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What is Fabrazyme
 Fabrazyme
is a man-made form of the naturally-occurring enzyme a-galactosidase
A. A deficiency of the enzyme a-galactosidase A is called
Fabry disease. Fabrazyme reduces deposits of globotriaosylceramide
(GL-3) in the kidneys and other certain other cells in the
body.
Fabrazyme
is used in the treatment of Fabry disease.
Fabrazyme
may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
General medical information about Fabrazyme
Symptoms of allergic or infusion reactions including
difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; hives; rash;
itching; fever; shaking; chest tightness; high or low blood
pressure; fast heartbeats; muscle pain; stomach pain; nausea
or vomiting; dizziness; numbness or tingling; and headache
have occurred upon injection of Fabrazyme in many patients.
Most patients treated with Fabrazyme develop antibodies
to Fabrazyme and many will develop symptoms of an infusion
reaction. A slow rate of injection of the medication and
pretreatment with other medications may decrease the severity
of these symptoms. Emergency medical attention may be required
if a severe allergic reaction is experienced.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Fabrazyme
Before using Fabrazyme, tell your doctor if you have:
- had an allergic reaction to Fabrazyme or have antibodies
to the medication; or
- heart problems.
You
may not be able to use Fabrazyme, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
Fabrazyme is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means
that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby.
Do not use Fabrazyme without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether Fabrazyme passes into breast
milk. Do not use Fabrazyme without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should you use Fabrazyme Use Fabrazyme exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Fabrazyme
is given by intravenous (into the vein) injection and will
most likely be administered by a healthcare provider.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical
evaluations during treatment with Fabrazyme to monitor progress
and side effects.
Your healthcare provider will store
Fabrazyme as instructed by the manufacturer. If you are
storing Fabrazyme at home, your healthcare provider will
give you instructions regarding how to store the medication.
If you miss a dose: Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Fabrazyme.
What happens if you overdose: Contact your doctor, a hospital emergency room, or
a poison control center if an overdose is suspected.
Although symptoms of an Fabrazyme overdose are not known,
an overdose is unlikely to threaten life.
Avoid while taking Fabrazyme There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity during treatment with Fabrazyme.
Possible side effects of Fabrazyme Symptoms of allergic or infusion reactions including
difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; hives; rash;
itching; fever; shaking; chest tightness; high or low blood
pressure; fast heartbeats; muscle pain; stomach pain; nausea
or vomiting; dizziness; numbness or tingling; and headache
have occurred upon injection of Fabrazyme in many patients.
Most patients treated with Fabrazyme develop antibodies
to Fabrazyme and many will develop symptoms of an infusion
reaction. A slow rate of injection of the medication and
pretreatment with other medications may decrease the severity
of these symptoms. Emergency medical attention may be required
if a severe allergic reaction is experienced.
Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Fabrazyme
Fabrazyme
is not known to interact with other medications. Talk to your
doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription or over-the-counter
medications, including herbal products, during treatment with
Fabrazyme. |
