Aldurazyme (Laronidase)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Aldurazyme Used For?
Aldurazyme is an enzyme replacement therapy specifically designed to treat a rare genetic condition called Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I).
Primary Uses
Aldurazyme is used as enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) storage disorder, a disease where the level of α-L-iduronidase enzyme is absent or lower than normal.
How It Works
Patients with MPS I disease don’t produce enough of their own enzyme called α-L-iduronidase. This causes harmful substances called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to build up in cells and tissues throughout the body. Aldurazyme works by replacing the missing enzyme to help remove these accumulated substances and prevent further buildup.
Good to know: Aldurazyme is designed to restore enzyme activity levels sufficient to remove accumulated harmful substances from your body.
How to Take Aldurazyme
Aldurazyme is given as an intravenous infusion (directly into your vein) by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital, clinic, or sometimes at home.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 100 U/kg (0.58 mg/kg) of body weight given once every week. Your doctor will calculate the exact dose based on your weight. The infusion must be administered by a healthcare professional.
What If You Miss a Dose?
It’s important to receive your Aldurazyme infusion at the scheduled times to ensure the best treatment results. Keep all appointments with your doctor or clinic. If you miss an appointment, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule as soon as possible.
Important: Never attempt to administer this medication yourself – it must always be given by trained healthcare professionals.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Infusion-related reactions (flushing, redness, itchiness, tenderness, pain, warmth, burning, stinging, swelling)
- Formation of hard lumps or scars at infusion site
- Rash and skin discoloration
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Chest infection
- Abnormally slower heart rate
- Stomach ache
- Muscle soreness, aching, tenderness or weakness
- Antibody formation in response to the medicine
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives)
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or other body parts
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing
- Respiratory failure (inability of lungs to work properly)
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting Aldurazyme treatment.
Who Should Not Take Aldurazyme
Do not use Aldurazyme if you have had severe allergic reactions to laronidase or any ingredients in the medication, especially if these reactions occurred again after stopping and restarting the medicine. Also avoid if you’re allergic to any other medicines, foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, have difficulty breathing or acute breathing problems, or if a child under 5 years has been prescribed Aldurazyme. Patients with acute illness during infusion may have higher risk for infusion-related reactions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is no information available about using Aldurazyme during pregnancy. It’s also unknown whether Aldurazyme passes into breast milk. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Allergic Reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden signs of allergy such as rash, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath, or respiratory failure.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Aldurazyme or be affected by it.
Important: Always tell your healthcare team about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including those bought without prescription.
- chloroquine (antimalarial medicine)
- procaine (local anesthetic)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness until you know how Aldurazyme affects you.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. The interaction between Aldurazyme and alcohol has not been specifically studied.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Aldurazyme affects you. The medication’s effect on driving ability hasn’t been studied, so make sure you know how you react before doing anything that could be dangerous if you feel dizzy, light-headed, tired, or drowsy.
Storage
Aldurazyme will be stored in the hospital or clinic pharmacy. You don’t need to worry about storing this medication at home as it’s administered by healthcare professionals.
Overdose Information
Your healthcare provider is trained to calculate the correct dose, but if too much Aldurazyme is given or the infusion is too fast, you may experience nausea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. The infusion will be stopped immediately if this occurs. If you think you’ve received too much, seek urgent medical attention by calling the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contacting your doctor, or going to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aldurazyme is designed to restore enzyme activity levels sufficient to remove accumulated harmful substances and prevent further buildup. Your doctor will monitor your response through blood tests to ensure the treatment is working effectively.
In certain cases, Aldurazyme treatment may be given at home, but it must always be administered by a healthcare professional. Your doctor will determine if home treatment is appropriate for you or your child, and a Home Infusion Guide is available for patients and carers.
It’s important to receive your Aldurazyme infusion at scheduled times for the best treatment results. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider. If you miss an appointment, contact your doctor or clinic to reschedule as soon as possible.
Yes, your doctor may recommend blood tests to monitor your body’s response to Aldurazyme, ensure it’s working properly, and check your immune reaction to the medication’s active ingredient.
Common infusion reactions include flushing, redness, itchiness, pain, or swelling. Speak to your doctor if these worry you. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, swelling of face or lips, or respiratory problems.
Tell your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking. Some medications like chloroquine (antimalarial) or procaine (local anesthetic) may interact with Aldurazyme. Your doctor will advise whether adjustments are needed.
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Aldurazyme affects you. Make sure you know how you react to the medication before doing activities that could be dangerous if you feel dizzy, light-headed, tired, or drowsy.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.