Cerezyme is typically given by infusion. Your doctor will determine your Cerezyme dose and frequency.
This is a process that involves injecting the drug into a vein, directly into the bloodstream. Like other protein-based medications, Cerezyme cannot be taken orally as a pill or liquid because proteins are destroyed in the digestive system. Infusion into the bloodstream bypasses your body’s digestive processes.
Your doctor will determine your Cerezyme dose and frequency. Your dose is individualized based on your disease severity. The recommended dosage of Cerezyme based upon disease severity ranges from 2.5 units per kilogram 3 times a week to 60 units per kilogram once every 2 weeks. Your infusion time may vary based on your body weight and how you respond to treatment.
Cerezyme is an ERT (enzyme replacement therapy) designed to reduce the accumulation of a fatty substance called GL-1 in the spleen, liver, and bones. The build-up of GL-1 ultimately causes the signs and symptoms of Gaucher disease type 1. Cerezyme has helped adults and children with Gaucher disease type 1 by improving key disease symptoms over the long term.
Studies show that Cerezyme treatment helped people with Gaucher disease type 1 by improving certain disease symptoms
As with any medicine, there may be potential side effects with Cerezyme. You should notify your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects while undergoing treatment with Cerezyme.
Cerezyme is a long-term treatment for Gaucher disease type 1, as your body requires regular infusions of enzyme to reduce the GL-1 build-up in cells that can lead to Gaucher disease type 1 symptoms.
During Cerezyme infusions
Cerezyme infusions may last over 1 to 2 or over 2 hours and can be completed in a variety of settings, such as a doctor’s office, a treatment center, or in some cases, home. During
your infusion, you can do things like read a book, talk on the phone, listen to music, visit with friends or family members who are with you — even take a nap if you wish.
Regular tests to check your progress
Certain tests may be required to check your progress and provide a way for your doctor to gain insight into the status of your disease and disease-management plan.
Your doctor will decide which tests you need and how frequently you need them. These tests may include assessments of your spleen and liver, blood, and bones.
To understand your part in disease management, monitoring, and testing for Gaucher disease type 1, learn more at GaucherCare.com.
Although Cerezyme is not a cure for Gaucher disease type 1, regular treatment can help reduce or relieve some signs and symptoms.
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 support services about the potential for arranging for treatment at your destination.
If you are on Cerezyme and are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor. There may be risks associated with staying on Cerezyme during pregnancy. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast feeding.
Treatment with Cerezyme does not mean you should stop all daily activities. If an opportunity arises for you to take a vacation, go to camp, attend college, or make a permanent move, talk to your doctor about developing a plan for treatment while you are away.
Help is available
After consulting with your doctor about your plans, contact support services for additional help.
Studied for organ, blood, and certain bone symptoms in
Gaucher disease type 1
Cerezyme® (imiglucerase) for injection is indicated for treatment of adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following conditions:
Hypersensitivity and Infusion-Associated Reactions: Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported in patients treated with Cerezyme. Symptoms suggestive of an allergic reaction have been reported during or shortly after an infusion and include itching, flushing, hives, swelling, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing, cyanosis (a bluish discoloration of the skin due to diminished oxygen), rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. Inform your doctor and seek medical care if you experience any of these symptoms. If you have had an allergic reaction to Cerezyme, you and your doctor should use caution if you continue to receive treatment with Cerezyme.
Immune Responses: Approximately 15% of patients have developed immune responses (antibodies) to Cerezyme during the first year of therapy. These patients have a higher risk of an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity). Your doctor may periodically test for the presence of antibodies.
Adverse Reactions:
Adverse reactions reported in adults include back pain, chills, dizziness, fatigue, headache, hypersensitivity reactions, nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting.
Adverse reactions reported in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older are similar to adults.
Please see the Full Prescribing Information.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sanofi Medical Information at 1-800-745-4447, Option 2.