Miglustat

Generic name: miglustat [ mi-GLOO-stat ]
Brand name: Zavesca
Dosage form: oral capsule (100 mg)
Drug class: Miscellaneous metabolic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 8, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is miglustat?

Miglustat is used to treat mild to moderate type 1 Gaucher disease in adults who cannot receive enzyme replacement therapy.

Miglustat may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Miglustat 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.

Miglustat may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• tremor or uncontrolled shaking, especially in your hands;

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• severe diarrhea and weight loss; or

• low levels of platelets in your blood--easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums).

Common side effects of miglustat may include:

• gas, bloating, constipation;

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach pain or upset;

• dry mouth;

• dizziness, weakness;

• headache (including migraine);

• back pain, muscle cramps, leg cramps;

• heavy feeling in your arms or legs;

• memory problems, loss of balance or coordination;

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your skin;

• vision problems; or

• changes in your menstrual periods.

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

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• inflammatory bowel disease;

• nervous system problems;

• a condition that causes tremors or shaking; or

• kidney disease.

Miglustat may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using miglustat.

How should I take miglustat?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Miglustat is usually taken 3 times per day at the same time each day.

You may be given other medications to help treat certain side effects. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

You may need to follow a special diet that avoids foods high in carbohydrates. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods you should eat or avoid.

You may need medical tests to check your nerve function before and during treatment with miglustat.

Your blood may also need to be tested while you are using miglustat.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Miglustat dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Gaucher Disease:

Usual dose: 100 mg orally 3 times a day at regular intervals

Comments:
-Decreasing consumption of foods high in disaccharides (e.g., lactose or sucrose) and not taking this drug with food has been shown to reduce the risk and/or intensity of gastrointestinal adverse events.
-Dose reduction to 100 mg orally once or twice a day may be necessary due to adverse reactions such as tremor or diarrhea.

Use: As monotherapy for the treatment of mild to moderate type 1 Gaucher disease when enzyme replacement therapy is not a therapeutic option (e.g., due to allergy, hypersensitivity, or poor venous access)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while taking miglustat?

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

What other drugs will affect miglustat?

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

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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