Velaglucerase alfa is used as a long-term enzyme replacement therapy to treat type 1 Gaucher disease (an inherited disorder where the body has insufficient enzymes necessary to break down certain fatty substances).
Velaglucerase alfa injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. If you or your caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Velaglucerase alfa exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
The dose of Velaglucerase alfa will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your condition, the effectiveness of the therapy, and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Velaglucerase alfa.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor will advise you when you should schedule your next dose.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Do not use Velaglucerase alfa if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction to any other similar medicines used as an enzyme replacement therapy.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Velaglucerase alfa to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of infusion-related reactions may also be needed after each administration.
Velaglucerase alfa may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, joint or back pain, weakness, nausea, stomach pain, fever, itching, and pain or swelling at the site of infusion.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reactions e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of serious infusion-associated reactions e.g. flushing, vomiting, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, rapid heartbeat, bluish lips and skin, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
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 alcohol.
Store unopended vials in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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