What is Cerdelga?
Cerdelga helps reduce the production of a specific protein in the body when used by people with Gaucher type 1. Gaucher's disease occurs when the body does not produce the enzyme required to break down certain fats (lipids). Lipid buildup in the body can cause symptoms like easy bleeding or bruising, weakness, anaemia, and joint or bone pain. Cerdelga treats mild to moderate Gaucher type 1 disease in adults. It's only used if your liver enzyme (2D6) breaks down or metabolises medications at a certain rate. Cerdelga can improve the condition in the spleen and liver of people with Gaucher type I disease. It may also improve the blood cells, bones, or bone marrow. Eliglustat, however, is not a cure.
Warnings
Cerdelga should not be used if you suffer from severe liver or renal disease. Cerdelga may cause serious heart problems, especially if certain other medications are taken at the same time. Inform your doctor of all the medicines that you take.
Inform your physician of all medications you are currently taking. Certain drugs can cause eligligat to be less effective or have side effects if they raise or decrease your blood levels. This medication can also lower or raise the blood levels of other drugs. It may cause side effects or make them less effective.
Side effects of Cerdelga
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy to Cerdelga, seek immediate medical attention: itching; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, or throat; or hives.
If you experience:
- You may experience sudden dizziness or feel like you could pass out.
- Fluttering or fast heartbeats in the chest
Cerdelga may cause side effects such as:
- Nausea and stomach pain.
- Headache;
- Tiredness;
- Backache
- Have you been experiencing arm or leg discomfort
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting them directly.
Similar/related drugs
Zavesca, Cerezyme, VPRIV, Yargesa, eliglustat, and imiglucerase
Before you take this drug
Ascertain medications should never be combined.. Certain drugs can cause side effects or reduce the effectiveness of eligligat. Cerdelga may also reduce the effectiveness of other drugs or increase side effects.
If you take any of these drugs, your doctor may have to alter your treatment plan.
- John's Wort;
- Antifungal medicine;
- Tuberculosis medication
- Seizure medicine;
- Heart or blood pressure medication
- Antidepressants;
- Medicine to treat mental illness
Cerdelga should not be used if:
- Severe liver disease
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:
- Long QT syndrome or any other heart rhythm disorder
- Heart disease or an attack
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease is a serious condition.
There is no way to know if eligligat can harm an unborn child. Inform your physician as soon as you discover you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
Cerdelga should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Cerdelga?
Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all instructions and directions included with your prescription drug.. Sometimes your doctor will change the dose.
A genotype blood test will be performed by your doctor to ensure that this medication is right for you.
Wait at least 24 hours before starting Cerdelga if you are switching from another enzyme-replacement medicine.
Cerdelga can be taken up to two times a day, depending on your genotype. Dosing instructions should be followed very closely. Take this medication with a glass of water. Take your medicine every day at the same time, with or without eating. Do not open, crush, chew on or break a capsule. Eliglustat may cause serious heart problems. Before taking this medication, your heart function will be tested with an ECG or electrocardiograph (also called an EKG). Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Gaucher disease:
CYP450 metabolism status is used to determine the recommended dose.
Extended Metabolizers (EM); Intermediate Metabolizers (IM); and Poor Metabolizers (PM).EM: Orally, 84 mg twice daily
IM: Orally, 84 mg twice daily
AM: 84 mg once daily orally
Reduced Dose: 84 mg once daily, orally recommended for:
EM or IM are taking a moderate or strong CYP4502D6 inhibitor.
EM is taking a moderate or strong CYP450-3A inhibitor.
EM taking a weak CYP450-2D6 inhibitor
-ems with mild hepatic dysfunction taking a CYP450 3A strong, moderate, or weak inhibitor
Comments:
Cyp4502D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers may not achieve sufficient drug concentrations for a therapeutic effect.
Patients whose genotype is not known (indeterminate metabolism) cannot receive dose recommendations.
Use: To treat patients with Gaucher type 1 disease who are CYP4502D6 extensive metabolizers or intermediate metabolizers based on FDA-cleared testing.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, take an alternative medication instead of missing this one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect poisoning or seek immediate medical advice.
What should be avoided?
Grapefruit can interact with eliglustat, causing unwanted side effects. Avoid grapefruit products.
Interaction with other drug
Cerdelga may cause serious heart problems if taken with certain other medications for infection, asthma, high blood pressure, or mental illness. Several drugs may interact with eliglustat, and others should not be taken together. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you have stopped using. Included are prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.This list does not encompass every possible interaction.
