Support Networks
The links listed below will connect you to sites containing information and support from professional medical organizations, hospitals, national and international Gaucher disease groups, patient support organizations, and medical centers specializing in Gaucher disease care and research.
Gauchercare.com
http://www.gauchercare.com/
A genzyme-sponsored web site created for people living with Gaucher, their friends and families, and health care professionals.
National Gaucher Foundation (USA)
http://www.gaucherdisease.org/
A national non-profit organization that funds research, offers financial assistance, promotes education and awareness, supports legislative issues and provides outreach programs.
Genetic Alliance
http://www.geneticalliance.org
The world's leading nonprofit health advocacy organization committed to transforming health through genetics.
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
http://www.rarediseases.org
A non-profit federation of voluntary health organizations dedicated to helping people with rare "orphan" diseases and assisting the organizations that serve them.
National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association
http://www.ntsad.org
An organization established to lead the fight to treat and cure Tay-Sachs, Canavan and other genetic diseases like Gaucher disease, and to support affected families and individuals in leading fuller lives.
Society for Inherited Metabolic Disorders
http://www.simd.org
A non-profit professional organization whose purpose is to promote the worldwide advancement of research and medical treatment of inherited disorders of metabolism.
Genetic Disease Foundation
http://www.geneticdiseasefoundation.org
An organization established by patients, parents and families to support research, education and the prevention of genetic diseases.
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).