Private Payer Coverage

Cerezyme treatment is covered by many private payers; however, individual patients’ insurance benefits will vary. A patient’s insurance coverage should be understood before treatment is initiated so that problems obtaining reimbursement may be minimized. Important points related to private payers include:

  • Managed care plans may require a referral from the patient’s primary care provider (PCP) to a specialist.

Private payers may require the following:

Note: If the patient’s private insurer denies coverage, an appeal process may be initiated. Genzyme Case Managers are available to assist patients and their physicians in this process.

Indication & Usage

Cerezyme® (imiglucerase for injection) is indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy for pediatric and adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following conditions:

  1. anemia
  2. thrombocytopenia
  3. bone disease
  4. hepatomegaly or splenomegaly

Important Safety Information

Approximately 15% of patients have developed IgG antibodies, and these patients have a higher risk of hypersensitivity reaction. Therefore periodic monitoring is suggested; caution should be exercised in patients with antibodies or prior symptoms of hypersensitivity. Symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity occurred in 6.6% of patients, and include anaphylactoid reaction, pruritus, flushing, urticaria, angioedema, chest discomfort, dyspnea, coughing, cyanosis and hypotension.

Reactions related to Cerezyme administration have been reported in less than 15% of patients. Each of the following events occurred in less than 2% of the total patient population. Reported adverse events include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, headache, fever, dizziness, chills, backache, and tachycardia. Adverse events associated with the route of administration include discomfort, pruritus, burning, swelling or sterile abscess at the site at the site of injection.

To report suspected adverse reactions, contact Genzyme at 800-745-4447, option 2 or FDA at 800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch

Please see Full Prescribing Information (PDF).