What is Alglucosidase Alfa?

Alglucosidase alfa contains an enzyme that naturally occurs in the body in healthy people. Some people lack this enzyme because of a genetic disorder. Alglucosidase alfa helps replace this missing enzyme in such people.

Alglucosidase alfa is used to treat a glycogen storage disorder called Pompe disease, (also called GAA deficiency).

Alglucosidase alfa may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Alglucosidase Alfa?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to alglucosidase alfa.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• heart disease
• lung disease or breathing disorder
• if you are allergic to mice, hamsters, or drug products made with “murine” proteins

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether alglucosidase alfa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Alglucosidase Alfa Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Alglucosidase Alfa?

Some people receiving an injection of alglucosidase alfa have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, itchy, or have a fast heartbeat, cold hands, blue lips, tightness in your chest or throat, wheezing, or trouble breathing during the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, slow, or uneven heartbeats
• weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop)
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, general ill feeling
• ongoing cough with heaviness in your chest
• tremors or shaking
• feeling light-headed, fainting
• muscle weakness; or
• skin ulcers

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• headache
• fever
• diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• pain or fullness in your ear
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough; or
• feeling irritable or agitated

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Alglucosidase Alfa Interactions

What other drugs affect Alglucosidase Alfa?

There may be other drugs that can affect alglucosidase alfa. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Alglucosidase Alfa?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while receiving alglucosidase alfa unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Alglucosidase Alfa Dosage

How should I take Alglucosidase Alfa?

Alglucosidase alfa is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection with an infusion pump in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 4 hours to complete.

This medication is usually given every 2 weeks.

Before each injection, tell your doctor if you have recently been sick with a cold, flu, or other illness.

Your name may need to be listed on a patient registry for people with Pompe disease when you start using this medication.

What happens if I overdose on Alglucosidase Alfa?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. An overdose of alglucosidase alfa is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What happens if I miss a dose of Alglucosidase Alfa?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication.

Edited from everydayhealth.com