Imiglucerase

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Cerezyme

Brand Names: Cerezyme
Dosage Form: INJECTION, POWDER, LYOPHILIZED, FOR SOLUTION
Product Type: DRUG FOR FURTHER PROCESSING

⚠ Boxed Warning (Black Box)

WARNING: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS Patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies have experienced life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. Initiate CEREZYME in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue CEREZYME and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. Inform patients of the symptoms of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. ( 5.1 ) Initiate CEREZYME in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. ( 5.1 ) If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue CEREZYME and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. ( 5.1 )

Description

11 DESCRIPTION Imiglucerase is a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebrosidase-specific enzyme. It is an analogue of the human enzyme b-glucocerebrosidase (b-D-glucosyl-N-acylsphingosine glucohydrolase, E.C. 3.2.1.45), produced by recombinant DNA technology using mammalian cell culture (Chinese hamster ovary). Purified imiglucerase is a monomeric glycoprotein of 497 amino acids, containing 4 N-linked glycosylation sites (Mr=60,430). Imiglucerase differs from placental glucocerebrosidase by one amino acid at position 495, where histidine is substituted for arginine. The oligosaccharide chains at the glycosylation sites have been modified to terminate in mannose sugars. The modified carbohydrate structures on imiglucerase are somewhat different from those on placental glucocerebrosidase. CEREZYME (imiglucerase) for injection is intended for intravenous use. It is supplied as a sterile, nonpyrogenic, white to off-white lyophilized powder for reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Each single-dose vial contains 424 units imiglucerase, mannitol (340 mg), polysorbate 80, NF (1.06 mg), and sodium citrates: disodium hydrogen citrate (36 mg) and trisodium citrate (104 mg). An enzyme unit (U) is defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1 micromole of the synthetic substrate para-nitrophenyl-b-D-glucopyranoside (pNP-Glc) per minute at 37°C. Reconstituted solutions have a pH of approximately 6.1.

What Is Imiglucerase Used For?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CEREZYME is indicated for the treatment of non-central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of Type 1 or Type 3 Gaucher disease in adults and pediatric patients. CEREZYME is a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebrosidase-specific enzyme indicated for the treatment of non-central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of Type 1 or Type 3 Gaucher disease in adults and pediatric patients. ( 1 )

Dosage and Administration

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer CEREZYME under the supervision of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. ( 2.1 ) The recommended dosage is 2.5 units/kg three times a week to 60 units/kg once every two weeks administered intravenously. ( 2.2 ) Titrate the dosage based on disease severity and therapeutic goals for the patient. ( 2.2 ) See the full prescribing information for dosage modifications due to hypersensitivity reactions and/or IARs. ( 2.3 ) See the full prescribing information for preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.4 , 2.5 ) 2.1 Recommendations Prior to CEREZYME Treatment Administer CEREZYME under the supervision of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Initiate CEREZYME in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . For patients who experience hypersensitivity reactions to CEREZYME, premedicate with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids. Monitor patients for the occurrence of new hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration Ensure physicians knowledgeable in the management of patients with Gaucher disease direct therapy with CEREZYME. The recommended dosage of CEREZYME is 2.5 units/kg three times a week to 60 units/kg once every two weeks administered intravenously. Titrate the dosage based on disease severity and therapeutic goals for the patient. For adults and pediatric patients weighing greater than 20 kg, infuse the diluted CEREZYME solution over 1 to 2 hours [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . For pediatric patients weighing 20 kg or less, infuse the diluted CEREZYME solution over 2 hours [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . 2.3 Dosage and Administration Modifications Due to Hypersensitivity Reactions and/or Infusion-Associated Reactions If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) or a severe infusion-associated reaction (IAR) occurs, discontinue CEREZYME and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ]. If a mild or moderate hypersensitivity reaction or a mild or moderate IAR occurs, consider decreasing the infusion rate, temporarily stopping the infusion, and/or administering antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ]. 2.4 Preparation Instructions Use aseptic technique during preparation. Reconstitution 1. Determine the number of CEREZYME vials to be reconstituted based on the individual patient's dosage regimen and remove vial(s) from the refrigerator [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . 2. Reconstitute each vial of CEREZYME by slowly injecting 10.2 mL of Sterile Water for Injection, down the inside wall of...

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Infusion-Associated Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Adverse reactions reported in adults and pediatric patients include back pain, chills, dizziness, fatigue, headache, hypersensitivity reactions, nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genzyme at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials and Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions associated with the use of imiglucerase were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. See Table 2 for adverse reactions occurring in adults and pediatric patients treated with CEREZYME in clinical trials and the postmarketing setting. Table 2: Adverse Reactions in Adults and Pediatric Patients Treated with CEREZYME Adverse Reactions Nervous system disorders dizziness, headache Cardiac disorders tachycardia Vascular disorders cyanosis, Signs and symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] and other infusion-associated reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . flushing, hypotension, hypertension Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders cough, dyspnea, pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension Gastrointestinal disorders abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting Immune system disorders anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders angioedema, pruritus, rash, urticaria Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders back pain General disorders and administration site conditions chest discomfort, chills, fatigue, infusion-site burning, infusion-site discomfort, infusion-site swelling, pyrexia 6.2 Immunogenicity The observed incidence of anti-drug antibodies (ADA) is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Differences in assay methods preclude meaningful comparisons of the incidence of ADA in the studies described below with the incidence of ADA in other studies, including those of CEREZYME or of other imiglucerase products. Approximately 15% of patients treated and tested to date have developed IgG antibody to CEREZYME during the first year of therapy. Patients who developed IgG antibody did so largely within 6 months of treatment and rarely developed antibodies to CEREZYME after 12 months of therapy. Approximately 46% of patients with detectable IgG antibodies experienced symptoms of hypersensitivity. Patients with antibody to CEREZYME have higher risk of hypersensitivity reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Patients who developed IgG antibody to CEREZYME had increased elimination half-life compared to patients without antibody [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Contraindications

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to CEREZYME during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to CEREZYME and health care providers are encouraged to contact the Gaucher patient registry at 1-800-745-4447, extension 15500 or visit www.registrynxt.com. Risk Summary Available data on more than 500 pregnancies from the international Gaucher Disease registry, postmarketing reports, published observational studies and case reports with CEREZYME or non–US-licensed imiglucerase use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks associated with symptomatic Type I Gaucher disease in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ) . No animal reproduction studies have been conducted with imiglucerase. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Pregnancy may exacerbate existing Type 1 Gaucher disease symptoms or result in new disease manifestations. Untreated symptomatic Type 1 Gaucher disease may lead to complications during pregnancy, including hepatosplenomegaly, which can interfere with the normal growth of a pregnancy and thrombocytopenia, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

How Supplied

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING CEREZYME (imiglucerase) for injection is supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized powder in a carton containing one single-dose vial: NDC 58468-4663-1. Each vial contains 400 units of imiglucerase. CEREZYME does not contain any preservatives. Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). For storage of reconstituted and diluted solution [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] .

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.