Importance of Staying on Treatment
Since people with Type 1 Gaucher disease do not produce enough of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme on their own, their bodies need a regular supply of the replacement enzyme. That means Cerezyme is a long-term part of treatment for Type 1 Gaucher disease. Regular infusions help ensure that the body has an ongoing supply of enzyme to reduce the glucocerebroside build-up in cells.
If your infusions need to occur during work hours, or if your child’s infusions need to occur during school hours, you may decide to inform employers, teachers and others about the importance of regular infusions. This is an important decision and you may want to talk with your healthcare provider about it.
If you miss an infusion, talk to your doctor about rescheduling your appointment. It may be necessary for you to plan ahead if you will be moving or traveling, so that you don’t miss an infusion. Talk with your doctor or contact Genzyme Care Coordination about the potential for arranging for treatment at your destination.
If you are on Cerezyme treatment and are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor. There may be risks associated with staying on Cerezyme therapy during pregnancy. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast feeding.
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:
- anemia (low red blood cell count)
- thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count)
- bone disease
- hepatomegaly or splenomegaly (enlarged liver or spleen)
Important Safety Information
Approximately 15% of patients have developed immune responses (antibodies). These patients have a higher risk of an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity). Use Cerezyme® (imiglucerase for injection) carefully if you have had an allergic reaction to the product in the past. Symptoms suggestive of allergic reaction happened in 6.6% of patients, and 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.
Side effects 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 side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, 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. Cerezyme is available by prescription only. For more information, consult your physician.
Please see Full Prescribing Information (PDF).