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Cerdelga

Generic name: eliglustat [ EL-i-GLOO-stat ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous metabolic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 11, 2022.

What is Cerdelga?

Cerdelga reduces the formation of a certain protein in the body in people with type 1 Gaucher disease.

Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain fatty materials (lipids). Lipids can build up in the body, causing symptoms such as easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, anemia, bone or joint pain, enlarged liver or spleen, or weakened bones that are easily fractured.

Cerdelga is used to treat mild to moderate type 1 Gaucher disease in adults. It is used only if a specific liver enzyme (2D6) in your body breaks down or metabolizes drugs at a certain rate.

Cerdelga may improve the condition of the liver, spleen, bones, and blood cells in people with Type I Gaucher disease. However, eliglustat is not a cure for this condition.

Warnings

You should not use Cerdelga if you have severe liver or kidney disease.

Cerdelga can cause a serious heart problem, especially if you use certain other medicines at the same time. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use. Some drugs can raise or lower your blood levels of eliglustat, which may cause side effects or make eliglustat less effective. This medicine can also affect blood levels of certain other drugs, making them less effective or increasing side effects.

Cerdelga side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cerdelga: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Cerdelga side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cerdelga side effects (more detail)

Before taking this medicine

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can raise or lower your blood levels of eliglustat, which may cause side effects or make eliglustat less effective. Cerdelga can also affect blood levels of certain other drugs, making them less effective or increasing side effects.

Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use any of the following drugs:

You should not use Cerdelga if you are allergic to eliglustat, or if you have:

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether eliglustat will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Cerdelga is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Cerdelga pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

How should I take Cerdelga?

Take Cerdelga exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Your doctor will perform a genotype blood test to make sure this medicine is the right treatment for you.

If you switched to Cerdelga from another enzyme replacement medicine, wait at least 24 hours after your last dose of the other medicine before you start taking Cerdelga.

Cerdelga is usually taken 1 or 2 times per day, based on the results of your genotype test. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Eliglustat can cause a serious heart problem. Your heart function may be checked with an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG) before you take this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Gaucher Disease:

Dose recommendations are provided based on CYP450 2D6 Metabolizer Status:
Extensive metabolizers (EM); Intermediate metabolizers (IM); Poor metabolizers (PM)

EM: 84 mg orally twice a day
IM: 84 mg orally twice a day
PM: 84 mg orally once a day

Dose Reduction: 84 mg orally once a day recommended for:
-EM or IM taking a strong or moderate CYP450 2D6 inhibitors
-EM taking a strong or moderate CYP450 3A inhibitor
-EM with mild hepatic impairment taking a weak CYP450 2D6 inhibitor
-EM with mild hepatic impairment taking a strong, moderate, or weak CYP450 3A inhibitor

Comments:
-CYP450 2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers (URM) may not achieve adequate drug concentrations to achieve a therapeutic effect.
-Dose recommendations cannot be provided for patients whose genotype cannot be determined (indeterminate metabolizers).

Use: For the long-term treatment of patients with Gaucher disease type 1 who are CYP450 2D6 extensive metabolizers, intermediate metabolizers, or poor metabolizers as detected by an FDA-cleared test.

Detailed Cerdelga dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Grapefruit may interact with eliglustat and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

What other drugs will affect Cerdelga?

Cerdelga can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.

Many drugs can interact with eliglustat, and some drugs should not be used at the same time. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Cerdelga drug interactions (more detail)

Further information

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.