Alglucerase is used to treat Gaucher’s disease caused by the lack of a certain enzyme (glucocerebrosidase) in the body. This enzyme is necessary for your body to use fats.
Alglucerase is made from human placenta tissue that is collected after a baby is born. Before it is used, the tissue is tested for hepatitis and HIV. This is similar to the testing that a blood bank does on donated blood before it is given to anyone else.
This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription.
This medication is available in the following forms:
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies
Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric
This medication has been tested in a limited number of children. In effective doses, this medication has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Geriatric
No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in the elderly. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Pregnancy
This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
Breastfeeding
There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.
Other Interactions
Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain mediations may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
This medication will not cure Gaucher’s disease but it does help control it. You must continue to receive it if you expect to keep your condition under control. You may have to receive this medication for the rest of your life. If Gaucher’s disease is not treated, it can cause serious blood, liver, skeletal or spleen problems.
Dosing
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication. The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
- Adults and children - The dose is based on body weight. It is injected slowly into a vein (intravenously) over 1-2 hours. To begin, some patients may receive 1.15 units per kilogram of body weight 3 times per week. Other patients may receive up to 60 units per kilogram of body weight as often as once a week or as seldom as every 4 weeks. Your doctor may raise or lower your dose at a later time.
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment.
Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
