Glucarpidase
Generic name: glucarpidase [ gloo-KAR-pi-dase ]
Brand name: Voraxaze
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (1000 units)
Drug class: Antidotes
What is glucarpidase?
Glucarpidase is used in patients who develop kidney failure while receiving high doses of methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug).
Glucarpidase is an enzyme that breaks down methotrexate in the body so the drug can be easily eliminated when the kidneys are not working properly.
Glucarpidase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Glucarpidase side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tell your caregiver right away if you have any symptoms of a reaction to the glucarpidase injection: severe dizziness or weakness, severe nausea, cold sweat, itching, numbness or tingly feeling, sudden headache, fast heartbeats, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or if you feel like you might pass out.
Common side effects of glucarpidase may include:
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nausea, vomiting;
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numbness, tingling, burning pain; or
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flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).
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.
Related/similar drugs
Levoleucovorin
Levoleucovorin (Fusilev) is used to treat toxic effects of methotrexate in people who have received ...
Voraxaze
Voraxaze (glucarpidase) is used to treat patients with toxic levels of methotrexate in their blood ...
Wellcovorin
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Leucovorin
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Warnings
If possible before you receive glucarpidase, tell your doctor if you are also being treated with leucovorin.
Tell your caregiver right away if you have any symptoms of a reaction to the glucarpidase injection: severe dizziness or weakness, severe nausea, cold sweat, itching, numbness or tingly feeling, sudden headache, fast heartbeats, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or if you feel like you might pass out.
Before taking this medicine
If possible before you receive glucarpidase, tell your doctor if you are also being treated with leucovorin.
In an emergency, you may not be able to tell caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you received glucarpidase.
How is glucarpidase given?
Glucarpidase is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. Glucarpidase is usually given as a single injection. The IV infusion will take about 5 minutes to complete.
You may also be given a medicine called leucovorin, either 2 hours before or 2 hours after you receive a glucarpidase injection.
To make sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using glucarpidase.
Glucarpidase dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Methotrexate Overdosage:
Single IV injection of 50 Units/kg
Use: Treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations (greater than 1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Methotrexate Overdosage:
Children 1 month of age or older: Single IV injection of 50 units/kg
Use: Treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations ( greater than 1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since glucarpidase is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid after receiving glucarpidase?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What other drugs will affect glucarpidase?
Other drugs may affect glucarpidase, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Glucarpidase 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 glucarpidase.
Voraxaze (glucarpidase) - BTG International Inc.
Formulation type | Strength |
---|---|
Single-Dose Vial | 1,000 units |
View Voraxaze information in detail.
More about glucarpidase
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: antidotes
- En español
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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.
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