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Agalsidase Beta

Pronounced

"a-GAL-si-dase BAY-ta"

Common brand names:

Fabrazyme

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.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is given by slow injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 weeks. The injection is given by a health care professional. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

To help prevent reaction during the injection, your doctor may prescribe medications (such as acetaminophen, antihistamine, corticosteroid) for you before the injection. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for taking all your medications. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms during the injection, such as chills, flushing, itching, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness/tingling, shortness of breath, headache, or chest/abdominal pain. Your doctor may stop or slow the injection for a time, and/or give other medications if needed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar when to receive each dose.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.