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Alglucosidase Alfa

Pronounced

"AL-gloo-KOE-si-dase AL-fa"

Common brand names:

Myozyme

Uses

This medication is used by people with a certain inherited condition (Pompe disease) to reduce high levels of a certain substance (glycogen) that builds up in the body. High levels of glycogen in the body may cause muscle weakness, heart problems, and breathing problems. Alglucosidase alfa works by breaking down glycogen.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using alglucosidase alfa and each time you get an infusion. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once every 2 weeks. It is injected slowly into a vein over 4 hours. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Infusion reactions may happen while you are receiving alglucosidase alfa and for a short time after. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as shortness of breath, fever, sweating, flushing, nausea, or vomiting. Your doctor may slow down or stop your treatment for some time if you get serious side effects. Your doctor may prescribe other medications for you to take to help decrease these side effects. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all of your medications. See also Warning section.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2024.