Alglucosidase alfa (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 1, 2022.
Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and severe hypersensitivity reactions, presenting as respiratory distress, hypoxia, apnea, dyspnea, bradycardia, tachycardia, bronchospasm, throat tightness, hypotension, angioedema (including tongue or lip swelling, periorbital edema, and face edema), and urticaria, have occurred in some patients during and after alglucosidase alfa infusions. Immune-mediated reactions presenting as proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, and necrotizing skin lesions have occurred in some patients following alglucosidase alfa treatment. Closely observe patients during and after alglucosidase alfa administration and be prepared to manage anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity reactions. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions, and immune-mediated reactions and have them seek immediate medical care should signs and symptoms occur. Infantile-onset Pompe disease patients with compromised cardiac or respiratory function may be at risk of serious acute exacerbation of their cardiac or respiratory compromise due to fluid overload, and require additional monitoring .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Lumizyme
- Myozyme
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Enzyme Replacement
Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme
Uses for alglucosidase alfa
Alglucosidase alfa injection is an enzyme that treats infantile-onset Pompe disease, which is also called glycogen storage disease type II. Alglucosidase alfa contains a human enzyme called acid alpha-glucosidase. This enzyme helps with the digestion and absorption of glycogen. People with Pompe disease are not able to make enough of this enzyme.
Alglucosidase alfa is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using alglucosidase alfa
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For alglucosidase alfa, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to alglucosidase alfa or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of alglucosidase alfa injection in children.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of alglucosidase alfa injection in the geriatric population.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precau..
