Idursulfase (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 9, 2022.
Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, presenting as respiratory distress, hypoxia, hypotension, urticaria, and/or angioedema of throat or tongue have occurred in some patients during and up to 24 hours after idursulfase infusions, regardless of duration of the course of treatment. Closely observe patients during and after idursulfase administration and be prepared to manage anaphylaxis. Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and have them seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. Patients with compromised respiratory function or acute respiratory disease may be at risk of serious acute exacerbation of their respiratory compromise due to hypersensitivity reactions, and require additional monitoring .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Elaprase
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Enzyme Replacement
Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme
Uses for idursulfase
Idursulfase injection is used to treat Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II), a rare condition that is most often seen in males. Hunter syndrome is an inherited disease in which the breakdown of a certain chemical in the body (mucopolysaccharide) is defective due to the lack or absence of an enzyme called iduronate-2-sulfatase.
Idursulfase improves signs and symptoms in patients, especially walking capacity, by replacing the missing enzyme in Hunter syndrome.
Idursulfase is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using idursulfase
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For idursulfase, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to idursulfase or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of idursulfase injection in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 16 months of age.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of idursulfase injection in the geriatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
