What is Laronidase?
Laronidase is an enzyme found in healthy individuals. A genetic disorder can cause some people to lack this enzyme. Laronidase is used to replace the missing enzyme.Laronidase is used to treat some of the symptoms of a genetic condition called mucopolysaccharidosis (MYOO-koe-pol-ee-SAK-a-rye-DOE-sis) or MPS I, also called Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie syndrome, or Scheie syndrome.The MPS-I metabolic disorder is caused by the absence of an enzyme that breaks down certain substances. These substances can accumulate in the body and cause enlarged organs or abnormal bone structure. They may also lead to breathing problems, heart issues, visual or auditory loss, or changes in mental abilities.Laronidase can improve walking and breathing abilities for people with this condition. This medication does not cure MPS I.Laronidase can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Laronidase
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 throatA reaction to laronidase can occur immediately after or during the infusion (up to 3 hours later). If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your carers immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
- Rapid breathing or feeling short-breath;
- Chest tightness;
- Feeling like you could pass out even when lying down
- Fast or slow heartbeats
- Sweating; cold or clammy skin
- Pale skin;
- Blue lips or fingernails.
Laronidase can cause the following side effects:
- Fever, chills;
- Cold symptoms like a stuffy nose and sneezing, sore neck
- Increased blood pressure
- Warmth, redness, or a tingling feeling.
- Fast heartbeats;
- Overactive reflexes
- Pain, swelling, irritation, or burning around the IV needle
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to adverse events is easy - simply dial 1-800-FDA-1088!
Similar/related drugs
Aldurazyme
Warnings
A severe allergic reaction can occur during the infusion or soon after. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including sweating, chest pain, difficulty breathing, pale lips, or blue fingernails or skin, or feel like you may pass out, tell your carers immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
Before you take this drug
If you are experiencing cold or fever symptoms, your laronidase injection may be delayed.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Breathing problems
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea and use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device
Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.Laronidase is not known to harm a baby in utero. The symptoms of MPS can worsen during pregnancy, and this may lead to medical complications for both mother and child. Treatment of MPS can be beneficial to both mother and baby.You may be required to list your name on the MPS I Registry if you use laronidase. This registry tracks the progression of the disorder and laronidase's effects on long-term MPS I treatment. The registry tracks laronidase's effects on the baby of a mother who is pregnant or breast-feeding.
How to take Laronidase?
Laronidase can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.Laronidase can be given once a week.Inform your doctor if it has been a while since you were sick. Laronidase may not be given until you are feeling better.Laronidase should be administered slowly. The infusion may take as long as 4 hours.You will receive other medications an hour before you are given the injection to prevent a severe allergic reaction.You will be closely monitored to ensure that you don't have an allergic response after each injection.You will need to have your doctor check on you regularly.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I:
0.58 mg/kg IV every week
Comments:
The clinical studies did not include older patients, and therefore it is unknown whether they react differently to younger patients.
Uses: For the treatment of Hurler and Hurler-Scheie forms of Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) and for patients with the Scheie forms who have moderate to severe symptoms, the risk and benefits of treating mildly affected patients with the Scheie form have not been established.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I:
6 months and older: 0.58 mg/kg IV every week
Uses: Treatment of Hurler, Hurler-Scheie, and Scheie forms with moderate to severe symptoms The benefits and risks of treating patients with milder symptoms with Scheie forms have not been established.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment for laronidase, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because laronidase will be administered by a healthcare provider 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
Laronidase may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop taking.
