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Laronidase
Generic name: laronidase
Brand names: Aldurazyme
What is laronidase?
Laronidase contains an enzyme that is normally found in healthy people. Some people do not have this enzyme due to a genetic disorder. Laronidase helps to replace this missing enzyme in those individuals.
Laronidase is used to treat some symptoms of a genetic condition known as mucopolysaccharidosis (MYOO-koe-pol-ee-SAK-a-rye-DOE-sis) or MPS I, which is also called Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie syndrome, or Scheie syndrome.
MPS I is a metabolic disorder where the body does not have the enzyme needed to break down certain substances. These substances can accumulate in the body, leading to enlarged organs, abnormal bone structure, changes in facial features, breathing difficulties, heart issues, vision or hearing loss, and changes in mental or physical abilities.
Laronidase may help improve breathing and walking ability in individuals with this condition. However, this medication is not a cure for MPS I.
Laronidase may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
How is laronidase given?
Laronidase is given through an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Laronidase is usually given once per week.
Tell your doctor if you have been sick with a fever or cold. You may need to wait until you get better before receiving your dose of laronidase.
Laronidase must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 4 hours to complete.
An hour before each injection, you will receive other medications to help prevent a serious allergic reaction.
After each injection, you will be watched closely to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Warnings
An allergic reaction may happen during or soon after the infusion of this medicine. Inform your caregivers or seek emergency medical help immediately if you notice any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as sweating, chest discomfort, trouble breathing, pale skin, blue lips or fingernails, and feeling faint.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Before taking this medicine
Your laronidase infusion may be delayed if you have a fever or cold symptoms.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems;
- heart disease; or
- sleep apnea, and you use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is not known whether laronidase will harm an unborn baby. However, MPS symptoms can get worse during pregnancy and may cause medical problems for both mother and baby. The benefit of treating MPS may outweigh any risks to the baby.
Your name may need to be listed on an MPS I Registry while you are using laronidase. The purpose of this registry is to track the progression of this disorder and the effects that laronidase has on long-term treatment of MPS I. The registry also tracks the effects of laronidase on a baby if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
Laronidase 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 happen during or shortly after the infusion of laronidase (up to 3 hours later). Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:
- rapid breathing, or feeling short of breath;
- wheezing, chest tightness;
- feeling like you might pass out, even while lying down;
- fast or slow heartbeats;
- sweating, cold or clammy skin;
- pale skin; or
- blue lips or fingernails.
Common side effects of laronidase may include:
- fever, chills;
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
- increased blood pressure;
- warmth, redness, numbness, or tingly feeling;
- fast heartbeats;
- overactive reflexes; or
- pain, swelling, burning, 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.
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Laronidase dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I:
0.58 mg/kg IV once a weekComments:-Clinical studies did not include patients 65 years and older and it is therefore unknown if they respond differently than younger patients.Uses: For the treatment of Hurler and Hurler-Scheie forms of Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) and for patients with the Scheie forms who have moderate to severe symptoms; risk and benefits of treating mildly affected patients with the Scheie form have not been established
Usual Pediatric Dose for Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I:
6 months or older: 0.58 mg/kg IV once a weekUses: For the treatment of Hurler and Hurler-Scheie forms of MPS I and for patients with the Scheie forms who have moderate to severe symptoms; risk and benefits of treating mildly affected patients with the Scheie form have not been established
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for guidance if you miss an appointment for your Laronidase injection.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What happens if I overdose?
Since laronidase is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen.
Follow your doctor's instructions about any limits on food, drinks, or activities.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
What other drugs will affect laronidase?
Other drugs may affect laronidase, 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.
This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.
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Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.