Uses
This medication is used to treat a certain inherited disorder (Fabry disease) that causes buildup of a certain fat substance (GL-3) in some parts of your body. Worsening of this disorder can lead to kidney disease, heart attack, or stroke. Agalsidase beta works by replacing an enzyme that your body lacks, which helps break down the fat substance (GL-3) in your body. This can help prevent symptoms such as pain (especially in the hands and feet), dark red spots on the skin, a decreased ability to sweat, cloudiness of the front part of the eye, stomach/intestinal problems, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.
How To Use
This medication is given by slow injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 weeks. The injection is given by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
To help prevent reaction during the injection, your doctor will prescribe medications (such as acetaminophen, antihistamine) for you before the injection. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for taking all your medications. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms during the injection, such as chills, flushing, itching, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness/tingling, shortness of breath, headache, or chest/abdominal pain. Your doctor may stop or slow the injection for a time, and/or give other medications if needed.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar when to receive each dose.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.
Side Effects
See also How to Use section.
Injection reactions commonly occur. Pain at the injection site, fever, tiredness, muscle pain, dizziness, or cold symptoms (such as runny/stuffy nose, cough) may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using agalsidase beta, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Lab and/or medical tests may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.
