Pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj (Intravenous)

Generic name: pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj [ peg-ue-ni-GAL-si-dase-AL-fa-- iwxj ]
Brand name: Elfabrio
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 10, 2023.

Uses for pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj

Pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj injection is used to treat Fabry disease, which is an inherited disease caused by the lack of an enzyme called alpha-galactosidase A in the body. This enzyme is necessary for your body. Pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj is used to help replace this enzyme.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Before using pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj

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 have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj injection in geriatric patients.

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:

• Heart problems—Use with caution. May be at a higher risk of severe complications from infusion reaction.

• Kidney disease—Use with caution. May make this condition worse.

Proper use of pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. The medicine must be injected slowly, so your IV will need to stay in place for at least 1½ hours every 2 weeks.

Your doctor will give you other medicines (eg, allergy medicine, fever medicine, steroid) before starting treatment with this medicine.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Precautions while using pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine to make sure that it is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest tightness, cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, skin rash, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may cause infusion-related reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a fever, chills or shaking, chest pain, dizziness, flushing, headache, trouble breathing, hives, itching, or skin rash, lightheadedness, fainting, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, or trouble breathing after receiving this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you have cloudy or bloody urine, high blood pressure, or swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs. These maybe symptoms of serious kidney problem.

Side Effects of pegunigalsidase alfa-iwxj

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

• Back pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• chest tightness
• chills
• cough
• ear congestion
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• flushing
• headache
• loss of voice
• muscle aches
• nausea and vomiting
• nerve pain
• pain in the arms, legs, lower back, bottom, or hips
• skin itching, rash, or redness
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stuffy or runny nose
• swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• trouble breathing
• trouble swallowing
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Incidence unknown

• Blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• slow or irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• swelling of the face, feet, or lower legs
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• vomiting

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

• Diarrhea
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• stomach pain

Incidence not known

• Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• difficulty in moving
• joint pain
• lack or loss of strength
• muscle cramps, pains, or stiffness
• sneezing
• swollen joints
• throat irritation

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.

• Elfabrio

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Enzyme Replacement

Pharmacologic Class: Pegunigalsidase Alfa

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer