What is Imiglucerase?
Imiglucerase is a synthetic form of an enzyme that is found naturally in our bodies. It's used to replace enzymes for people suffering from Type I Gaucher disease.
Gaucher's disease is an inherited disorder in which the body is deficient in the enzyme that is needed to break down certain fatty substances (lipids). Lipids are able to accumulate in the body, leading to symptoms like bleeding, bruising, infirmity, anemia, bone or joint discomfort, swelling of the liver or spleen, or weak bones that are susceptible to fracture. Imiglucerase could improve the condition of the spleen, liver bones, and blood cells of people suffering from Type I Gaucher's Disease. However, it's not a cure for this disease. Imiglucerase can also be employed for reasons other than those outlined in this guideline for medication.
Side effects of Imiglucerase
See a doctor immediately. If you notice any of the following symptoms that indicate reactions to an allergen, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Certain side effects can be experienced during or shortly following the injection. Contact your physician immediately if you experience dizziness and lightheadedness, itching and sweating, chest discomfort, coughing, difficulties breathing, or a flush (warmth, redness, or a tingly sensation).
Imiglucerase may cause serious side effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event that you experience:
- Fever, chills, coughing with green or yellow mucus;
- Stabbing chest pains, wheezing, feeling breathless, or
- The severity of or lack of improvement of your Gaucher signs of Gaucher disease
Common adverse side effects of imiglucerase include:
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea;
- Fast heartbeats;
- Headache,
- Dizziness;
- Lower back pain;
- Feeling of fatigue, chills, or fever
- Itching, burning, or any other discomfort that surrounds your IV needle
Warnings
Follow the directions on the label of your medication and on the label of your package. Inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and any medications you take.
Before you take medicine.
It is not recommended to use imiglucerase if you are allergic to it. To ensure that imiglucerase is suitable for you, inform your physician if you suffer from:
- A breathing issue that causes breathing problems, such as pneumonia or pulmonary hypertension.
FDA pregnancy category C It isn't known whether imiglucerase can cause harm to a baby who is not yet born. Consult your physician if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking imiglucerase. It is unclear if imiglucerase can be found in the milk of a nursing baby or whether it can harm the infant. Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding a baby. Imiglucerase shouldn't be administered to children younger than 2 years old without a doctor's recommendation.
How to take Imiglucerase?
Imiglucerase can be injected into the vein via an IV. The healthcare professional will provide you with the injection. Imiglucerase is usually administered every two weeks; however, it is possible that you will need the medication more frequently when you first begin using it. Follow your doctor's instructions for dosing with care.
You might be prescribed other medications to help prevent certain side effects associated with imiglucerase. Use these medications precisely as directed. Inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your weight. The doses of imiglucerase are dependent on weight.
Detail on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Gaucher Disease:
Initial dose: may vary from 2.5 units/kg three times a week by IV infusion up to 60 units/kg by IV infusion every two weeks.
Comments:
The majority of the information available concerns 60 units/kg twice every 2 weeks.
The severity of the disease may require the treatment to begin with a moderate dose or at a moderately frequent rate of treatment.
Dose adjustments must be determined on a case-by-case basis. They may be increased or decreased based on the achievement of the therapeutic goals as measured through regular evaluations of clinical manifestations.
Use: To provide long-term treatment with an enzyme replacement in patients who have a definitive diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that causes one or more symptoms that include anemia, thrombocytopenia, bone disease, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Gaucher Disease:
2 years old or older:
Initial dose: may vary from 2.5 units/kg, 3 times per week, IV infusion up to 60 units/kg, IV injection once every two weeks.
Comments:
The majority of information available refers to 60 units/kg twice every 2 weeks.
The severity of the disease may require the treatment to begin with a moderate dose or at a moderately frequent rate of treatment.
Dose adjustments must be determined on a case-by-case basis and could vary or increase based upon success in achieving therapeutic goals as determined by regular evaluations of the clinical manifestations of the patient.
Use: To provide long-term therapy for replacement of the enzyme for patients who have a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that is characterized by one or more of the following symptoms: anemia, thrombocytopenia, osteoporosis, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your physician for advice if you missed the dose of imiglucerase.
What happens if I overdose?
Since imiglucerase can only be administered by a medical expert in a medical environment, an overdose is not likely to occur.
Avoid this.
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any restrictions on your food, drink, or activities.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications can be incompatible with imiglucerase, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Be sure to inform your health professionals about any medications you take now and any medications that you decide to stop or modify your use of.
