Miglustat (By mouth)
mi-GLOO-stat
Treats type I Gaucher disease.
Drug classes
Endocrine-Metabolic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Miglustat is used to treat mild to moderate type 1 Gaucher disease in people who cannot be treated with an enzyme replacement therapy. Type 1 Gaucher disease is a disease you get from both your parents. People with type 1 Gaucher disease lack an enzyme (naturally occurring substance in your body) that breaks down a chemical in your body called glucosylceramide. Too much glucosylceramide causes liver and spleen enlargement, changes in the blood, and bone disease. Miglustat works by stopping the body from making glucosylceramide.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how miglustat works. Tell your doctor if you are using imiglucerase.
When Not To Use
This medicine is generally considered safe for most people. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, tremors, or a low number of platelets in your blood.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Peripheral neuropathy (a nerve problem) TremorsDiarrhea is a common side effect of this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea. He may suggest changes to your diet, such as eating fewer high-carbohydrate foods.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
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
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Trembling or shaking of the hands (either new or worse than usual)
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Headache or dizziness
Mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, gas, stomach pain or upset
Weight loss or loss of appetite
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
Zavesca
There may be other brand names for this medicine.