What is Velaglucerase Alfa?
Velaglucerase alfa is a type of enzyme that is found naturally in the bodies of healthy individuals. A few people do not have this enzyme due to an inherited disorder. Velaglucerase alfa assists in replacing the missing enzyme in patients suffering from Type I Gaucher disease.
Gaucher disease can be described as a genetic disorder in which the body is deficient in the enzyme required to break down certain fats (lipids). Lipids are able to accumulate in the body, leading to symptoms like bleeding or bruising that is easy to stop, infirmity, anemia, bone or joint discomfort, an enlarged liver, the spleen, or weak bones that break easily.
Velaglucerase can improve the health of the spleen, liver, bones, and blood cells in patients suffering from Type I Gaucher's disease. But it's not an effective treatment for this condition.Velaglucerase can be utilized for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Velaglucerase alfa
Seek medical attention immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as itching, fever, breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, or swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
A reaction to an allergen can happen immediately following or after the infusion of velaglucerase Alfa. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical assistance immediately if you experience any indication of a reaction to an allergen, such as headache, dizziness, a headache, fever, nausea, feeling tired or weak, and feeling like you may faint.
Common adverse effects of velaglucerase Alfa could include:
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Being tired or weak;
- Nausea, stomach pain;
- Joints, lower back pain,
This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
An allergic reaction can happen within or just after the infusion of this medicine. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of an allergy, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or fever, as well as being tired or weak and feeling like you may faint.
Before you take this drug
Consult a healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
It is unclear if the velaglucerase alfa can harm the unborn baby. If untreated, Type I Gaucher disease during pregnancy could result in complications like miscarriage or stillbirth. The Type I Gaucher disease gets more severe during the pregnancy period and can cause medical issues for the baby and mother. The advantages of treating this condition with velaglucerase alfa could outweigh any risk for the baby.Velaglucerase alfa is not authorized for use by children who are younger than
How to take Velaglucerase alfa?
Velaglucerase alfa can be given as an infusion to the vein. Your healthcare professional will offer the injection.Velaglucerase alfa is generally given every two weeks. Follow the instructions of your physician for dosage.
Velaglucerase alfa is best administered slowly, and the infusion may take up to an hour to be completed.Velaglucerase doses depend on weight (especially for adolescents and children). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Gaucher Disease:
The starting dose for patients who are not tolerant of the treatment of enzyme replacement (ERT) 60 units/kg IV every two weeks
Moving from imiglucerase to velaglucerase alfa Patients who are currently receiving steady doses of imiglucerase could switch to this medication by starting at the same dose as their previous imiglucerase two weeks following the last imiglucerase dosage.
Comments:
This drug should be administered as a 60-minute intravenous infusion under the supervision of a health professional.
Use: To provide long-term ERT treatment for patients with type 1 Gaucher disease.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Gaucher Disease:
Ages 4 and over:
Start dose for patients who are not yet accustomed to ERT 60 units/kg IV once every once a week.
Switching from imiglucerase to velaglucerase alfa: Patients receiving stable doses of imiglucerase could change their dose by beginning this drug at the dose they had previously taken two weeks following the last dose of imiglucerase.
Comments:
The drug must be administered in a 60-minute IV infusion under the direction of a health professional.
Use: As a long-term ERT in patients suffering from type 1 Gaucher disease.
What happens if I overdose?
Consult your physician for further instructions. If you do not make an appointment to receive the velaglucerase injection,
How do I react if I take too much?
Since velaglucerase is prescribed by a health expert in a medical environment, it is highly unlikely for an overdose to be a problem.
What should be avoided?
Follow your doctor's advice regarding the food, beverages, foods, or activities.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications can alter velaglucerase alfa's effects, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.
