Eliglustat is used as an enzyme replacement therapy to treat Gaucher disease type 1 (an inherited disorder where the body has insufficient enzyme necessary to break down fatty chemicals causing liver and spleen enlargement).
This medicine is intended to be used by patients whose body breaks down this medicine at normal speed (known as intermediate or extensive metabolisers) or at slow speed (known as poor metabolisers).
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the capsule.
Eliglustat must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you missed a dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have heart disease, including irregular heartbeat, as Eliglustat may not be suitable for you.
Genetic traits can affect an individual’s response to this medicine. Your doctor needs to perform genetic testing before giving you this medicine to know if it is suitable for you.
Do not take Eliglustat if you are a CYP2D6 ultrarapid metaboliser or if your CYP2D6 metaboliser status is not determined.
Alert your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. Your doctor will assess whether this medicine is suitable for you based on your CYP2D6 metaboliser status.
Do not take this medicine if you are a CYP2D6 intermediate or extensive metaboliser and taking a strong or moderate CYP2D6 inhibitor together with a strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitor; or if you are a CYP2D6 poor metaboliser taking weak to strong CYP3A inhibitor.
Do not take Eliglustat with medicines used to treat irregular heartbeat.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may need to perform tests to make sure that your liver, kidney and heart function normally before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor’s advice.
Eliglustat may cause any of the following side effects: tiredness, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, pain in the arms, legs, back or stomach.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Eliglustat if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. quinidine, amiodarone
- medicines to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine, duloxetine
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, fluconazole, terbinafine
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- medicines to treat cancer e.g. topotecan, vincristine
- St John’s Wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Eliglustat.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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