imiglucerase

Imiglucerase is used to treat a certain rare genetic problem (Gaucher disease). Imiglucerase replaces a certain natural substance (an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase) that is missing in people with Gaucher disease. This medication improves blood, bone, liver, and spleen problems caused by Gaucher disease. Imiglucerase does not correct the genetic problem, and treatment must be continued for life.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have questions about using this medication properly, consult your pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. This medication is given slowly into a vein by a health care professional over 1 to 2 hours or as directed by your doctor. Your dose and how often it is given depends on your weight, condition, and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to receive it as often as 3 times per week or as little as once every 2 weeks. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Blood, liver, and spleen problems usually improve in the first year of treatment. It may take 2 to 3 years of treatment to see the full benefit to your bones.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., IgG antibodies) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Before using imiglucerase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to alglucerase; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: antibodies to alglucerase. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. After mixing, discard any unused solution. Do not save for later use. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the hands/feet (edema), or redness/pain/itching/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, flushing, chest pain, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.