Alglucosidase alfa injection Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Alglucosidase alfa (injection)

Generic name: alglucosidase alfa (injection) [ AL-gloo-KOE-si-dase-AL-fa ]
Brand names: Lumizyme, Myozyme
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (50 mg)
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 5, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is alglucosidase alfa?

Alglucosidase alfa helps replace an enzyme that is missing in people with a certain genetic disorder.

Alglucosidase alfa is used to treat a glycogen storage disorder called Pompe disease, (also called GAA deficiency) in adults and children.

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

## Warnings

Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as itching, rash, redness or tingling, severe headache, feeling light-headed, fast or slow heart rate, wheezing, trouble breathing, pale skin, and blue lips or fingernails.

## Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- heart disease; or

- lung disease or breathing disorder.

Babies who develop Pompe disease in the first year of life may need specialized medical tests to improve treatment with alglucosidase alfa treatment.

It is not known whether alglucosidase alfa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed within 24 hours after receiving alglucosidase alfa. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

Your name may be listed on the Pompe Registry. This is to track the progress of your disease and the outcome of your treatment with alglucosidase alfa.

## How is alglucosidase alfa given?

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

Alglucosidase alfa must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up to 4 hours to complete.

This medicine is usually given once every 2 weeks.

Before each injection, tell your doctor if you have recently been sick with a cold, flu, or other illness.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using alglucosidase alfa.

Alglucosidase alfa can have long lasting effects on your body. Your blood will need to be tested every 3 months for 2 years and then once every year after that.

## Related/similar drugs

Nexviazyme, alglucosidase alfa, Lumizyme, Myozyme

## What happens if I miss a dose?

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

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while receiving alglucosidase alfa?

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

## Alglucosidase 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.

Some allergic reactions may occur during the injection, or as long as 3 hours afterward. Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have:

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

- slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop);

- bronchospasm (wheezing, tight feeling in your chest or throat, trouble breathing);

- pale skin, cold or clammy skin, blue lips or fingernails, cold hands or feet;

- warmth, redness, numbness, or tingly feeling under your skin;

- rash, itching, sweating, fever;

- severe headache, nausea, feeling restless or nervous;

- seizure (convulsions); or

- fast heart rate, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, confusion.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

- skin changes (sores, lesions, ulcers, discoloring); or

- puffy eyes, swelling in your ankles or feet, weight gain, urine that looks foamy.

Common side effects of alglucosidase alfa may include:

- hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat;

- pale skin, blue lips, feeling hot or feverish;

- skin rash, itching, flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

- headache, dizziness, agitation, muscle twitching;

- fast heart rate, rapid breathing, chest discomfort, cough;

- increased blood pressure;

- nausea, vomiting;

- tremor, shaking, increased sweating; or

- muscle pain, tiredness.

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.

Alglucosidase alfa side effects (more detail)

## Alglucosidase alfa dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pompe disease:

20 mg/kg via IV infusion every 2 weeks
Comments:
-Total volume of infusion is determined by patient's body weight and should be infused over about 4 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pompe disease:

20 mg/kg via IV infusion every 2 weeks
Comments:
-Total volume of infusion is determined by body weight and should be infused over about 4 hours.

Detailed Alglucosidase alfa dosage information

## What other drugs will affect alglucosidase alfa?

Other drugs may affect alglucosidase 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 alglucosidase alfa

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

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Lumizyme, Myozyme

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Pompe disease

## Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01.