Do you or someone you know have Gaucher's Disease? If so, you may have heard of the vaccine called 'Imiglucerase'. This medicine is often sold under the brand name 'Cerezyme' in our country. So, today we will simply talk about what kind of medicine this is, what happens with it, and what things to be careful about when taking this treatment.
What kind of medicine is Imiglucerase?
Simply put, Gaucher's Disease is a genetic condition caused by the lack of an enzyme that our body naturally produces. When this enzyme is lacking, fatty substances begin to accumulate inside some of the body's cells. This can damage organs such as the bones, spleen, and liver.
Imiglucerase is a synthetic enzyme that replaces the deficient enzyme. When this drug is given intravenously, it takes over the function of the natural enzyme and controls the accumulation of fat in cells. This can greatly reduce symptoms.
But this is very important: Imiglucerase is a treatment that controls the symptoms of Gaucher disease, not a cure.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start this treatment, you need to discuss these matters clearly with your doctor.
- Do you have an allergic reaction to Imiglucerase or any other medicine, food, or preservatives?
- Are you pregnant or hoping to become pregnant ?
- Are you a breastfeeding mother ?
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this treatment is suitable for you and how to proceed.
How is the treatment given?
This medicine is given as an infusion into a vein, similar to saline. This is not something you can do at home. It is given in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical professional. It is usually given every two weeks.
Can this medicine be given to children?
Yes, this medicine is recommended for children over 2 years of age in some selected cases. However, there are some things to be careful about when giving it to children. Therefore, if your child has been prescribed this treatment, talk to your pediatrician about it and make everything clear.
What if the medication dosage is increased by mistake?
Since this treatment is given in a hospital setting, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a day to take the medicine?
It is very important to receive this treatment on the scheduled date and time. This is how you can maintain the enzyme levels in the body in a certain way. If you are unable to receive the treatment on the scheduled date, inform your doctor immediately. He or she will then advise you on the next day to receive the treatment.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some medications may interact with this medicine. For example, a medicine called miglustat. However, this list is not complete.
So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements). You should also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Imiglucerase can cause side effects in some people. These can be divided into two main categories. Some of them should be reported to your doctor immediately, while others, although usually not serious, should be reported if they persist.
| Side effect type and description |
|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately |
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| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome |
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If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
Take-Home Message
- Imiglucerase is a treatment that controls the symptoms of Gaucher's disease, but it is not a cure for the disease.
- This treatment is given as an infusion into a vein in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about any allergies you have and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- It is very important to receive treatment on time. If you miss a day for any reason, inform your doctor.
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