Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta)

Metabolic Disease Enzyme Replacement, Fabry's Disease Intravenous Vial (Ea)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Agalsidase beta is a biosynthetic (recombinant DNA origin) form of human alpha-galactosidase, an enzyme that metabolizes glycosphingolipids, including globotriaosylceramide (GL-3).

Agalsidase beta is a biosynthetic (recombinant DNA origin) form of human alpha-galactosidase (alpha-galactosidase A, also known as ceramide trihexosidase); this enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of GL-3 and other alpha-galactyl-terminated neutral glycosphingolipids, such as galabiosylceramide and blood group B substances to ceramide dihexoside and galactose. Agalsidase beta is prepared from cultures of genetically modified mammalian (Chinese hamster ovary) cells using recombinant DNA technology. In patients with Fabry's disease, agalsidase beta provides an exogenous source of alpha-galactosidase.

Agalsidase beta is internalized and transported into lysosomes where it exerts enzymatic activity and reduces accumulated GL-3.

Agalsidase beta exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics following IV infusion of various weight-based doses in adults. The AUC and maximum plasma concentration increased greater than dose proportional with increasing doses.

USES: This medication is used to treat a certain inherited disorder (Fabry disease) that causes buildup of a certain fat substance (GL-3) in some parts of your body. Worsening of this disorder can lead to kidney disease, heart attack, or stroke. Agalsidase beta works by replacing an enzyme that your body lacks, which helps break down the fat substance (GL-3) in your body.

This can help prevent symptoms such as pain (especially in the hands and feet), dark red spots on the skin, a decreased ability to sweat, cloudiness of the front part of the eye, stomach/intestinal problems, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.

Generic name: agalsidase beta
Pronunciation: (a-GAL-si-dase BAY-ta)
Drug class: Metabolic Disease Enzyme Replacement, Fabry's Disease
Therapeutic class: Metabolic Disease Enzyme Replacement Agents

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Fabrazyme:

  • Fabry Disease

Also known as: Alpha-Galactosidase A Deficiency, Angiokeratoma Corporis Diffusum, Angiokeratoma Corporis Diffusum Universale, Ceramide Trihexosidase Deficiency, Diffuse Angiokeratoma, Fabry's Disease, Glycolipid Lipidosis.

Dosing

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Drug interactions

No formal drug interaction studies have been performed to date. However, some clinicians state that biosynthetic forms of alpha-galactosidase should not be administered concurrently with chloroquine, amiodarone, monobenzone, or gentamicin because of a theoretical risk of inhibited intracellular alpha-galactosidase activity.

Contraindications

*None.

Adverse reactions

The most common adverse reactions (>=20%) with agalsidase beta include upper respiratory tract infection, chills, pyrexia, headache, cough, paresthesia, fatigue, peripheral edema, dizziness, and rash.

Precautions

No enhanced messaging available.

ICD codes

CodeTypeDescription
Fabry disease
E75.21ICD10CMFabry (-anderson) disease

ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).

Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data