galsulfase

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Pronunciation: gal SUL fase

Brand: Naglazyme

What is the most important information I should know about galsulfase?

Some side effects may occur during the galsulfase infusion, or up to 24 hours afterward. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, light-headed, itchy, or if you have hives, chest pain, stomach pain, fever, trouble breathing, eye irritation, or swelling in your face.

What is galsulfase?

Galsulfase is used to treat some of the symptoms of a genetic condition called mucopolysaccharidosis VI (MYOO-koe-pol-ee-SAK-a-rye-DOE-sis type 6), or MPS VI, also called Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome.

MPS VI is a metabolic disorder in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain sugars and proteins. These substances can build up in the body, causing enlarged organs, abnormal bone structure, changes in facial features, breathing problems, heart problems, vision or hearing loss, and changes in mental or physical abilities.

Galsulfase may improve walking and stair-climbing ability in people with this condition. However, this medication is not a cure for MPS VI.

Galsulfase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving galsulfase?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to galsulfase.

To make sure galsulfase is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • asthma, or sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
  • fever, flu symptoms, or a common cold;
  • kidney disease;
  • heart disease;
  • epilepsy; or
  • migraine headaches.

FDA pregnancy category B. Galsulfase is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether galsulfase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is galsulfase given?

Galsulfase is injected into a vein through an IV. You will most likely receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting.

Galsulfase must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 4 hours to complete.

Your doctor may also prescribe other medications to help prevent an allergic reaction to galsulfase. Take all of your medications as directed.

Galsulfase is usually given once per week. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Your doctor will need to check your progress while you are using galsulfase.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your galsulfase injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving galsulfase?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of galsulfase?

Some side effects may occur during the galsulfase infusion, or up to 24 hours afterward. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, light-headed, itchy, or if you have hives, chest pain, stomach pain, fever, trouble breathing, eye irritation, or swelling in your face.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Even though it may not be a side effect of galsulfase, increased pressure on the spinal cord is a complication of MPS VI that may occur while you are using galsulfase. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of spinal cord compression: back pain, loss of movement in any part of your body, loss of bowel or bladder control.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • snoring or sleep apnea, trouble breathing;
  • shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
  • swelling, rapid weight gain;
  • eye redness; or
  • fever, chills, flu symptoms, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness.

Common side effects may include:

  • pain;
  • mild rash or itching;
  • headache, ear pain, joint pain; or
  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect galsulfase?

Other drugs may interact with galsulfase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about galsulfase.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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