Agalsidase alfa is used as a long-term enzyme replacement therapy in individuals with Fabry disease (a rare inherited disorder where the body lacks a certain enzyme, resulting in the build-up of a certain type of fat called globotriaosylceramide in the cells of the body).
Agalsidase 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.
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 Agalsidase 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.
Do not use Agalsidase 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 have the following conditions:
- heart problem related to Fabry disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Agalsidase alfa to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Agalsidase alfa may cause any of the following side effects: dizziness, ringing in the ears, runny nose, teary or watery eyes, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or discomfort, altered taste, back or limb pain, joint or muscle pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers or toes, swelling of the joints, weakness, excessive sleep, skin itching, and flu-like symptoms.
If you experience high fever, chills, sweating, fast heart rate, headache, nausea, flushing or tiredness during or after infusion with this medicine, inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor may temporarily stop the infusion until the symptoms go away.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes, mouth or throat, inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- amiodarone (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- monobenzone (medicine for vitiligo or uneven patches of the skin due to loss of skin colour)
- chloroquine (medicine for malaria)
- gentamicin (certain antibiotic)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Agalsidase alfa.
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 in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
If you notice that the solution has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new solution.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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