Brand Names: Cerezyme

Generic Name: imiglucerase (Pronunciation: im ih GLUE ker ase)

• What is imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?
• What are the possible side effects of imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?
• What is the most important information I should know about imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before using imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?
• How should I use imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cerezyme)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cerezyme)?
• What should I avoid while taking imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?
• What other drugs will affect imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?

Imiglucerase is a man-made form of the naturally-occurring protein beta-glucocerebrosidase. A deficiency of beta-glucocerebrosidase is called Gaucher disease.

Imiglucerase is used for the treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following: anemia (low level of red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low level of platelets), bone disease, hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), or splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen).

Imiglucerase may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What are the possible side effects of imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?

Symptoms of allergic reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; itching; flushing; and dizziness or fainting, have occurred with the use of imiglucerase. Approximately 15% of patients treated with imiglucerase develop antibodies to imiglucerase. Approximately 46% of patients with detectable antibodies have experienced an allergic reaction. Emergency medical attention may be required if an allergic reaction is experienced.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following less serious side effects:

• discomfort, burning, itching, swelling, or abscess (open wound or sore) at the injection site;
• nausea or vomiting;
• abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• dizziness; or
• rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Cerezyme (imiglucerase) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about imiglucerase (Cerezyme)?

Symptoms of allergic reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; itching; flushing; and dizziness or fainting, have occurred with the use of imiglucerase. Approximately 15% of patients treated with imiglucerase develop antibodies to imiglucerase. Approximately 46% of patients with detectable antibodies have experienced an allergic reaction. Emergency medical attention may be required if an allergic reaction is experienced.