Myozyme (Alglucosidase Alfa-Rch)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Myozyme Used For?
Myozyme is a specialized enzyme replacement therapy designed to treat a rare genetic condition called Pompe disease.
Primary Uses
Myozyme is used to treat Pompe disease, a rare genetic condition where the body doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme called acid alfa-glucosidase. This enzyme deficiency causes glycogen to build up in various parts of the body.
How It Works
Myozyme works by replacing the missing or low levels of acid alfa-glucosidase enzyme in your body. This helps restore enzyme activity to remove accumulated glycogen and prevent further buildup. The medication is given as an enzyme replacement therapy to help manage both early-onset and late-onset forms of Pompe disease.
Good to know: Myozyme is not addictive and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
How to Take Myozyme
Myozyme is given as an intravenous infusion by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic setting.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is 20 mg/kg of body weight given once every two weeks. The medication is administered directly into a vein through an IV infusion, which typically takes about 4 hours to complete. A trained healthcare professional will prepare and give you the infusion.
What If You Miss a Dose?
It’s important to keep all your scheduled appointments for Myozyme infusions. If you miss an appointment, call your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule. Your doctor will decide how to continue your treatment.
Important: You may be at increased risk of infusion-related reactions if given at higher doses or faster infusion rates than recommended.
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:
- headache
- nausea
- sleepiness
- fainting
- burning sensation
- increased tear production
- feeling hot
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- difficulty breathing, wheezing or coughing
- fast breathing
- itchy rash, hives, itching or rash
- swelling of the face
- increased sweating
- fever or high temperature
- flushing or redness of skin
- fast heart rate
- redness, swelling or pain around infusion site
- bluish tinged skin
- pale skin
- severe skin reactions
- dizziness and light headedness
- vomiting or retching, cramps
- irritability or agitation
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations to discuss with your doctor before starting Myozyme treatment.
Who Should Not Take Myozyme
Do not use Myozyme if you have ever had an allergic reaction to alglucosidase alfa-rch or any of the ingredients in the medication.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines, have allergies to medicines or other substances, or have experienced loss of mobility since your last Myozyme infusion. Your doctor may recommend blood tests to monitor your body’s response to treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is limited experience using Myozyme in pregnant women. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Myozyme may be found in breast milk, so discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Infection Risk: If you’re taking medicines that suppress your immune system, you may have an increased risk of severe airway or lung infections due to Pompe disease.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Myozyme and affect how it works.
Tell your healthcare team: Always inform your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including those bought without a prescription.
- medicines that suppress the immune system
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious about activities that require alertness until you know how Myozyme affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned in the prescribing information.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Myozyme affects you. Make sure you know how you react to the medication before doing anything that could be dangerous if you feel dizzy, light-headed, tired, or drowsy.
Storage
Myozyme should be stored in the hospital or clinic pharmacy under refrigeration at 2°C – 8°C. After preparation, the medication should be protected from light and used within 24 hours.
Overdose Information
There have been no reported overdoses of Myozyme. Your healthcare professional is trained to calculate the correct dose. If you have concerns about overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand) or ask your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Myozyme works as enzyme replacement therapy to restore enzyme activity and remove accumulated glycogen. Your doctor will monitor your response through blood tests and assess your mobility to ensure the treatment is working effectively.
Myozyme is given once every two weeks as an intravenous infusion. Each infusion takes approximately 4 hours to complete and must be administered by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic.
No, Myozyme is not addictive. It is an enzyme replacement therapy used to treat Pompe disease.
Tell your healthcare team immediately if you experience any side effects during the infusion. You may be given pre-treatment medicines like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or fever reducers to prevent or manage reactions.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking. If you’re receiving medicines that suppress your immune system, discuss this with your doctor as it may increase your risk of severe airway or lung infections.
It’s important to keep all your appointments. If you miss an infusion, call your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule. Your doctor will decide how to continue your treatment.
Yes, your doctor may recommend blood tests to monitor your body’s response to Myozyme, especially if you experience loss of mobility since your last infusion, and to check your immune reaction to the medication.
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.