Glucarpidase

Glucarpidase is used in patients who experience kidney failure while getting high doses of methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug).

Glucarpidase is an enzyme that breaks down methotrexate in the body, allowing the drug to be easily removed when the kidneys are not functioning properly.

Glucarpidase may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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.

If you can, let your doctor know before you receive glucarpidase if you are also being treated with leucovorin.

Tell your caregiver immediately if you notice any symptoms of a reaction to the glucarpidase injection: severe dizziness or weakness, severe nausea, cold sweat, itching, numbness or a tingly feeling, sudden headache, fast heartbeats, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or if you feel like you might pass out.

If you can, before you get glucarpidase, inform your doctor if you are also receiving leucovorin.

In an emergency, you might not be able to inform caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ensure that any doctor looking after your pregnancy or your baby is aware that you received glucarpidase.

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:

• nausea, vomiting;
• numbness, tingling, burning pain; or
• 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.

Usual Adult Dose for Methotrexate Overdosage:

Single IV injection of 50 Units/kgUse: 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/kgUse: Treatment of toxic plasma methotrexate concentrations ( greater than 1 micromole per liter) in patients with delayed methotrexate clearance due to impaired renal function.

Since glucarpidase is given as a single dose, there is no daily dosing schedule.

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

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

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.