What Is Cerezyme Used For?

Cerezyme is an enzyme replacement therapy designed to treat a rare genetic condition called Gaucher disease.

Primary Uses

Cerezyme treats patients with confirmed Type I or Type 3 Gaucher disease who show symptoms such as anemia (low red blood cells), low platelet counts that can cause bleeding tendencies, enlarged spleen or liver, or bone disease.

How It Works

Gaucher disease occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of an enzyme called β-glucocerebrosidase, causing a fatty substance called glucocerebroside to build up in the body. Cerezyme replaces this missing enzyme to help remove the built-up substance and prevent further accumulation.

How to Take Cerezyme

Cerezyme is given as an intravenous infusion (through a drip into your vein) by trained healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic setting.

Dosage Instructions

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and frequency of infusions based on your individual needs. The infusion typically takes 1 to 2 hours. The medication comes as a powder that is mixed with sterile water before administration. Your doctor may approve home treatment if you meet certain criteria.

Available Tablet Strengths

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:

• nausea
• vomiting

Important Warnings

Before starting Cerezyme, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and any allergies with your healthcare provider.

Who Should Not Take Cerezyme

Do not use Cerezyme if you have ever had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to Cerezyme or any of its ingredients. Signs of allergic reactions include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or other body parts, skin rash, itching, or hives.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have previously received Cerezyme or another drug and experienced life-threatening allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, have allergies to other medicines or substances like foods, preservatives or dyes, or have previously had surgery to remove your spleen.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is no information available about using Cerezyme during pregnancy. Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It’s unknown whether Cerezyme passes into breast milk, so discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

Alcohol & Driving

Cerezyme is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be cautious until you know how it affects you.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Cerezyme affects you. Make sure you know how you react to the medication before driving or doing anything that could be dangerous if you feel dizzy, light-headed, tired, or drowsy.

Storage

Cerezyme is typically stored in hospital or clinic pharmacy refrigeration at 2°C – 8°C. Once reconstituted and diluted, it should be protected from light. Keep all medications away from children. If you no longer need the medicine or it’s expired, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Overdose Information

No overdoses of Cerezyme have been reported. Your healthcare professional is trained to calculate the correct dose. If you think you’ve received too much Cerezyme, seek immediate 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