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November 16, 2025
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Brand Name :
VPRIV
Synonyms :
velaglucerase alfa
Class :
Lysosomal enzymes
Brand Name :
VPRIV
Synonyms :
velaglucerase alfa
Class :
Lysosomal enzymes
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Intravenous, lyophilized powder for injection
400units/vial
Initial dose: 60units/kg intravenous every alternate week as a part of Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT):
Note: This medication should be given intravenously (IV) over 60 minutes under the guidance of a medical professional
Adjust the dose as per maintenance and requirements of each patient
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Intravenous, lyophilized powder for injection
400units/vial
For children under four years of age: safety data not established
For children of and above four years of age:
Initial dose: 60units/kg intravenous every alternate week as a part of Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT)
Note: This medication should be given intravenously (IV) over 60 minutes under the guidance of a medical professional
Adjust the dose as per maintenance and requirements of each patient
indications: it is indicated in the treatment of Gaucher's disease Type-I
Refer to adult dosing
Actions and spectrum:
A glucocerebroside-specific hydrolytic lysosomal enzyme is responsible for catalyzing glucocerebroside hydrolysis, thereby decreasing the quantity of glucocerebroside that accumulates.
Glucocerebroside accumulates mainly in the macrophage lysosomal compartment, where it causes foam cells, also known as “Gaucher cells.”
Frequency not defined
Pain in the abdomen(15-19%)
Dizziness (8-22%)
Headache (30-35%d)
Upper respiratory tract infections (30-32%)
Fatigue(13%)
Tachycardia(2%)
Urticaria(2%)
Black Box Warning
Not listed
Contraindication/Caution:
Caution:
Reactions related to infusion
Hypersensitivity
Pregnancy consideration:
USFDA pregnancy category: B
Lactation:
To be used with caution
Pregnancy category:
Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus `in either the first or second trimester.
Category B: There was a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.
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:
Pharmacodynamics:
Velaglucerase may help patients with Type I Gaucher disease by improving the health of their bones, blood cells, liver, and spleen. Velaglucerase, however, does not treat this illness.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
No accumulation was observed until 1-37 weeks
Distribution
Volume of distribution: 82-108ml/kg
Metabolism
Elimination and excretion
Clearance: 6.72-7.56 ml/min/kg
Half-life:
11-12minutes
Administration:
For 60 minutes, run the solution through an in-line, low-protein-binding 0.2- or 0.22-micron filter.
Prior to medication
Premedication with corticosteroids and antihistamines may be necessary for patients who have a previous history of hypersensitivity brought on by previous infusions of velaglucerase alfa products. When provided, appropriate medical assistance should be readily available.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: velaglucerase alfa
Why do we use velaglucerase alfa?
Velaglucerase alfa is used as enzyme replacement therapy in the treatment of Type-I Gaucher’s disease. Gaucher disease, a genetic condition, causes symptoms such as weakness, anemia, bleeding, bone weakness, etc.
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