Cerezyme

Generic name:imiglucerase [ im-ih-GLUE-ker-ase ]
Drug class:Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 21, 2022.

What is Cerezyme?

Cerezyme is a man-made form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body. It is used as an enzyme replacement in people with Type I Gaucher disease.

Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain fatty materials (lipids). Lipids can build up in the body, causing symptoms such as easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, anemia, bone or joint pain, enlarged liver or spleen, or weakened bones that are easily fractured.

Cerezyme may improve the condition of the liver, spleen, bones, and blood cells in people with Type I Gaucher disease. However, this medicine is not a cure for this condition.

Cerezyme may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Symptoms of allergic reactions including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; hives; itching; flushing; and dizziness or fainting, have occurred with the use of Cerezyme. Approximately 15% of patients treated with Cerezyme develop antibodies to imiglucerase. Approximately 46% of patients with detectable antibodies have experienced an allergic reaction. Emergency medical attention may be required if an allergic reaction is experienced.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before using Cerezyme

You should not use Cerezyme if you are allergic to imiglucerase.

To make sure Cerezyme is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a breathing problem such as pneumonia or pulmonary hypertension.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Cerezyme will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether imiglucerase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Cerezyme should not be given to a child younger than 2 without a doctor's advice.

How should I use Cerezyme?

Cerezyme is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Cerezyme is usually given every 2 weeks, but you may need the medicine more often when you first start using it. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

You may be given other medicines to prevent certain side effects of ...