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Alglucosidase Alfa Injection

What is this medication?

ALGLUCOSIDASE ALFA (al glu KO si das AL fa) treats Pompe disease. It works by replacing an enzyme normally made by the body, which reduces the buildup of sugar (glycogen) in your muscles. This decreases symptoms.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lumizyme, Myozyme

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • Lung or breathing disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to alglucosidase alfa, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as newborns for selected conditions, 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?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

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.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

The amount of fluid from this infusion may worsen existing lung or heart conditions. Your care team will watch you closely during and after your infusion if you are at risk.

This medication can cause serious allergic reactions. To reduce the risk, your care team may give you other medications to take before receiving this one. Follow the directions from your care team.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

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 care team for more information.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
  • Painful swelling, warmth, or redness of the skin, blisters or sores

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
  • Flushing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

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 medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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