imiglucerase (Cerezyme)

Introduction

Tradename: Cerezyme.

Indications

• long-term replacement therapy for patients with type-1 Gaucher's disease Preganacy category: C, safe during pregnancy

Dosage

• 2.5 units/kg 3 times/week up to 60 units/kg weekly to once every 4 weeks
• 60 units/kg administered every 2 weeks is the most common dose
• dilute total dose to volume of 100-200 mL with normal saline
• administer over 1-2 hours at rate =< 1 unit/kg/minute

Powder for injection: (lyophilized) 200 units/vial

Pharmacokinetics

• poor distribution to bones, lung, brain

Adverse effects

• not common (1-10%)
  • hypotension, headache, dizziness, rash, pruritus, nausea, abdominal discomfort, decreased urinary frequency

Mechanism of action

• glucocerebrosidase replacement therapy

More general terms

• recombinant protein; chimer
• miscellaneous pharmacologic agent

Additional terms

• Gaucher's disease type 1 (juvenile)