Let's learn about Velaglucerase Alfa vaccine (VPRIV)? A simple explanation of this drug for Gaucher disease

Do you or someone you know have Gaucher disease? If so, your doctor may have told you about a drug called Velaglucerase Alfa. The brand name for this is VPRIV. Since it's a bit of an unfamiliar name, you may have a lot of questions like, "What is this drug?" and "What will happen with this?" Don't be afraid of anything. Today, we'll talk about this drug in a very simple way, how it works, and what to be careful about.

What is Velaglucerase Alfa?

Simply put, this is a medicine that is given to treat Gaucher disease. Now, look, Gaucher disease occurs when an enzyme that is naturally produced in our body is reduced or missing. This enzyme breaks down and removes lipids , a type of fat found in our cells.

So what happens when this enzyme is lost? That type of fat, or lipid, starts to accumulate in various parts of our body, especially in places like the spleen , liver , and bones . That's how the symptoms of Gaucher disease occur.

Velaglucerase Alfa is that missing enzyme. When this medicine is given to the body as an injection, it goes and does the job of that missing enzyme. That is, it reduces the amount of lipids that have accumulated. Then the symptoms gradually decrease. It's like giving our body a missing weapon back.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

It is very important to have a very open conversation with your doctor before starting this treatment. If any of the following apply to you, you should definitely tell your doctor .

• About your allergies : If you have any allergies, whether to this medicine called Velaglucerase, any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives, please tell us about it.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: Be sure to inform your doctor about this.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: It is very important to tell your doctor about this as well.

How do you use this medicine?

This is not a medicine you can take at home. This medicine is given into the body as an injection ( infusion ) into a vein . This treatment is given in a hospital or clinic, under the supervision of a doctor or trained nursing staff.

Do you give this to small children?

Yes, sometimes this treatment is given to children as young as 4 years old. But it is done with special care and precautions. If your child has been prescribed this medicine, talk to your pediatrician about it and find out the details.

What if I take too much medicine?

This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

This is a medication that needs to be taken continuously. Therefore, it is very important to go to the doctor's appointments and receive the treatment exactly on the days that he/she tells you. If for some reason you are unable to go on the scheduled day, call your doctor or clinic immediately and inform them . They will tell you what to do next.

Can it interact with other medications?

Generally, this medicine has not been reported to cause major interactions with other medications.

But, don't just tell your doctor about the things you're using. For your own safety, give your doctor a complete list of everything you're using.

• Other prescription drugs you are taking
• Non-prescription drugs
• Ayurvedic or herbal products `(herbs)`
• Vitamins or other dietary supplements
• Also, be sure to mention if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

While taking this medicine, your doctor will check you regularly to see how you are doing. Be sure to go on those days. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or if they seem to get worse.

Sometimes this medicine can cause severe allergic reactions.To reduce this risk, your doctor may give you other medications (such as pheniridine) before giving you this vaccine. So follow their instructions exactly.

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Let's look at the main things to watch out for.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.

Where do you keep the medicine?

You don't need to worry about this. Because you won't be allowed to take this medicine home. It's stored safely at the hospital or clinic, under proper temperature control.