudden headache, fast heartbeats, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or if you feel like you might pass out.

Common side effects of glucarpidase may include:

  • nausea, vomiting;
  • numbness, tingling, burning pain; or
  • flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Glucarpidase

    If possible before you receive glucarpidase, tell your doctor if you are also being treated with leucovorin.

    In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received glucarpidase.

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    How to use Glucarpidase

    Usual Adult Dose for Methotrexate Overdosage:

    Single IV injection of 50 Units/kgUse: Treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations (greater than 1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function.

    Usual Pediatric Dose for Methotrexate Overdosage:

    Children 1 month of age or older: Single IV injection of 50 units/kgUse: Treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations ( greater than 1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function.

    Warnings

    If possible before you receive glucarpidase, tell your doctor if you are also being treated with leucovorin.

    Tell your caregiver right away if you have any symptoms of a reaction to the glucarpidase injection: severe dizziness or weakness, severe nausea, cold sweat, itching, numbness or tingly feeling, sudden headache, fast heartbeats, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or if you feel like you might pass out.

    What other drugs will affect Glucarpidase

    Other drugs may affect glucarpidase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

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