Voraxaze
Generic name:glucarpidase [ gloo-KAR-pi-dase ]
Drug class:Antidotes
What is Voraxaze?
Voraxaze is used in patients who develop kidney failure while receiving high doses of methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug).
Voraxaze is an enzyme that breaks down methotrexate in the body so the drug can be easily eliminated when the kidneys are not working properly.
Voraxaze may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
If possible before you receive Voraxaze, tell your doctor if you are also being treated with leucovorin.
Tell your caregiver right away if you have any symptoms of a reaction to the Voraxaze injection: severe dizziness or weakness, severe nausea, cold sweat, itching, numbness or tingly feeling, sudden headache, fast heartbeats, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or if you feel like you might pass out.
Before taking this medicine
If possible before you receive Voraxaze, tell your doctor if you are also being treated with leucovorin.
In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received this medicine.
How is Voraxaze given?
Voraxaze is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Voraxaze is usually given as a single injection. The IV infusion will take about 5 minutes to complete.
You may also be given a medicine called leucovorin, either 2 hours before or 2 hours after you receive a Voraxaze injection.
To make sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using glucarpidase.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Methotrexate Overdosage:
Single IV injection of 50 Units/kg
Use: Treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations (greater than 1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Methotrexate Overdosage:
Children 1 month of age or older: Single IV injection of 50 units/kg
Use: Treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations ( greater than 1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function.
