Elelyso (Taliglucerase Alfa Rpc)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Elelyso Used For?
Elelyso is an enzyme replacement therapy specifically designed to treat Type 1 Gaucher disease in adults and children aged 2 to 17 years.
Primary Uses
Elelyso treats Type 1 Gaucher disease when patients have at least one of these symptoms: enlarged spleen or liver, low red blood cell count (anemia), or easy bleeding due to low platelet count. It has not been studied for Type 2 Gaucher disease.
How It Works
Gaucher disease is caused by a missing or defective enzyme called glucocerebrosidase. Without this enzyme, a substance called glucocerebroside builds up in body cells, causing disease symptoms. Elelyso replaces the missing or defective enzyme to help reduce this buildup.
How to Take Elelyso
Elelyso is given only through an IV drip into a vein under medical supervision by a doctor experienced in treating Gaucher disease.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the right dose and frequency for you. The medication is given through an IV drip over 60 to 120 minutes at a hospital, clinic, or potentially at home if your doctor considers it appropriate and you tolerate the infusion well.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a scheduled dose of Elelyso, contact your doctor immediately to reschedule your treatment.
Important: Never stop using this medicine or reduce the dose without checking with your doctor first, as there can be serious consequences.
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:
- muscle pain, joint pain or spasm
- headache
- vomiting
- stomach pains
- pain in hands or feet
- itching
- nausea
- limb swelling
- throat irritation
- skin redness
- hives or urticaria
- eye swelling
- feeling hot (flushing)
- chest discomfort
- diarrhea
- shaking
- rash
- dizziness
- bone pain
- back pain
- pain at infusion site
- tiredness
- weight increase
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
- severe allergic reactions
Important Warnings
Before starting Elelyso, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and any allergies with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Elelyso
Do not use Elelyso if you are allergic to taliglucerase alfa rpc, other enzyme replacement therapies like Cerezyme® or Vpriv®, carrots, or any ingredients in the medication.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have previously had reactions during infusions or allergic reactions to other Gaucher disease treatments, are on a low salt diet, have experienced breathing difficulties, or have any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you become pregnant while receiving Elelyso, tell your doctor immediately. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting treatment.
Carrot Allergy: Taliglucerase alfa rpc is manufactured using carrot cells, so inform your doctor if you have a carrot allergy.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Elelyso works, so it’s important to tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Alcohol & Driving
Exercise caution with alcohol consumption and driving while receiving Elelyso treatment.
Alcohol
Be careful when drinking alcohol while using Elelyso, as it may affect how the medication works or how you feel.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Elelyso affects you, as some side effects like dizziness may impair your ability to perform these activities safely.
Storage
Store unopened vials in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze or expose to light. Keep vials in the outer carton until use. Once reconstituted and diluted, the solution should be used immediately but can be stored for up to 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C protected from light.
Overdose Information
Your doctor will supervise how much Elelyso you receive. If you think you have been given too much, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. For additional advice, contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
Elelyso works by replacing the missing enzyme in your body. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments and blood tests to see how well the treatment is working for your specific condition.
Home infusions may be considered for patients who tolerate their infusions well. However, Elelyso must always be given by a healthcare professional trained in managing infusion reactions, under a doctor’s direction.
If you experience signs of severe allergic reaction like difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, your healthcare team will stop the infusion and provide immediate treatment. You may be given antihistamines, fever-reducing medicines, or corticosteroids.
No, never stop using Elelyso or reduce the dose without checking with your doctor first. There are potential serious consequences to stopping treatment, and you should discuss this with your doctor before making any changes.
Your doctor will decide the frequency of doses suitable for your specific condition. It’s important to keep all doctor and clinic appointments so your progress can be monitored and your treatment schedule maintained.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you are using Elelyso. If you’re having surgery, tell the surgeon or anesthetist, and if you’re having blood tests, inform your doctor as Elelyso may interfere with certain test results.
If you become pregnant while receiving Elelyso, tell your doctor immediately. You should discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting or continuing treatment.
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.