What is Kanuma?
Kanuma is a variant of an enzyme made by the body to break down fats and stop them from accumulating in your cells. Kanuma uses it to address lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. This is a potentially life-threatening genetic disorder that could damage vital organs in the body and result in premature death. The medicine replaces the deficient enzyme if the body doesn't have enough of it. Kanuma could also be prescribed for reasons that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Kanuma
Contact a medical professional immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat. Certain side effects can occur when you inject. Contact your physician immediately whenever you feel itchy and flushed, if you feel chilled, numb, or hyper, or if you are experiencing a runny nose, eye irritations, diarrhea, chest discomfort, or difficulty breathing.
Kanuma may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately if you experience symptoms related to an allergy:
- Extreme skin eruption, itching, or swelling.
- Agitation, irritability.
- Stomach pain.
- Low red blood cells (anemia)—pale skin, feeling lightheaded or short of breath, fast heart rate, difficulty concentrating.
Common adverse effects of Kanuma can include:
- Fever, weakness.
- Sinus pain, runny nose, sore throat, cough.
- Rash.
- Diarrhea, constipation.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Headache.
This list does not encompass all potential side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Follow the instructions on the label of your medication and the package. Inform your healthcare professionals about your medical ailments and allergies, as well as the medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to treat with Kanuma if you have an allergy to it. To ensure that Kanuma is suitable for you, inform your doctor that you have:
- An allergy to eggs or products made from eggs.
It is unknown if Kanuma could harm a newborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or plan to be pregnant. It isn't known if sebelipase gets into the milk of a nursing baby or if it poses a risk to the nursing infant. Consult your physician if you are nursing your baby. Kanuma is not a product that has been approved for use by anyone less than one month old.
How to take Kanuma?
Kanuma is injected into a vein via an IV. The healthcare professional will give you the injection. Kanuma is typically given once a week. Infusions via IV must be administered slowly and may take between 1 and 2 hours to be completed. You will be monitored closely throughout and following the administration of Kanuma to ensure that you don't suffer from an allergic reaction to the medication. Inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your weight. Kanuma doses are determined by weight (especially for children), and any change can affect the dose.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Consult your physician for the best treatment in the event that you don't make an appointment to see your Kanuma.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Follow the instructions of your physician regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Other drugs can be incompatible with sebelipase Alfa, which includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your health professionals about any medications you are taking now and any medications that you decide to stop or change your use of.
