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Agalsidase beta

Generic name: agalsidase beta [ a-GAL-sih-daze-BAY-tah ]
Brand name: Fabrazyme
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (35 mg; 5 mg)
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 3, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is agalsidase beta?

Agalsidase beta is used in the treatment of Fabry disease (a deficiency of alpha-galactosidase A enzyme) in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Agalsidase beta may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Agalsidase beta side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you have any of these signs of an infusion reaction:

Common side effects of agalsidase beta 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.

Warnings

Many people have a severe reaction to agalsidase beta. Tell your caregiver if you have a skin rash or hives, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, dizziness, numbness, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, trouble swallowing or breathing, fast or slow heart rate, or severe dizziness.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Your name may be listed on a Fabry disease patient registry. This is to track the progress of your disease and to evaluate the treatment effects of agalsidase beta. Taking part in this registry is especially important if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I use agalsidase beta?

Agalsidase beta is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider, usually given once every 2 weeks.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

You may need frequent medical tests.

Agalsidase beta dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Fabry Disease:

1 mg/kg via IV infusion every 2 weeks

INFUSION RATE: Initial infusion rate should not exceed 0.25 mg/min (15 mg/hr); once tolerance to the infusion is well established, may increase infusion rate in increments of 0.05 to 0.08 mg/min with each subsequent infusion
Maximum infusion rate (weight less than 30 kg): 0.25 mg/minute
Minimum infusion duration (weight 30 kg or greater): 1.5 hours (based on individual patient tolerability)

Comments:
-Antipyretics are recommended prior to infusions; anti-histamines should also be given in patients who have had an infusion-associated reaction.
-For patients who have had a positive skin test, see dose adjustment section for rechallenge administration.

Use: For treatment of patients with confirmed Fabry disease.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Fabry Disease:

2 years or older:
1 mg/kg via IV infusion every 2 weeks

INFUSION RATE: Initial infusion rate should not exceed 0.25 mg/min (15 mg/hr); once tolerance to the infusion is well established, may increase infusion rate in increments of 0.05 to 0.08 mg/min with each subsequent infusion
Maximum infusion rate (weight less than 30 kg): 0.25 mg/minute
Minimum infusion duration (weight 30 kg or greater): 1.5 hours (based on individual patient tolerability)

Comments:
-Antipyretics are recommended prior to infusions; anti-histamines should also be given in patients who have had an infusion-associated reaction.
-For patients who have had a positive skin test, see dose adjustment section for rechallenge administration.

Use: For treatment of patients 2 years or older with confirmed Fabry disease.

Fabrazyme, migalastat, Elfabrio, Galafold

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving agalsidase beta?

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

What other drugs will affect agalsidase beta?

Other drugs may affect agalsidase beta, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Does agalsidase beta interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Agalsidase beta Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for agalsidase beta.

Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta) - Genzyme Corporation
Formulation type Strength
Single-Dose Vial 35 mg
Single-Dose Vial 5 mg

View Fabrazyme information in detail.

Further information

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.

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