Idursulfase (Intravenous)

Generic name: idursulfase [ eye-dur-SUL-fase ]
Brand name: Elaprase
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 11, 2024.

Uses for idursulfase

Idursulfase injection is used to treat Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II), a rare condition that is most often seen in males. Hunter syndrome is an inherited disease in which the breakdown of a certain chemical in the body (mucopolysaccharide) is defective due to the lack or absence of an enzyme called iduronate-2-sulfatase.

Idursulfase improves signs and symptoms in patients, especially walking capacity, by replacing the missing enzyme in Hunter syndrome.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using idursulfase

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of idursulfase injection in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 16 months of age.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of idursulfase injection in the geriatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Fluid overload (too much fluid in the blood) or
• Heart disease or
• Illness with fever or
• Lung disease or breathing problems—Use with caution. May increase risk of developing life-threatening complications.

Proper use of idursulfase

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

This medicine is usually given one time each week. The medicine is given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for a few hours. You or your child may also receive medicines to help prevent possible allergic reactions to the injection.

Precautions while using idursulfase

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and check you for unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you or your child have a rash, itching, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you or your child get the injection.

Side Effects of idursulfase

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Bone or muscle pain
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• headache
• hives or welts
• itching
• rash
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• redness of the skin
• sneezing
• sore throat
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• Blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• sweating

Incidence not known

• Difficulty with swallowing
• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• heart stops
• irregular breathing
• no breathing
• no pulse or blood pressure
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• unconscious
• weight gain

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Change in hearing
• diarrhea
• ear drainage
• earache or pain in the ear

Less common

• Nausea
• vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Elaprase

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Enzyme Replacement

Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer