Vestronidase alfa

Generic name: vestronidase alfa [ ves-TRON-i-dase-AL-fa ]
Brand name: Mepsevii
Dosage form: intravenous solution (2 mg/mL)
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 2, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is vestronidase alfa?

Vestronidase alfa contains an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body in healthy people. Some people lack this enzyme because of a genetic disorder. Vestronidase alfa helps replace this missing enzyme in such people.

Vestronidase alfa is used to treat some of the symptoms of a genetic condition called mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MYOO-koe-pol-ee-SAK-a-rye-DOE-sis Seven) or MPS VII, also called Sly syndrome.

MPS VII is a metabolic disorder in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain natural substances. These substances can build up in the body, causing enlarged organs, abnormal bone structure, changes in facial features, breathing problems, heart problems, vision or hearing loss, and changes in mental or physical abilities.

Vestronidase alfa may improve walking ability in people with this condition. However, this medication is not a cure for MPS VII.

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

Vestronidase 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.

An allergic reaction may occur during or shortly after infusion of vestronidase alfa. Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:

• feeling like you might pass out, even while lying down;

• sweating, cold or clammy skin;

• feeling short of breath;

• pale skin; or

• blue lips or fingernails.

Common side effects of vestronidase alfa may include:

• diarrhea;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• rash, itching; or

• swelling or irritation around the IV needle.

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

An allergic reaction may occur during or shortly after infusion of this medicine. Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as sweating, trouble breathing, pale skin, blue lips or fingernails, and feeling like you might pass out.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a lung disease or breathing problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is vestronidase alfa given?

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

vestronidase alfa is usually given once every 2 weeks. Vestronidase alfa must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 4 hours to complete.

About 30 to 60 minutes before each injection, you will be given other medications to help prevent a serious allergic reaction.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when vestronidase alfa is injected.

You will be watched closely for at least 60 minutes after receiving vestronidase alfa, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

Vestronidase alfa doses are based on weight. Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Vestronidase alfa dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII:

4 mg/kg IV infusion once every 2 weeks

Use: For the treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII) also known as Sly syndrome

Usual Pediatric Dose for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type VII:

4 mg/kg IV infusion once every 2 weeks

Use: For the treatment of Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII) also known as Sly syndrome

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your vestronidase 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 receiving vestronidase alfa?

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

What other drugs will affect vestronidase alfa?

Other drugs may affect vestronidase 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.

Vestronidase 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 vestronidase 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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