Elosulfase alfa Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Elosulfase alfa

Generic name: elosulfase alfa [ EE-loe-SUL-face-AL-fa ]
Brand name: Vimizim
Dosage form: intravenous solution (1 mg/mL)
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 1, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is elosulfase alfa?

Elosulfase alfa contains an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body in healthy people. Some people lack this enzyme because of a genetic disorder. Elosulfase alfa helps replace this missing enzyme in such people.

Elosulfase alfa is used to treat some of the symptoms of a genetic condition called mucopolysaccharidosis (MYOO-koe-pol-ee-SAK-a-rye-DOE-sis) IV (4) type A, or MPS IV A, also called Morquio A syndrome.

MPS IVA is a metabolic disorder in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain natural substances. These substances can build up in the body, causing enlarged organs, abnormal bone structure, changes in facial features, breathing problems, heart problems, vision or hearing loss, and changes in mental or physical abilities.

Elosulfase alfa may improve walking and stair-climbing ability in people with this condition. However, this medication is not a cure for MPS IVA.

Elosulfase alfa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

An allergic reaction may occur during or shortly after infusion of elosulfase alfa. Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as chest discomfort, cough, trouble breathing, vomiting, skin rash or redness, pale skin, blue lips or fingernails, and feeling like you might pass out.

You may be more likely to have a reaction to elosulfase alfa if you have a breathing disorder, or if you are sick with a fever at the time of your infusion.

You will be watched closely after receiving elosulfase alfa, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

## Before taking this medicine

Your elosulfase alfa infusion may be delayed if you have a fever or cold symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- breathing problems; or

- sleep apnea, and you use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is not known whether elosulfase alfa will harm an unborn baby. However, MPS symptoms can get worse during pregnancy and may cause medical problems in both mother and baby. The benefit of treating MPS may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Your name may need to be listed on a Morquio A Registry while you are using this medicine. The purpose of this registry is to track the progression of this disorder and the effects that elosulfase alfa has on long-term treatment of Morquio A syndrome. The registry also tracks the effects of elosulfase alfa on a baby if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

## How is elosulfase alfa given?

Elosulfase alfa is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Elosulfase alfa must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 4 hours or longer to complete.

Elosulfase alfa is usually given once per week. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Elosulfase alfa doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

About 30 to 60 minutes before each injection, you will be given other medications to help prevent a serious allergic reaction.

You will be watched closely after receiving elosulfase alfa, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your elosulfase alfa injection.

## What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

## What should I avoid while receiving elosulfase alfa?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

## Elosulfase alfa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

An allergic reaction may occur during or shortly after infusion of elosulfase alfa (up to 3 hours later). Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:

- feeling like you might pass out, even while lying down;

- cough, chest discomfort, feeling short of breath;

- skin rash or redness, sudden warmth or tingly feeling;

- nausea, vomiting;

- pale skin; or

- blue lips or fingernails.

Common side effects of elosulfase alfa may include:

- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

- headache;

- fever, chills; or

- feeling tired.

Even though it may not be a side effect of elosulfase alfa, increased pressure on the spinal cord is a complication of MPS IVA that may occur while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of spinal cord compression:

- back pain;

- loss of movement in any part of your body; or

- loss of bowel or bladder control.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Elosulfase alfa side effects (more detail)

## Elosulfase alfa dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IV:

2 mg/kg via IV infusion once a week
Comments:
-Pretreatment with antihistamines with or without antipyretics is recommended 30 to 60 minutes before starting the infusion.
-See Other Comments/Administration Advice for recommended dilution volume and infusion rates.
Use: For patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA; Morquio A syndrome)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IV:

5 years or older: 2 mg/kg via IV infusion once a week
Comments:
-Pretreatment with antihistamines with or without antipyretics is recommended 30 to 60 minutes before starting the infusion.
-See Other Comments/Administration Advice for recommended dilution volume and infusion rates.
Use: For patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA; Morquio A syndrome)

Detailed Elosulfase alfa dosage information

## What other drugs will affect elosulfase alfa?

Other drugs may affect elosulfase alfa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about elosulfase alfa

- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: lysosomal enzymes
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Vimizim

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IV

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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