What is it like to receive enzyme replacement therapy? Cerezyme^® (imiglucerase for injection) is injected intravenously (through a vein), but not all at once. It is given by infusion, slowly and gradually, in a mixture with saline solution, a special liquid that is used for injection. Cerezyme therapy is given intravenously over a couple of hours. This may be done in a variety of settings such as a doctor’s office, a treatment center, or at home. Here’s a description of a typical infusion at a Gaucher treatment center.

The check-up

A patient with Type 1 Gaucher disease usually receives an infusion every two weeks, depending on the recommendation of their treating physician. Upon arrival at the center, the patient may meet with a physician for a routine exam to check on symptoms and gauge the progress of therapy. As a part of this evaluation, the patient may have a blood test or an imaging test (X-ray, computed tomography [CT] scan, or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). The patient then receives his or her infusion.

Preparing for the therapy

Cerezyme therapy is packaged as a dry powder. In the infusion area, a health care professional typically reconstitutes (mixes) the medication by injecting sterile water into the vial of Cerezyme powder and then injects the prepared Cerezyme into a bag of saline. The amount of medication varies, depending on the dose of Cerezyme that the doctor has prescribed. The health care professional typically checks the patient’s vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, respiration, and temperature). He or she then would typically use alcohol to clean a spot on the patient’s arm or hand, and inserts a small needle into a vein. Usually the needle is then secured with a piece of tape. The bag containing Cerezyme is connected to the needle with intravenous (IV) tubing.

The infusion

The health care professional would typically use an IV pump or flow regulator valve on the tubing to let the medicine drip slowly into the vein for about 1 to 2 hours. While the infusion takes place, usually the patient may lie down or sit comfortably and is able to do activities such as read a book, do homework, or watch television. The health professional usually rechecks the patient’s vital signs after 15 minutes and again after an hour. When the bag is empty, the health professional usually injects clear saline to ensure that all the medication has been given, removes the IV needle, and then checks the patient’s vital signs one more time.

The patient is then usually free to go home.

For more information about Cerezyme therapy, please see the Full Prescribing Information (PDF)

Important Safety Information

Side effects related to Cerezyme® (imiglucerase for injection) 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 side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, fatigue, headache, fever, dizziness, chills, backache, and rapid heart rate. Because Cerezyme® therapy is administered by intravenous infusion, reactions at the site of injection may occur: discomfort, itching, burning, swelling or uninfected abscess. Symptoms suggestive of allergic reaction include anaphylactoid reaction (a serious allergic reaction), itching, flushing, hives, an accumulation of fluid under the skin, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing, cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin due to diminished oxygen), and low blood pressure. Approximately 15% of patients have developed immune responses (antibodies); periodic monitoring by your physician is suggested. Patients should notify their physician immediately if they experience any side effects with treatment. Cerezyme is available by prescription only. For more information, consult your physician. To learn more, please see the full product information (PDF) or contact Genzyme at 1-800-745-4447.