uses
What is Cerezyme used for?Cerezyme (imiglucerase) is commonly used to treat certain people with type 1 Gaucher disease.Cerezyme may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Cerezyme work (mechanism of action)?People with Gaucher disease do not have enough of an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase, which helps break down a fatty substance in the body called glucocerebroside. This causes a buildup of glucocerebroside, especially in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Cerezyme is an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). It works by replacing this enzyme, which helps break down glucocerebroside in the body.How is Cerezyme supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesCerezymeDosage forms and strengthsCerezyme is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.How should I store Cerezyme?Cerezyme is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
how to use
liquid that is injected into a blood vessel
drug interactions
Does Cerezyme interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Cerezyme and foods or drinks.It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cerezyme. The risk of dizziness or other side effects may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Cerezyme.Does Cerezyme interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?There are no known interactions between Cerezyme and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Cerezyme?The most common side effects of Cerezyme are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Back painChillsDizzinessTirednessHeadacheAllergic reactions, including severe allergic reactions (see below)Nausea and vomitingFever There may be other side effects of Cerezyme that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Cerezyme?While less common, the most serious side effects of Cerezyme are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Cerezyme may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Allergic reactions can happen at any time during treatment with Cerezyme, including early in treatment or after you have already had many doses. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heart or chest discomfortFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesFlushing or redness of your face and neckNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painInfusion Reactions. Cerezyme can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your health care provider will monitor you closely during your infusion, checking your blood pressure and watching for any reactions. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion. Swelling under the skin (angioedema), including in the face, throat, arms, hands, or legsHives, rash, or itchingChest pain or discomfortBurning, discomfort, or swelling near where the needle went inFever or chillsTiredness
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cerezyme?If you or someone else has used too much Cerezyme, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Cerezyme?Cerezyme is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will tell you when to schedule your appointments for infusions. If you miss an appointment to get your Cerezyme infusion, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Cerezyme?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should talk to their health care provider before using Cerezyme.CerezymeImigluceraseAny of the ingredients in the specific product receivedYour health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Cerezyme.What should I know about Cerezyme before using it?Cerezyme is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a health care setting. You will be closely monitored during your infusion. Keep all appointments for infusions, follow-up, and bloodwork. If you have an allergic or infusion reaction, your health care provider may prescribe certain medicines for you to take before each dose of Cerezyme. Follow all instructions closely to reduce the risk of an allergic or infusion reaction.Cerezyme can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Cerezyme affects you.There is a Gaucher patient registry that studies Gaucher disease as well as long-term effects of Cerezyme. For more information on this registry, talk to your health care provider, visit www.registrynxt.com, or call 800-745-4447.What should I tell my health care provider before using Cerezyme?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Cerezyme is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Cerezyme could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Cerezyme while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Cerezyme, you can sign up for the Gaucher patient registry by calling 800-745-4447, extension 15500, or at www.registrynxt.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of Cerezyme during pregnancy.Breastfeeding. Cerezyme passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Cerezyme while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while using Cerezyme, you can sign up for the Gaucher patient registry by calling 800-745-4447, extension 15500, or at www.registrynxt.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of Cerezyme while breastfeeding.How can I get more information about Cerezyme?For more information about Cerezyme, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.cerezyme.com or call them at 800-633-1610.
about
Cerezyme is used to treat certain people with type 1 Gaucher disease. It works by replacing an enzyme that helps break down a substance in the body called glucocerebroside. Common side effects include back pain, chills, dizziness, tiredness, and headaches. Serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions. Cerezyme is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider.