Cerezyme

Generic Name: imiglucerase (im ih GLUE ker ase)

Brand Names: Cerezyme

What is imiglucerase?

Imiglucerase is a man-made form of the naturally-occurring protein beta-glucocerebrosidase. A deficiency of beta-glucocerebrosidase is called Gaucher disease.

Imiglucerase is used for the treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following: anemia (low level of red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low level of platelets), bone disease, hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), or splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen).

Imiglucerase may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What is the most important information I should know about imiglucerase?

Symptoms of allergic reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; itching; flushing; and dizziness or fainting, have occurred with the use of imiglucerase. Approximately 15% of patients treated with imiglucerase develop antibodies to imiglucerase. Approximately 46% of patients with detectable antibodies have experienced an allergic reaction. Emergency medical attention may be required if an allergic reaction is experienced.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using imiglucerase?

Before using imiglucerase, tell your doctor if you have

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  had an allergic reaction to imiglucerase, alglucerase (Ceredase), or have antibodies to either medication; or

  
  


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  breathing problems or pulmonary hypertension.

  
  

You may not be able to use imiglucerase, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Imiglucerase is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use imiglucerase without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether imiglucerase passes into breast milk. Do not use imiglucerase without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use imiglucerase?

Use imiglucerase exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Imiglucerase is given by intravenous (into the vein) injection and will most likely be administered by a healthcare provider.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with imiglucerase to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store imiglucerase as instructed by the manufacturer. If you are storing imiglucerase at home, your healthcare provider will give you instructions regarding how to store the medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of imiglucerase.

What happens if I overdose?

Contact your doctor, a hospital emergency room, or a poison control center if an overdose is suspected.

Although symptoms of an imiglucerase overdose are not known, an overdose is unlikely to threaten life.

What should I avoid while taking imiglucerase?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with imiglucerase.

Imiglucerase side effects

Symptoms of allergic reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; itching; flushing; and dizziness or fainting, have occurred with the use of imiglucerase. Approximately 15% of patients treated with imiglucerase develop antibodies to imiglucerase. Approximately 46% of patients with detectable antibodies have experienced an allergic reaction. Emergency medical attention may be required if an allergic reaction is experienced.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following less serious side effects:

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  discomfort, burning, itching, swelling, or abscess (open wound or sore) at the injection site;

  
  


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  nausea or vomiting;

  
  


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  abdominal pain;

  
  


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  diarrhea;

  
  


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  fatigue;

  
  


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  headache;

  
  


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  dizziness; or

  
  


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  rash.

  
  

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect imiglucerase?

Imiglucerase is not expected to interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, during treatment with imiglucerase.

More Cerezyme resources

• Cerezyme Side Effects (in more detail)
• Cerezyme Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Cerezyme Drug Interactions
• Cerezyme Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Cerezyme - Add your own review/rating

• Cerezyme Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Cerezyme Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Cerezyme Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Cerezyme Consumer Overview


• Cerezyme MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Imiglucerase Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Cerezyme with other medications

• Gaucher Disease
• Thrombocytopenia

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about imiglucerase written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Cerezyme side effects (in more detail)