When you have Pompe disease, your body does not produce enough of the acid alfa glucosidase (GAA) enzyme on its own. When administered by intravenous infusion every two weeks, Lumizyme® (alglucosidase alfa) provides the body with an ongoing source of that enzyme. That’s why it’s very important that you follow your doctor's instructions regarding your Lumizyme therapy.
Lumizyme may not be the only aspect of your Pompe treatment. Talk to your doctor before you add or stop taking any other medications, or make any other changes to your healthcare routines.
Regular Lumizyme infusions every two weeks as prescribed by your doctor are an important part of your treatment program. If you must miss an infusion, talk to your doctor about rescheduling the appointment as soon as possible.
Infusions are likely to be scheduled when you have work, school, or other obligations. If so, you may decide to inform your employer, teacher, or others about your Pompe disease and the importance of following your doctors recommendations for infusions. This is a personal decision that you might want to discuss with your doctor. Online educational resources, patient organizations, and a CareConnectPSS® Case Manager can also help you in preparing for these conversations.
If you will be traveling during your scheduled infusion or you are planning a permanent move, talk to your doctor and a CareConnectPSS Case Manager about the potential for arranging an infusion at your destination or new home. Here are some other tips to keep in mind when traveling or moving:
Download this document for more details on Lumizyme, its indication, safety information, and its usage:
LUMIZYME® (alglucosidase alfa) is an enzyme replacement therapy for patients with Pompe disease (acid α-glucosidase (GAA) deficiency).
WARNING: Risk of anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity and immune-mediated reactions, and risk of cardiorespiratory failure
Anaphylaxis and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Life-threatening anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity reactions have been observed in some patients during and after treatment with alglucosidase alfa. If such a reaction is severe enough, your doctor may decide to immediately discontinue the infusion and provide you with immediate medical care. Appropriate medical support and monitoring measures should be available during infusion.
Immune-Mediated Reactions: You or your child may be monitored for the development of systemic immune-mediated reactions while receiving Lumizyme. If these reactions occur, your doctor may discontinue the infusion and initiate appropriate medical treatment.
Risk of Acute Cardiorespiratory Failure: Infant Pompe patients with heart or breathing problems who are experiencing an acute respiratory condition may be at risk for increasing the seriousness of these problems as a result of Lumizyme administration due to the infusion fluid, and your child’s doctor may require additional monitoring for these infants.
Risk of Cardiac Arrhythmia and Sudden Cardiac Death during General Anesthesia for Central Venous Catheter Placement: Caution should be used when administering general anesthesia for the placement of a central venous catheter intended for Lumizyme infusion. Ventricular arrhythmias and slow heart rate resulting in cardiac arrest or death have been observed in infant Pompe patients with cardiac hypertrophy during general anesthesia for central venous catheter placement. Appropriate medical support and monitoring measures should be available during infusion.
Risk of Antibody Development: Since Lumizyme is a protein, it is possible that patients receiving it develop antibodies. Some patients who develop high IgG antibody levels that last for a while may have reduced response to Lumizyme. Patients should be monitored for IgG antibody formation every 3 months for 2 years and then annually thereafter.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions during Lumizyme studies in patients were allergy reactions and included: anaphylaxis, rash, fever, flushing/feeling hot, hives, headache, excessive sweating, nausea, cough, less oxygen in the blood, fast heart rate, rapid breathing, chest discomfort, dizziness, muscle twitching, agitation, bluish or purple skin, redness of skin, high blood pressure/increased blood pressure, facial paleness, chills, tremor, vomiting, fatigue, and muscle pain.
If you are pregnant, you should use Lumizyme only if your doctor has determined that its use outweighs any risks to your unborn child.
Please see the Full Prescribing Information for complete details, including boxed WARNING.