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Generic Name: velaglucerase alfa (VEL a GLOO ser ase AL fa)
Brand Names: VPRIV
What is velaglucerase alfa?
Velaglucerase is a man-made form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body. It is used as an enzyme replacement in people with Type I Gaucher disease.
Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain fatty materials (lipids). Lipids can build up in the body, causing symptoms such as easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, anemia, bone or joint pain, enlarged liver or spleen, or weakened bones that are easily fractured.
Velaglucerase may improve the condition of the liver, spleen, bones, and blood cells in people with Type I Gaucher disease. However, velaglucerase is not a cure for this condition.
Velaglucerase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about velaglucerase alfa?
You should not use velaglucerase alfa if you are allergic to it. Some people receiving a velaglucerase alfa injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Most infusion reactions have been mild. However, tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, itchy, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing during the injection. Velaglucerase is not a cure for Gaucher disease.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving velaglucerase alfa?
You should not use velaglucerase alfa if you are allergic to it. FDA pregnancy category B. Velaglucerase alfa is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether velaglucerase alfa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is velaglucerase alfa given?
Velaglucerase alfa is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Velaglucerase alfa must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.
Velaglucerase alfa is usually given every other week. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your velaglucerase alfa injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while receiving velaglucerase alfa?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Velaglucerase alfa side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people receiving a velaglucerase alfa injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Most infusion reactions have been mild. However, tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, itchy, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing during the injection.
Less serious side effects may include:
headache;
low fever;
dizziness, tired feeling;
nausea, stomach pain;
knee pain, back pain; or
cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Velaglucerase alfa Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Gaucher Disease:
For use in the treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease:
Recommended dose: 60 Units/kg administered as a 60 minute intravenous infusion every other week
Usual Pediatric Dose for Gaucher Disease:
For use in the treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease:
Recommended dose: 60 Units/kg administered as a 60 minute intravenous infusion every other week
What other drugs will affect velaglucerase alfa?
There may be other drugs that can interact with velaglucerase alfa. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More velaglucerase alfa resources
Velaglucerase alfa Side Effects (in more detail)
Velaglucerase alfa Dosage
Velaglucerase alfa Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Velaglucerase alfa Support Group
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velaglucerase alfa Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
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VPRIV Consumer Overview
Vpriv Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare velaglucerase alfa with other medications
Gaucher Disease
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about velaglucerase alfa.
See also: velaglucerase alfa side effects (in more detail)
velaglucerase alfa
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