Imiglucerase (Injection)

Introduction:

Imiglucerase (im-i-GLOO-ser-ase)

Treats type 1 Gaucher disease.

Brand Name(s):

Cerezyme

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child have used alglucerase or Ceredase® injection.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Dizziness.
• Fast heart beat.
• Fever, chills or cough.
• Light-headedness or fainting.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Backache.
• Headache.
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed.
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: