Alglucosidase Alfa (By injection)
al-gloo-KOE-si-dase AL-fa
Treats Pompe disease.
Drug classes
Enzyme Replacement (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Alglucosidase alfa injection is an enzyme that treats infantile-onset Pompe disease, which is also called glycogen storage disease type II. Alglucosidase alfa contains a human enzyme called acid alpha-glucosidase. This enzyme helps with the digestion and absorption of glycogen. People with Pompe disease are not able to make enough of this enzyme.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
This medicine must be given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for a few hours.
Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to alglucosidase alfa.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease or lung disease.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, cold sweats, blue lips, fingernails, or skin
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Fever, chills, sore throat, body aches
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Increased sweating
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Lumizyme, Myozyme
There may be other brand names for this medicine.