Alglucosidase alfa (injection)
Generic name: alglucosidase alfa (injection) [ AL-gloo-KOE-si-dase-AL-fa ]
Brand names: Lumizyme, Myozyme
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (50 mg)
Drug class:Lysosomal enzymes
What is alglucosidase alfa?
Alglucosidase alfa helps replace an enzyme that is missing in people with a certain genetic disorder.
Alglucosidase alfa is used to treat a glycogen storage disorder called Pompe disease, (also called GAA deficiency) in adults and children.
Alglucosidase alfa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as itching, rash, redness or tingling, severe headache, feeling light-headed, fast or slow heart rate, wheezing, trouble breathing, pale skin, and blue lips or fingernails.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart disease; or
lung disease or breathing disorder.
Babies who develop Pompe disease in the first year of life may need specialized medical tests to improve treatment with alglucosidase alfa treatment.
It is not known whether alglucosidase alfa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed within 24 hours after receiving alglucosidase alfa. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.
Your name may be listed on the Pompe Registry. This is to track the progress of your disease and the outcome of your treatment with alglucosidase alfa.
How is alglucosidase alfa given?
Alglucosidase alfa is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Alglucosidase alfa must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up to 4 hours to complete.
This medicine is usually given once every 2 weeks.
Before each injection, tell your doctor if you have recently been sick with a cold, flu, or other illness.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using alglucosidase alfa.
Alglucosidase alfa can have long lasting effects on your body. Your blood will need to be tested every 3 months for 2 years and then once every year after that.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your alglucosidase alfa injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
