Brand Names: Zavesca

Generic Name: miglustat (Pronunciation: mi GLOO stat)

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

What is miglustat (Zavesca)?

Miglustat may reduce the formation of the protein glucosylceramide in the body. Individuals with type 1 Gaucher disease (a hereditary disorder) are missing an enzyme to break down glucosylceramide in the body. Therefore, it may build up in the tissues and cause problems. Untreated Gaucher disease may result in 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).

Miglustat is used in the treatment of mild to moderate type 1 Gaucher disease by people who cannot receive enzyme replacement therapy.

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

What are the possible side effects of miglustat (Zavesca)?

Nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, and tremor (shaking) of the hands have been reported by some people taking miglustat. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsening numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, arms, legs, or feet or tremor in the hands.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction to miglustat including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take miglustat and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• diarrhea;
• decreased appetite or weight loss;
• gas or abdominal pain;
• constipation;
• muscle cramps or weakness;
• headache;
• dizziness; or
• vision problems.

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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

What is the most important information I should know about miglustat (Zavesca)?

Nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, and tremor (shaking) of the hands have been reported by some people taking miglustat. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsening numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, arms, legs, or feet or tremor in the hands.