What is Glucarpidase?
Patients who suffer from renal failure after receiving high doses of methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug, can be treated with glucarpidase.Methotrexate can be eliminated more easily when the kidneys do not work properly by using glucarpidase, an enzyme.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of glucarpidase.
Side effects of Glucarpidase
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat.Inform your carer immediately if any of the following symptoms occur dizziness, weakness, nausea, cold sweats, itchiness, numbness, tingling, or a sudden headache.
Glucarpidase can cause a number of side effects.
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Numbness, tingling, burning pain,
- Flushing (a sudden feeling of warmth, redness, or tingling sensation)
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor immediately if experiencing side effects; or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting them.
Similar/related drugs
leucovorin, levoleucovorin, Fusilev, Khapzory
Warnings
Tell your doctor, if possible, if you're also receiving leucovorin.Inform your carer immediately if any of the following symptoms occur dizziness, weakness, nausea, cold sweating, tingling, numbness, or sudden headache.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor, if possible, if you're also receiving leucovorin before you start glucarpidase.You may not know if you're pregnant or nursing in an emergency. Be sure to tell any doctor who is caring for you or your child that you have received glucarpidase.
How to take Glucarpidase?
Glucarpidase can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Glucarpidase injections are usually administered as a single dose. The IV infusion takes about five minutes.Leucovorin may be administered 2 hours prior to or 2 hours following a glucarpidase infusion.Blood tests are required to ensure that the medication is working and not having any harmful side effects. Don't miss any appointments with your doctor.This medication can interfere with certain medical tests. Tell your doctor that you use glucarpidase.
Details on dosage
Adult Usual Dose of Methotrexate:
One single IV injection of 50 units/kg
Use: Treatment for toxic plasma methotrexate levels (greater than one micromole per litter) in patients who have delayed methotrexate elimination due to impaired kidney function.The usual paediatric dose for methotrexate overdose is:Children older than 1 month: 50 units/kg IV injected in a single dose.
Use: Treatment for toxic plasma methotrexate levels (greater than 1 micromole/litre) in patients who have delayed methotrexate elimination due to impaired kidney function.
What happens if I miss the dose?
The glucarpidase dose is a single one, so there is no daily schedule.
What happens if you overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs can affect glucarpidase. These include vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop using.
