Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution Reconstituted, Intravenous [preservative free]:
Vpriv: 400 units (1 ea)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Velaglucerase alfa, which contains the same amino acid sequence as endogenous glucocerebrosidase, catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucocerebroside to glucose and ceramide in the lysosome. In patients with type 1 Gaucher’s disease, glucocerebrosidase deficiency results in accumulation of glucocerebroside in macrophages, thereby causing the associated signs and symptoms. Velaglucerase alfa is used to diminish hepatosplenomegaly and improve anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bone disease.
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Distribution
Vd: Steady-state: 0.08-.0.11 L/kg
Half-Life Elimination
11-12 minutes
Use: Labeled Indications
Gaucher disease: For long-term enzyme replacement therapy for pediatric and adult patients with type 1 Gaucher disease.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications listed in the US manufacturer's labeling.
Canadian labeling: Hypersensitivity to velaglucerase alfa or any component of the formulation.
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
Note: Pretreatment with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids can be considered for prevention of subsequent infusion reactions in patients with hypersensitivity reactions requiring symptomatic treatment; during clinical studies, patients were not routinely premedicated prior to infusion.
Gaucher’s disease (type 1): IV: 60 units/kg administered every 2 weeks; adjust dose based upon disease activity (range: 15-60 units/kg evaluated in clinical trials)
Note: When switching from imiglucerase to velaglucerase alfa in stable patients, initiate treatment 2 weeks after the last imiglucerase dose and at the same dose.
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Pediatric
Note: Pretreatment with antihistamines and/or corticosteroids can be considered for prevention of subsequent infusion reactions in patients with hypersensitivity reactions requiring symptomatic treatment; during clinical studies, patients were not routinely premedicated prior to infusion.
Gaucher’s disease (type 1): Children and Adolescents 4 to 17 years: IV: 60 units/kg every other week; adjust based upon disease activity; dosing range: 15 to 60 units/kg every other week. Note: When switching from imiglucerase to velaglucerase alfa, initiate velaglucerase alfa treatment 2 weeks after the last imiglucerase dose and at the same dose as stable imiglucerase therapy.
Reconstitution
Reconstitute the vials with 4.3 mL of SWFI to a final concentration of 100 units/mL. Gently mix vials; do not shake. The solution for infusion should be further diluted in 100 mL of NS. Slight flocculation may occur; this is acceptable for administration.
Administration
IV: Infuse over 1 hour; use an inline, low protein-binding 0.2 micron filter during infusion. Do not infuse other products in the same infusion tubing.
Storage
Store intact vials at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Once reconstituted, the product should be used immediately. If immediate use is not possible, the reconstituted or diluted product may be stored for up to 24 hours at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). The infusion should be completed within 24 hours of reconstitution. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Discard any unused solution.
Drug Interactions
There are no known significant interactions.
Adverse Reactions
>10%:
Central nervous system: Headache (30% to 35%), dizziness (8% to 22%), asthenia (≤15%), fatigue (≤15%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (15% to 19%)
Hematologic & oncologic: Prolonged partial thromboplastin time (5% to 11%; more common in children)
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (23% to 52%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Back pain (17% to 18%), arthralgia (8% to 15%; knee)
Miscellaneous: Fever (13% to 22%; more common in children)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Flushing (>2%), hypertension (>2%), hypotension (>2%), tachycardia (>2%)
Dermatologic: Skin rash ( >2%; more common in children), urticaria (>2%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (6% to 10%)
Immunologic: Antibody development (neutralizing: 2%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Ostealgia (>2%)
<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Anaphylaxis, chest discomfort, dyspnea, pruritus, vomiting
Warnings/Precautions
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Antibody formation: The development of IgG antibodies has been reported; the clinical significance is unknown. Patients with an immune response to other enzyme replacement therapies who are switching to velaglucerase alfa should be monitored for antibody development.
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Use with caution in patients who have exhibited hypersensitivity reactions to velaglucerase alfa or other enzyme replacement therapies. Anaphylaxis has occurred; appropriate medical support should be readily available in the event of a serious reaction. The most common hypersensitivity reactions reported in clinical trials include asthenia, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, hyper-/hypotension, nausea, and pyrexia. Most reactions were mild and occurred during the first 6 months of treatment. Management strategies of more severe reactions include symptomatic treatment, pretreatment with antihistamines, antipyretics, and/or corticosteroids, and slowing of the infusion rate. Treatment should be discontinued if anaphylaxis or other acute reactions occur.
Monitoring Parameters
Disease monitoring: CBC, liver enzymes, IgG antibodies; MRI, CT, or US of liver and spleen; bone density studies; monitor antibodies in those patients who developed antibodies to other enzyme replacement therapies
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Considerations
Based on available information, an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes has not been observed following maternal use of velaglucerase alfa (Elstein 2014; Lau 2018). Pregnancy may exacerbate existing type I Gaucher disease or result in new symptoms. Women with type I Gaucher disease have an increased risk of spontaneous abortion if disease is not well controlled. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including hepatosplenomegaly and thrombocytopenia, may occur.
Patient Education
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat Gaucher's disease.
Frequently reported side effects of this drug
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain
Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:
- Infusion reaction
- Chest pain
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of strength and energy
- Fatigue
- Fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Vision changes
- Dizziness
- Passing out
- Headache
- Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
