imiglucerase

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

imiglucerase works by replacing the deficient or malfunctioning glucocerebrosidase enzyme in individuals with Gaucher’s disease. The enzyme is responsible for breaking down a fatty substance is known as glucocerebroside. Gaucher’s disease type 1 primarily affects the organs like liver, spleen, bone marrow. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Dizziness 

Cyanosis 

Fatigue 

Pyrexia 

Infusion-site discomfort 

Back pain 

Chills 

Flushing 

Chest discomfort 

Dyspnea 

Infusion-site burning 

Nausea 

Infusion-site swelling 

Pruritus 

Rash 

Hypersensitivity 

Pneumonia 

Vomiting 

Anaphylaxis 

Angioedema 

Urticaria 

Diarrhea 

Pulmonary hypertension 

Headache 

Cough 

Hypotension 

Abdominal pain 

Tachycardia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

None  

Caution: 

• Patients receiving imiglucerase may develop antibodies against the medication, which can potentially reduce its efficacy. Regular monitoring for the presence of antibodies should be considered. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: 

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: It present in human breast milk but in small amounts immediately after an infusion  

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women. 

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women. 

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology  

imiglucerase is a recombinant glucocerebrosidase enzyme that is administered intravenously. Following administration, it is absorbed by the cells and transported to the lysosomes, where it works to degrade glucocerebroside buildup into less complex compounds that may be metabolized and excreted from the body. 

Pharmacodynamics 

imiglucerase primarily targets glucocerebroside, a fatty substance that builds up in different tissues in Gaucher’s disease patients as a result of insufficient or dysfunctional glucocerebrosidase enzyme activity. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

As administered intravenously, imiglucerase bypasses the absorption phase. The steady-steady was reached in 30 minutes.  

Distribution 

imiglucerase is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. The volume of distribution is approximately 0.09 to 0.15 L/kg 

Metabolism 

imiglucerase is not primarily metabolized by the body.  

Elimination and excretion 

The excretion of imiglucerase occurs through urine.  

Adminstartion

Administration 

imiglucerase is administered through intravenous infusion.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: imiglucerase 

Why do we use imiglucerase? 

imiglucerase helps reduce the enlargement of the liver and spleen usually seen in Gaucher’s disease.   

imiglucerase treatment can help normalize blood cell counts, such as platelet count and haemoglobin levels.