Pronunciation:

im-i-GLOO-ser-ase

Brand Names:

• Cerezyme

Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Digestant

Pharmacologic—

Enzyme

Uses of This Medicine:

Imiglucerase injection is used to treat type 1 Gaucher disease which may cause anemia (low number of red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low number of blood platelets), bone disease, or enlarged liver or spleen.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of imiglucerase injection in children younger than 2 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Older adults—

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of imiglucerase injection in geriatric patients.

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. The medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for over 1 to 2 hours.

You may receive other medicines (eg, allergy medicine, steroid medicine) to help prevent allergic reactions to this medicine.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before receiving this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and infusion-related reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have back pain, chest tightness, cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, flushing, hives, itching, skin rash, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, nausea and vomiting, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds

blurred vision

chest pain, discomfort, or tightness

confusion

cough

difficulty swallowing

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

feeling of warmth

fever or chills

headache

hives, itching, skin rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

sneezing

sore throat

sweating

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Back pain

diarrhea

nausea

stomach pain

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.