velaglucerase alfa at a glance
Medicine class
Recombinant enzyme replacement therapy
Licensed use
Type 1 Gaucher disease
How it is given
Intravenous infusion prepared and administered by appropriately trained people
Home treatment
May be considered after specialist assessment, satisfactory previous infusions and appropriate training
What is velaglucerase alfa used for?
The selected product is licensed as enzyme replacement therapy for:
Type 1 Gaucher disease
How does velaglucerase alfa work?
Type 1 Gaucher disease causes reduced beta-glucocerebrosidase activity, allowing glucocerebroside to accumulate mainly inside macrophages. Velaglucerase alfa is taken into these cells through mannose receptors and works in lysosomes to break glucocerebroside into glucose and ceramide.
velaglucerase alfa preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 400 units
How to take velaglucerase alfa
Velaglucerase alfa is not swallowed. The powder is reconstituted, diluted and given into a vein through a suitable filter. Home infusion or self-administration must be recommended and supervised by the treating specialist, with appropriate training and emergency support available.
Do not shake the prepared solution.
Do not change the prescribed amount or infusion rate without specialist supervision.
Report symptoms occurring during or after an infusion promptly.
velaglucerase alfa side effects
Common or expected effects
- Infusion-related reactions
- Headache or dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Bone, joint or back pain
- Tiredness or weakness
- Fever or raised temperature
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing difficulty, chest tightness, hives, swelling or faintness suggesting a severe allergic reaction
- Severe or persistent vomiting during or following an infusion
- Marked changes in blood pressure, severe dizziness or chest discomfort during an infusion
velaglucerase alfa in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, while Gaucher disease itself may become more active during pregnancy and after birth. Pregnancy planning or a confirmed pregnancy should be discussed promptly with the Gaucher specialist so that benefits, uncertainties and disease monitoring can be reviewed.
velaglucerase alfa while breastfeeding
It is uncertain how much velaglucerase alfa enters human milk. The decision whether to breastfeed while receiving treatment should be made with the specialist, considering the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of treatment to the mother.
velaglucerase alfa interactions
No formal interaction studies have been performed, so a complete medicines review remains appropriate.
No specific medicine or class established
No confirmed medicine interactions are listed, but patients should tell their specialist about prescription medicines, non-prescription products and supplements.
Common questions about velaglucerase alfa
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is velaglucerase alfa used to treat?
It is licensed in the UK as enzyme replacement therapy for type 1 Gaucher disease.
Is velaglucerase alfa chemotherapy?
No. It is a recombinant form of an enzyme that is deficient in Gaucher disease.
How is velaglucerase alfa administered?
It is prepared from a powder and administered as an intravenous infusion through a suitable filter.
Can velaglucerase alfa infusions be given at home?
Potentially. A specialist must first assess suitability and ensure that previous infusions were tolerated, the person administering it is trained and emergency support is available.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.