cerezyme
Pharmaranks rates Cerezyme 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Cerezyme (Imiglucerase) is a medication used to treat Gaucher Disease, Liver Diseases, Splenic Diseases.
Imiglucerase · by Genzyme
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Imiglucerase
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Imiglucerase 200 UNITS/VIAL · Imiglucerase 400 UNITS/VIAL
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- gaucher disease, liver diseases, splenic diseases
- Manufacturer
- Genzyme
- FDA application
- BLA020367
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Cerezyme?
From the FDA label:Imiglucerase is a hydrolytic lysosomal glucocerebrosidase-specific enzyme. It is an analogue of the human enzyme b-glucocerebrosidase (b-D-glucosyl-N-acylsphingosine glucohydrolase, E.C. 3.2.1.45), produced by recombinant DNA technology using mammalian cell culture (Chinese hamster ovary). Purified imiglucerase is a monomeric glycoprotein of 497 amino acids, containing 4 N-linked glycosylation sites (Mr=60,430). Imiglucerase differs from placental glucocerebrosidase by one amino acid at position 495, where histidine is substituted for arginine. The oligosaccharide chains at the glycosylation sites have been modified to terminate in mannose sugars. The modified carbohydrate structures on imiglucerase are somewhat different from those on placental glucocerebrosidase. CEREZYME (imiglucerase) for injection is intended for intravenous use. It is supplied as a sterile, nonpyrogenic, white to off-white lyophilized powder for reconstitution with Sterile Water for Injection, USP. Each single-dose vial contains 424 units imiglucerase, mannitol (340 mg), polysorbate 80, NF (1.06 mg), and sodium citrates: disodium hydrogen citrate (36 mg) and trisodium citrate (104 mg). An enzyme unit (U) is defined as the amount of enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of 1 micromole of the synthetic substrate para-nitrophenyl-b-D-glucopyranoside (pNP-Glc) per minute at 37°C. Reconstituted solutions have…
How to use
Administer CEREZYME under the supervision of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. ( 2.1 ) The recommended dosage is 2.5 units/kg three times a week to 60 units/kg once every two weeks administered intravenously. ( 2.2 ) Titrate the dosage based on disease severity and therapeutic goals for the patient. ( 2.2 ) See the full prescribing information for dosage modifications due to hypersensitivity reactions and/or IARs. ( 2.3 ) See the full prescribing information for preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.4 , 2.5 ) 2.1 Recommendations Prior to CEREZYME Treatment Administer CEREZYME under the supervision of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Initiate CEREZYME in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . For patients who experience hypersensitivity reactions to CEREZYME, premedicate with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids. Monitor patients for the occurrence of new hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage and Administration Ensure physicians knowledgeable in the management of patients with Gaucher disease…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Infusion-Associated Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Adverse reactions reported in adults and pediatric patients include back pain, chills, dizziness, fatigue, headache, hypersensitivity reactions, nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genzyme at 1-800-633-1610 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials and Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions associated with the use of imiglucerase were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. See Table 2 for adverse reactions occurring in adults and pediatric patients treated with CEREZYME in clinical trials and the postmarketing setting. Table 2: Adverse Reactions in Adults and Pediatric Patients Treated with CEREZYME Adverse Reactions Nervous system disorders dizziness, headache Cardiac disorders tachycardia Vascular disorders cyanosis, Signs and symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis [see…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies have experienced life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. Initiate CEREZYME in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue CEREZYME and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. Inform patients of the symptoms of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. ( 5.1 ) Initiate CEREZYME in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. ( 5.1 ) If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue CEREZYME and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. ( 5.1 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Infusion-Associated Reactions (IARs) : If a severe IAR occurs, discontinue CEREZYME immediately and initiate appropriate medical treatment. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis Life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported in patients treated with enzyme replacement therapies, including CEREZYME. In addition, other hypersensitivity reactions have included pruritus, flushing, urticaria, angioedema, chest discomfort, dyspnea, cough, cyanosis, tachycardia, and hypotension [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Patients with antibody to imiglucerase have a higher risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Conversely, not all patients with symptoms of hypersensitivity have detectable IgG antibody. Consider periodic monitoring of patients during the first year of treatment for IgG antibody formation [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Anaphylaxis has occurred during the early course of enzyme replacement therapy and after extended duration of therapy. Administer CEREZYME under the supervision of a healthcare provider knowledgeable in the management of hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Initiate CEREZYME in a healthcare setting with appropriate medical monitoring and support measures, including access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) occurs, discontinue CEREZYME and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment, including use of epinephrine. Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering CEREZYME following severe hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis). If the decision is made to re-administer CEREZYME, consider decreasing the infusion rate and administering antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids. Monitor patients for the occurrence of new signs and symptoms of a severe hypersensitivity reaction. If a mild or moderate hypersensitivity reaction occurs, consider decreasing the infusion rate, temporarily stopping the infusion, and/or administering antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids. Inform patients of the symptoms of life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and to seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur. 5.2 Infusion-Associated Reactions Infusion-associated reactions (IARs) such as angioedema, pruritus, rash, urticaria, chest discomfort, chills, fatigue, infusion-site burning, infusion-site discomfort, infusion-site swelling, pyrexia and hypertension have been observed in patients treated with CEREZYME [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . If a severe IAR occurs, discontinue CEREZYME and immediately initiate appropriate medical treatment. Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering CEREZYME following a severe IAR. If a mild or moderate IAR occurs, consider decreasing the infusion rate, temporarily stopping the infusion, and/or administering antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids.
Who should not take Cerezyme
None. None. ( 4 )
Storing Cerezyme, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “f the reconstituted CEREZYME vial is not used immediately: Refrigerate the reconstituted solution at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) or store at room temperature at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) for up to 12 hours.”
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
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Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Cerezyme treat?
- Cerezyme (Imiglucerase) may be used to treat gaucher disease, liver diseases, splenic diseases, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Cerezyme rated?
- pharmaranks gives Cerezyme a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Cerezyme?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Cerezyme. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Cerezyme?
- Cerezyme is marketed by Genzyme. You can see Genzyme's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Cerezyme a brand-name or generic drug?
- Cerezyme is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Imiglucerase.
- Is Cerezyme available over the counter?
- No. Cerezyme is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Cerezyme come in?
- Cerezyme is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Cerezyme FDA-registered?
- Cerezyme is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA020367. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Cerezyme been recalled by the FDA?
- Cerezyme has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Cerezyme safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Cerezyme a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Cerezyme?
- Cerezyme's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions Including Anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Infusion-Associated Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Adverse reactions reported in adults and pediatri… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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cerezyme
70/100