Alglucosidase alfa
Alglucosidase alpha Solution for injection
What is this medicine?
ALGLUCOSIDASE ALFA (al glu KO si das AL fa) is a drug that is used to replace an enzyme that is missing in patients with Pompe disease. It is not a cure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
heart problems
lung or breathing disease
an unusual reaction to alglucosidase alfa, mannitol, hamster or mouse proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions are not expected.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor for regular check ups. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You can be a part of a registry for patients with Pompe disease. This registry may ask for information over a long time. Ask your healthcare professional for more information.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
blue color to lips, nailbeds
breathing problems
chest pain, tightness
cold sweat
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever or other signs of infection
flushed or pale skin
unusually high or low blood pressure
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
diarrhea
headache
irritable
irritation at site where injected
nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert