Cerezyme

Cerezyme

Generic Name: imiglucerase (im ih GLUE ker ase)

Brand Names: Cerezyme

What is Cerezyme?

Cerezyme is a man-made form of the naturally-occurring protein beta-glucocerebrosidase. A deficiency of beta-glucocerebrosidase is called Gaucher disease.

Cerezyme is used for the treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following: anemia (low level of red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low level of platelets), bone disease, hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), or splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen).

Cerezyme may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Important information about Cerezyme

Symptoms of allergic reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; itching; flushing; and dizziness or fainting, have occurred with the use of Cerezyme. Approximately 15% of patients treated with Cerezyme develop antibodies to imiglucerase. Approximately 46% of patients with detectable antibodies have experienced an allergic reaction. Emergency medical attention may be required if an allergic reaction is experienced.

Before using Cerezyme

Before using Cerezyme, tell your doctor if you have

had an allergic reaction to imiglucerase, alglucerase (Ceredase), or have antibodies to either medication; or

breathing problems or pulmonary hypertension.

You may not be able to use Cerezyme, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Cerezyme is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Cerezyme without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Cerezyme passes into breast milk. Do not use Cerezyme without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Cerezyme?

Use Cerezyme exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Cerezyme is given by intravenous (into the vein) injection and will most likely be administered by a healthcare provider.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Cerezyme to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store Cerezyme as instructed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Cerezyme at home, your healthcare provider will give you instructions regarding how to store the medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Cerezyme.

What happens if I overdose?

Contact your doctor, a hospital emergency room, or a poison control center if an overdose is suspected.

Although symptoms of an Cerezyme overdose are not known, an overdose is unlikely to threaten life.

What should I avoid while taking Cerezyme?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with Cerezyme.

Cerezyme side effects

Symptoms of allergic reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; itching; flushing; and dizziness or fainting, have occurred with the use of Cerezyme. Approximately 15% of patients treated with Cerezyme develop antibodies to imiglucerase. Approximately 46% of patients with detectable antibodies have experienced an allergic reaction. Emergency medical attention may be required if an allergic reaction is experienced.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following less serious side effects:

discomfort, burning, itching, swelling, or abscess (open wound or sore) at the injection site;

nausea or vomiting;

abdominal pain;

diarrhea;

fatigue;

headache;

dizziness; or

rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Cerezyme side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Cerezyme?

Cerezyme is not expected to interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, during treatment with Cerezyme.

More Cerezyme resources

Cerezyme Side Effects (in More Detail)

Cerezyme Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cerezyme Drug Interactions

Cerezyme Support Group

0 Reviews for Cerezyme - Add your own review/rating

Cerezyme Prescribing Information (FDA)

Cerezyme MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Cerezyme Monograph (AHFS DI)

Cerezyme Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Imiglucerase Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Cerezyme with other medications

Gaucher Disease

Thrombocytopenia

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about Cerezyme written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Imiglucerase is available with a prescription under the brand name Cerezyme. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about Cerezyme, especially if it is new to you.