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.