Cerezyme drug: Uses, indications and notes when using

Cerezyme (Imiglucerase) is used to treat certain rare genetic problems (such as Gaucher disease). Imiglucerase replaces a certain natural substance (an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase) that is missing in people with Gaucher disease. This medicine helps to improve blood, bone, liver and spleen problems caused by Gaucher disease. Imiglucerase does not correct the genetic problem and must be continued for life.

Cerezyme is used by injection into a vein or as specifically directed by your doctor. Dosage and frequency of injections depend on the patient's weight, condition, and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to have injections as often as 3 times per week or at least every 2 weeks. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
If you are self-administering this medication at home, learn all directions on the product label and use from your doctor. Before use, please inspect this product with the naked eye for any changes in the product. If so, do not use and discard the medicine safely.
If your condition does not improve or gets worse, tell your doctor right away. Problems related to the blood, liver, and spleen usually improve within the first year of treatment. It can take 2 to 3 years of treatment to see the full benefits for your bones.

After using Cerezyme, patients may experience headache, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the hands/feet (edema), or a rash/pain/itching/swelling at the injection site. If any of these symptoms persist or appear to be getting worse, contact your doctor right away.
Do not worry too much about the side effects of the medicine because the doctor who prescribed you this medicine because the benefits that Cerezyme bring outweigh the risk of side effects.
Very rarely, a serious allergic reaction has occurred after using Imiglucerase. However, if any of the following symptoms occur, including: rash, flushing, chest pain, itching/swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing, call 911 or your local health facility immediately.
Here are some possible side effects after taking Cerezyme:
Fast heartbeat Backache Chills Diarrhea Fever Fatigue Skin rash Dizziness Headache Itching Decreased blood pressure Nausea Stomach cramps

Some very rare side effects include:
Blue skin discoloration Anaphylactic reactions Angioedema Difficulty breathing Injection site reactions Temporary redness of the face and neck The following conditions are contraindicated to Cerezyme. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following problems:
Pulmonary hypertension Allergic to the enzyme glucocerebrosidase Some unwanted effects not listed above may occur, so please consult your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any unusual symptoms after using the medicine.

Before using imiglucerase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or alglucerase; or if you have any other allergic reaction. It may cause allergic reactions or other problems because of the inactive ingredients in imiglucerase.
Your doctor needs to know your medical history, especially about anti-alglucerase antibodies, before you use this medicine.
Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before using Cerezyme. Use only when absolutely necessary.

Interactions between drugs can affect how the medicine works and increase the risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the products you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and other products.
Consult your doctor before starting, stopping or changing the dosage of the medicine.
Contact 911 or your local health facility immediately if you overdose and develop severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing.
Do not share Cerezyme with other people.
Medical tests (eg, IgG antibodies) should be performed periodically to monitor disease progression or check for side effects.
You need to use the drug regularly every day as directed by the doctor to achieve the best effect during the treatment. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to set up a new dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to catch up with the missed dose.
Before mixing, the medicine should be stored in the refrigerator, avoid direct exposure to direct sunlight and not in the freezer.
After reconstitution, refer to the instructions on the product label and your doctor for details on storage. Discard unused portion. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Unless specifically directed, never flush medication down the toilet or down the drain. When the medicine has expired or is no longer in use, the product should be disposed of properly.

Reference source: webmd.com