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imiglucerase
imiglucerase
What is the most important information I should know about imiglucerase?
What is the most important information I should know about imiglucerase?
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 is imiglucerase?
What is 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.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using imiglucerase?
What should I discuss with my health care provider before using 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 this medicine.
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.
How should I use imiglucerase?
How should I use imiglucerase?
Imiglucerase is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Imiglucerase is usually given every 2 weeks, but you may need the medicine more often when you first start using it. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
You may be given other medicines to prevent certain side effects of imiglucerase. Take these medicines exactly as directed.
Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Imiglucerase doses are based on weight.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of imiglucerase.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while using imiglucerase?
What should I avoid while using imiglucerase?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of imiglucerase?
What are the possible side effects of imiglucerase?
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).
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 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.
What other drugs will affect imiglucerase?
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.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about imiglucerase.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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