Cerezyme
Cerezyme (imiglucerase) is a form of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) used to treat Type 1 Gaucher disease in adults and children 2 years of age or older. It's given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider. Overall, Cerezyme (imiglucerase) is well tolerated, but it can cause allergic or infusion-related reactions like hives or difficulty breathing.
What is Cerezyme (imiglucerase)?
What is Cerezyme (imiglucerase) used for?
- Type 1 Gaucher disease in adults and children 2 years of age or older
How Cerezyme (imiglucerase) works
Cerezyme (imiglucerase) is a modified (lab-made) version of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase that is normally found in the body. People with Gaucher disease don't have enough of this enzyme, which breaks down a fatty substance called glucosylceramide (also known as glucocerebroside or GL-1). As a result, there are higher levels of glucosylceramide in the body, and it can build up in the spleen, liver, and bones. Cerezyme (imiglucerase) works as an enzyme replacement for glucocerebrosidase and helps your body break down glucosylceramide.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Cerezyme |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebrosidase-specific enzyme |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Cerezyme (imiglucerase)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Itching
- Fever
- Rash
- Chills
- Chest discomfort
Less Common Side Effects
- Pain or burning at the IV site
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Lung infection (pneumonia)
- Lung problems
Cerezyme (imiglucerase) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Serious allergic or infusion-related reactions: throat tightness, trouble breathing, cough, itching or hives, flushing, swelling, chest pain, skin turning blue, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting
The following Cerezyme (imiglucerase) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Abdominal discomfort
decrease in blood pressure, decrease in frequency of urination
dizziness
headache
rash
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Cerezyme (imiglucerase)
Pros
- Can be used long-term, for at least 20 years, to treat Type 1 Gaucher disease
- Can be used in children as young as 2 years of age
- Safe to use if pregnant or breastfeeding
- Fewer side effects compared to oral medications for Gaucher disease type 1
Cons
- Might require frequent trips to the infusion center to receive treatment
- Takes 1 to 2 hours to receive each infusion
- Potential for allergic or infusion reactions with long-term use
- Requires IV access, so it's not as convenient as taking a pill
Pharmacist tips for Cerezyme (imiglucerase)
- It takes about 1 to 2 hours to give the full dose of Cerezyme (imiglucerase). Most commonly, you'll receive this medication at an infusion center or provider's office. In some cases, it can be given at home by a home health nurse.
- You might experience an allergic or infusion-related reaction during or shortly after your Cerezyme (imiglucerase) infusion, some of which can be life-threatening. Let your provider know or get help right away if you experience any trouble breathing, hives, flushing, chest pain, skin turning blue, fast heartbeat, or dizziness.
- You can feel some discomfort, pain, or burning at the IV infusion site when receiving Cerezyme (imiglucerase). Let your provider know if this is bothersome so it can be managed appropriately.
- Cerezyme (imiglucerase) infusions can be shifted around travel or other plans, but it's best to stay on your regular schedule so you'll get the most benefit. If you miss an infusion, talk with your provider about rescheduling your appointment.
- Talk to your provider about enrolling in a database for people with Gaucher disease. This database monitors Gaucher disease symptoms over time and the long-term effects of Cerezyme (imiglucerase).
Risks and warnings for Cerezyme (imiglucerase)
Cerezyme (imiglucerase) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic or infusion-related reactions
- Risk factors: Having antibodies to Cerezyme (imiglucerase) after repeated treatments
Cerezyme (imiglucerase) can cause allergic or infusion-related reactions, which can be serious. These reactions can happen during or shortly after infusions. Your risk for reactions is higher with the more Cerezyme (imiglucerase) treatments you get. This is due to your body developing antibodies to Cerezyme (imiglucerase). Most people who develop antibodies do so within 6 to 12 months of starting treatment. Your provider might check your antibody levels occasionally during the first year of treatment.
Let your provider know right away if you experience any throat tightness, trouble breathing, cough, itching, hives, flushing, swelling, chest pain, skin turning blue, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting.
Cerezyme (imiglucerase) dosage
Typical dosage for Cerezyme (imiglucerase)
Cerezyme (imiglucerase) is an intravenous (IV) infusion that is administered by a healthcare provider. The dose depends on your weight and how severe your Type 1 Gaucher disease symptoms are. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose for you each time.
In general, the dose ranges from 2.5 units/kg three times a week to 60 units/kg once every two weeks.
Interactions between Cerezyme (imiglucerase) and other drugs
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 precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
What are alternatives to Cerezyme (imiglucerase)?
Cerezyme (imiglucerase) images
