Taliglucerase alfa

Generic name: taliglucerase alfa [ TAL-i-GLOO-ser-ase-AL-fa ]
Brand name: Elelyso
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (200 units)
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 28, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is taliglucerase alfa?

Taliglucerase is used as an enzyme replacement in people with Type I Gaucher disease in adults and children at least 4 years old.

Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain fatty materials (lipids). Lipids can build up in the body, causing symptoms such as easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, anemia, bone or joint pain, enlarged liver or spleen, or weakened bones that are easily fractured.

Taliglucerase may improve the condition of the liver, spleen, bones, and blood cells in people with Type I Gaucher disease. However, taliglucerase is not a cure for this condition.

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

Taliglucerase alfa 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.

Some people receiving a taliglucerase alfa injection have had a reaction when the medicine was injected, or up to 3 hours later. Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

• dizziness or feeling like you might pass out;

• chest tightness, wheezing;

• swelling in your face;

• cough, throat irritation;

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• nausea, vomiting;

• skin rash, itching, or redness.

Common side effects of taliglucerase alfa may include:

• headache;

• rash, itching, warmth or tingly feeling;

• dizziness or tired feeling;

• nausea, stomach pain, vomiting; or

• joint pain, back pain, pain in your arms or legs.

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

Some people receiving a taliglucerase alfa injection have had a reaction when the medicine was injected, or up to 3 hours later. Tell your caregivers right away if you have a sudden headache, dizziness, warmth or tingling, chest pain, wheezing, nausea, or a red skin rash.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether taliglucerase alfa will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated or uncontrolled Type I Gaucher disease during pregnancy may cause new or worsening symptoms in the mother, or complications in the baby such as growth problems or bleeding. The benefit of treating your disease may outweigh any risks to the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is taliglucerase alfa given?

Taliglucerase alfa is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be given other medications to help prevent an allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

You may be given other medications to prevent certain side effects of taliglucerase alfa.

Taliglucerase alfa is usually given every other week. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Taliglucerase alfa doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Taliglucerase alfa dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Gaucher Disease:

Treatment-naive:
-Initial dose: 60 units/kg IV every other week

Conversion from imiglucerase:
-For patients on a stable dose of imiglucerase: Begin at same units/kg dose IV every other week

Dose adjustments should be based on individual's therapeutic goals

Comments:
-Administer as an IV infusion over 60 to 120 minutes every other week; in adult patients, an initial infusion rate of 1.2 mL/minute should be used.
-After tolerability to infusion is established, the infusion rate may be increased, but should not exceed the maximum recommended infusion rate of 2.2 mL/minute; infusion should be delivered over a minimum or 60 minutes.

Use: For long-term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for patients with confirmed diagnosis of type 1 Gaucher disease

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gaucher Disease:

4 years or older:
Treatment-naive: Initial dose: 60 units/kg IV every other week

Conversion from imiglucerase:
-For patients on a stable dose of imiglucerase: Begin with same units/kg dose IV every other week

Dose adjustments should be based on individual's therapeutic goals

Comments:
-Administer as an IV infusion over 60 to 120 minutes every other week; in adult patients, an initial infusion rate of 1.2 mL/minute should be used.
-After tolerability to infusion is established, the infusion rate may be increased, but should not exceed the maximum recommended infusion rate of 2.2 mL/minute; infusion should be delivered over a minimum or 60 minutes.

Use: For the treatment of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

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 taliglucerase alfa?

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

What other drugs will affect taliglucerase alfa?

Other drugs may affect taliglucerase alfa, 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.

Taliglucerase alfa 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 taliglucerase alfa.

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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