Vpriv
Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) is a form of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) used to treat Type 1 Gaucher disease in adults and children 4 years of age or older. It's given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare provider. Overall, Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) is well tolerated, but it can cause allergic reactions such as hives or difficulty breathing.
What is Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa)?
What is Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) used for?
- Type 1 Gaucher disease in adults and children 4 years of age or older
How Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) works
Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) 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 glucocerebroside. As a result, there are higher levels of glucocerebroside in the body, and it can build up in the spleen, liver, and bones. Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) works as an enzyme replacement for glucocerebrosidase and helps your body break down glucocerebroside.
Drug facts
Side effects of Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa)
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
- Headache (30-35%)
- Fever (13-22%)
- Dizziness (8-22%)
- Stomach pain (15-19%)
- Back pain (17-18%)
- Knee pain (8-15%)
- Fatigue (13-15%)
- Nausea (6-10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Bone pain
- Fast heart rate
- Rash
- Hives
- Flushing
- Changes in blood pressure
Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Serious allergic reactions: throat tightness, trouble breathing, cough, itching or hives, flushing, swelling, chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, fainting
The following Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) 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.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Body aches or pain
difficulty with breathing
dizziness
ear congestion
facial swelling
fever or chills
headache
loss of voice
nausea or vomiting
shortness of breath
skin rash
unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
Blurred vision
bone pain
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
nervousness
pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
pounding in the ears
slow or fast heartbeat
sweating
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:
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 Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa)
Pros
- Can be used long-term to treat Type 1 Gaucher disease
- Can be used in children as young as 4 years of age
- Safe to use in pregnancy
- 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 about 1 hour to receive each infusion
- Potential for allergic reactions
- Requires IV access, so it's not as convenient as taking a pill
Pharmacist tips for Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa)
- It takes about 1 hour to give the full dose of Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa). 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 reaction during or shortly after your Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) 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, fast heartbeat, or dizziness.
- If you're switching from Cerezyme (imiglucerase), your dose of Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) will likely be the same as the dose of Cerezyme (imiglucerase) you were previously on. Typically you start on Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) two weeks after the last Cerezyme (imiglucerase) infusion.
- Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) 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.
Common questions about Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa)
Gaucher disease is a rare, genetic condition where your body has lower levels of an enzyme, a specific protein, that breaks down a type of fatty substance called glucocerebroside (also known as glucosylceramide). As a result, glucocerebroside can build up in certain organs, like your spleen, liver, and bones. A buildup in the liver or spleen can lead to these organs getting abnormally large and causing a swollen belly. While a buildup in the bones and bone marrow can cause serious bleeding, bruising, and bone pain or weakness. Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) helps to replace this enzyme that you're missing so that your body can break down glucocerebroside.
Possibly, it depends on how severe your reaction was. Your provider should discuss with you the risks and benefits of treatment with Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) again following an allergic reaction. People who experience such reactions to Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) can be given antihistamines or corticosteroids before future infusions. The rate of infusion can also be slowed down to try and prevent reactions. Talk to your provider if you’re concerned about receiving this treatment.
Yes, you can receive Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) if you have previously been treated with Cerezyme (imiglucerase). Your dose might be different from the typical starting dose in people who have never received ERT before (treatment-naïve). Your provider will determine your starting dose when switching treatments.
Yes, studies have shown that Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) is safe to use in pregnant females. It's known that females with Gaucher disease have a higher risk of miscarriage, especially if symptoms aren't controlled before and during pregnancy. Pregnancy can also worsen symptoms. If you're pregnant or think you might become pregnant, talk to your provider before starting Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa).
It's unknown if Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) is found in human breast milk or how it can affect your milk supply. If you’re breastfeeding, discuss with your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa).
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Risks and warnings for Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa)
Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) 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 reactions
Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. This is due to your body developing antibodies to Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa), but it's unknown whether having antibodies leads to a higher risk for reactions. These reactions were generally mild. In people who have never received ERT before (treatment-naïve), the reactions mostly happened during the first 6 months of treatment. Your risk for allergic reactions usually becomes less the longer you receive Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa). If you've had a reaction with other ERTs like Cerezyme (imiglucerase), your provider might occasionally monitor your antibody levels during treatment.
Let your provider know right away if you experience any throat tightness, trouble breathing, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, fever, chest pain, or itching.
Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) dosage
Typical dosage for Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa)
Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) is an intravenous (IV) infusion that is administered by a healthcare provider. The dose depends on your weight.
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If you haven't been treated before (treatment naive): In general, the typical starting dose is 60 units/kg once every other week.
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If you're switching from Cerezyme (imiglucerase): The usual starting dose of Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) is the same dose of Cerezyme (imiglucerase) you were previously using.
Interactions between Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) 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.
