Idursulfase, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: enzyme replacement therapy

Generic and brand names: idursulfase, injection; Elaprase

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat the symptoms of Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II). This treatment is called long-term enzyme replacement therapy.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• breathing problems or lung disease

Also, tell your healthcare provider if you currently have a fever or infection.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given by a healthcare provider in a clinic or hospital where you will be monitored closely. It is given as an IV infusion, usually once a week. Keep all your appointments.

How much medicine you need and how often you receive it depends on how severe the disease is and how you respond to the medicine. You may be given other medicines before this medicine to help prevent allergic reactions.

What should I watch out for?

This is a very strong medicine. Only healthcare providers experienced with this drug should prescribe it. Some people who have received this medicine have experienced a severe allergic reaction while receiving the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat; fainting or lightheadedness; or seizures.

This medicine will not cure your disease but will help control it. You may need to take this medicine for the rest of your life.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat); fainting or lightheadedness; seizures.

Serious: Fast or irregular heartbeat; chest pain; fever, sore throat or any other signs of infection.

Other: Discomfort, burning, and swelling at the spot where injections are given; slight fever or chills; headache; joint or muscle pain; nervousness; itching; tiredness; blurred vision.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.