Drugs Blog

Type of Drug:Enzyme replacement therapy.

How the Imiglucerase Drug Works:

An enzyme used long-term to break down glucocerebroside into glucose and ceramide. This prevents the accumulation of glucocerebroside in disease.

Uses Imiglucerase:

For long-term enzyme replacement therapy for type I Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following problems: anemia, low platelet counts, bone disease and deterioration, enlargement of the liver or spleen.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to imiglucerase or any of its ingredients.

Use with caution in the following situations: Pulmonary hypertension.

Hypersensitivity: Approximately 15% of patients have developed antibodies reactive with imiglucerase during the first year of therapy. Approximately 46% of those patients experienced allergic reactions.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if imiglucerase appears in breast milk.

Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Side Effects of Imiglucerase:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many imiglucerase users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Nervous System: Headache; fever; chills; fatigue; dizziness.

Other: Nausea; vomiting; stomach discomfort; diarrhea; back pain; chest discomfort; swelling; difficulty breathing; low blood pressure; rapid heart rate; injection site burning, itching, and swelling; rash; itching; flushing; skin discoloration

Guidelines for Use:

• This drug is prepared and administered intravenously (IV; into a vein) by your health care provider in a medical setting.
• Dosage is individualized and may be administered as frequently as 3 times per week or as infrequently as once every 2 weeks depending on disease severity.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of allergic reaction (eg, rash, difficulty breathing).