Agalsidase Alfa

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

• Enzyme

What key warnings should I know about before giving this medicine to my child?

• Dangerous allergic reactions can occur. Tell healthcare provider about any fever, rash, feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, belly pain, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, cough, or difficulty breathing. Do not restart this medicine if your child has had an allergic reaction.
• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with child's healthcare provider.

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to agalsidase alfa or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to treat Fabry disease.

How does this medicine work?

• Agalsidase alfa acts as an enzyme replacement.

How is this medicine given?

• This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• It may take up to 12 months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for appointment.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Flushing.
• High blood pressure during infusion.
• Runny nose.
• Sore throat.
• Swelling.
• Cough.
• Feeling tired or weak.

What should I monitor?

• Your child will be monitored closely by healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child shows signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
• If your child has chest pain or pressure.
• If your child has difficulty breathing.
• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear allergy identification at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• You may report side effects to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

Note: Clicking these links will take you to a site outside of KidsHealth's control.