Imiglucerase

Generic name: Imiglucerase
Brand names: Cerezyme
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (400 units)
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Usage of Imiglucerase

Imiglucerase is a man-made form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body. It is used as an enzyme replacement in people with Type I Gaucher disease.

Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain fatty materials (lipids). Lipids can build up in the body, causing symptoms such as easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, anemia, bone or joint pain, enlarged liver or spleen, or weakened bones that are easily fractured.

Imiglucerase may improve the condition of the liver, spleen, bones, and blood cells in people with Type I Gaucher disease. However, imiglucerase is not a cure for this condition.

Imiglucerase may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Imiglucerase side effects

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

Some side effects may occur during or shortly after the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, itchy, light-headed, sweaty, or have chest pain, cough, trouble breathing, or flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

Imiglucerase may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

fever, chills, cough with yellow or green mucus;

stabbing chest pain, wheezing, feeling short of breath; or

worsening or no improvement in your Gaucher disease symptoms.

Common side effects of imiglucerase may include:

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

fast heartbeats;

headache, dizziness;

back pain;

fever, chills, tired feeling;

mild rash; or

itching, burning, swelling, or other discomfort around the IV needle.

Before taking Imiglucerase

You should not use imiglucerase if you are allergic to it.

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

a breathing problem such as pneumonia or pulmonary hypertension.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether imiglucerase will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using imiglucerase.

It is not known whether imiglucerase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Imiglucerase should not be given to a child younger than 2 without a doctor's advice.

Relate drugs

How to use Imiglucerase

Usual Adult Dose for Gaucher Disease:

Initial dose: May range from 2.5 units/kg 3 times a week IV infusion to 60 units/kg IV infusion once every 2 weeksComments:-The majority of data available is for the 60 units/kg every 2 weeks dose.-Disease severity may dictate that treatment be initiated at a relatively high dose or relatively frequent administration.-Dose adjustments should be made on an individual basis and may increase or decrease based on achievement of therapeutic goals as assessed by routine evaluations of the patient's clinical manifestations.Use: For long-term enzyme replacement therapy in patients with a cOnfirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in 1 or more of the following conditions: anemia, thrombocytopenia, bone disease, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gaucher Disease:

2 years or older:-Initial dose: May range from 2.5 units/kg 3 times a week IV infusion to 60 units/kg IV infusion once every 2 weeksComments:-The majority of data available is for the 60 units/kg every 2 weeks dose.-Disease severity may dictate that treatment be initiated at a relatively high dose or relatively frequent administration.-Dose adjustments should be made on an individual basis and may increase or decrease based on achievement of therapeutic goals as assessed by routine evaluations of the patient's clinical manifestations.Use: For long-term enzyme replacement therapy in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in 1 or more of the following conditions: anemia, thrombocytopenia, bone disease, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Imiglucerase

Other drugs may interact with imiglucerase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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