What condition does Imiglucerase treat?
Imiglucerase is used to treat a certain rare genetic problem called Gaucher disease. It is a genetic disorder in which the body lacks the enzyme required to break down fatty materials. It is called lipids that can build up in the body that causes symptoms such as:
- Anemia
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bone or joint pain
- Weakness
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Weakened bones that are easily fractured
This medication improves bone, blood, and liver spleen problems. This does not correct the genetic problem and treatment must continue for life.
Imiglucerase replaces a certain natural substance that is missing in people with Gaucher’s disease. Those natural substances are enzymes called glucocerebrosidase. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this medicine.
How does Imiglucerase work?
Imiglucerase works inside the lysosome. It is a specialized compartment of the cell where the breakdown of glucocerebroside usually happens. Glucocerebroside is broken down into glucose and ceramide. This can be then removed from the cell by natural processes.
What is the recommended dosage for Imiglucerase?
Imiglucerase is given by intravenous infusion. It is delivered directly into your bloodstream. This medication typically takes 1-2 hours. It is usually given every two weeks.
The total of medication that you take depends on the strength of the drug. Also, the time allowed between doses, the amount of doses you take every day, and the length of time you take the drug depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
It is important to take it exactly as it is prescribed. Before using this medicine, check this product visually for discoloration or particles. If it is present, do not use it anymore.
What are the side effects of Imiglucerase?
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Injection site reactions (burning, itching, discomfort, open wound or sore)
What are the precautions in taking Imiglucerase?
- Before taking each dose, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it. This medicine may have an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction.
- This is not recommended for use to a child younger than 2 without advice from your doctor.
- If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, consult your doctor first before taking this drug.
- Your doctor must check your progress while you are receiving this medication to make sure that the dosage is correct for you.
- Do not use this drug past the expiration date.
- You should not share this prescription with others even if they have the same symptoms as yours.
- Inform your doctor if you have a medical history or current medications.
- This is not to be used in people who may be hypersensitive to this medicine or any of the other ingredients.
- Lots of drugs have not been studied in older individuals. For that reason, it might not be known whether they cause different side effects or complications in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of Imiglucerase in the elderly with use in other age groups.
- Keep this away from the reach of children.
