Galsulfase Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 18, 2024.

Applies to galsulfase: intravenous solution.

Common side effects of galsulfase

Some side effects of galsulfase may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• diarrhea
• ear pain
• loss of appetite

Less common side effects

• body aches or pain
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• congestion
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• excessive tearing
• loss of or increase in reflexes
• runny or stuffy nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• trouble with swallowing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• voice changes

Incidence not known

• difficulty with moving
• loss of voice
• muscle pain or stiffness
• sneezing

Serious side effects of galsulfase

Along with its needed effects, galsulfase may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking galsulfase:

Less common side effects

• blurred or decreased vision
• chest pain
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness
• headache
• hernia of the naval
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• slow or fast heartbeat
• swelling of the face
• tightness in the chest

Incidence not known

• back pain
• bluish lips or skin
• confusion
• cough
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fever, chills, or sweating
• hives or welts
• joint pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• loss of bladder control
• loss of bowel control
• nausea or vomiting
• paralysis of the limbs
• stomach pain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to galsulfase: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported adverse reactions included rash, pain, urticaria, pyrexia, pruritus, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dyspnea.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions requiring interventions are infusion-related reactions.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction, allergic reaction^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (21%), angioedema, urticaria, pruritus
• Common (1% to 10%): Erythema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (47%), gastroenteritis (11%), umbilical hernia (11%), nausea, vomiting^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Infusion reactions (56%), ear pain (42%), pain (32%), chills/rigors (21%), chest pain (16%), malaise (11%), hearing impairment (11%), pyrexia^[Ref]

Infusion reactions, which occurred in 56% of patients across 5 clinical studies were defined as adverse reactions occurring during infusions or until the end of the infusion day. Infusion reactions were observed as early as week 1 and as late as week 146 of treatment and occurred during multiple infusions, however, not always in consecutive weeks. The most common signs/symptoms included pruritus, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, hypertension, headache, chest pain, erythema, cough, hypotension, angioedema, respiratory distress, tremor, conjunctivitis, malaise, bronchospasm, and arthralgia.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension
• Frequency not reported: Pallor, bradycardia, tachycardia, cyanosis, shock^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Areflexia (11%), headache
• Common (1% to 10%): Tremor
• Frequency not reported: Paresthesia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (21%), pharyngitis (11%), nasal congestion (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Apnea, cough, respiratory distress, asthma, bronchospasm
• Frequency not reported: Laryngeal edema, hypoxia, tachypnea, sleep apnea
• Postmarketing reports: Respiratory failure^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia (42%)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Conjunctivitis (21%), corneal opacity (11%)^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Development of antidrug antibodies (98%)^[Ref]

During clinical trials, 53 out of 54 patients tested positive for antidrug IgG antibodies within 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. In the placebo controlled study, 19 patients were evaluated for a potential relationship between development of antidrug antibodies to clinical outcome measures. While all 19 patients developed antidrug antibodies, there was no consistent predictive relationship between total antibody titer, neutralizing or IgE antibodies, and infusion-associated reactions, urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels, or endurance measures.^[Ref]

Renal

• Postmarketing reports: Membranous nephropathy^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Postmarketing reports: Thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Further information

Galsulfase side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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