velaglucerase alfa

Contraindicated in:

None.

Use Cautiously in:

Previous hypersensitivity reactions (pretreatment required);
OB: Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed;
Lactation: Safety not established in breastfeeding;
Pedi: Children <4 yr (safety and effectiveness not established).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: hypertension, hypotension

GI: abdominal pain, nausea

Derm: rash (↑ in children), flushing, urticaria

Hemat: ↑aPTT (↑ in children)

MS: back pain, joint pain, bone pain

Neuro: dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache

Misc: fever (↑ in children), infusion-related reactions, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Lyophilized powder for injection: 400 units/vial

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

IV (Adults ): 60 units/kg every other wk.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Prevents the accumulation of glucocerebrosidases in cells. Replaces glucocerebrosidases that are deficient in type 1 Gaucher disease. Replaces the deficient enzyme in type 1 Gaucher disease.

Therapeutic effects:

Improvement in symptoms of Gaucher disease (anemia, thrombocytopenia, bone disease, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly).

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: replacement enzyme

Pharmacologic Classification: enzymes

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: 11–12 min.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
IV	unknown	unknown	unknown

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain the purpose and side effects of velaglucerase alfa to patient and/or caregiver. Emphasize the importance of treatment at least every 4 wk. Velaglucerase helps control the symptoms but does not cure Gaucher disease. Lifelong therapy may be required.
Advise patient and/or caregiver to readPatient Information before starting therapy
Advise patient and/or caregiver to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care professional before taking other medications.
Advise patient and/or caregiver if a dose is missed to notify a health care professional.
Teach patient the signs and symptoms of an hypersensitivity reaction; if any occur, seek immediate medical care.
Teach patient and/or caregiver the signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions.
Educate patient and/or caregiver on the importance of follow-up examinations and lab tests.
Rep: Advise females of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇