Drug guide

Ceredase

Ceredase (al-GLOO-ser-ace) is used to treat Gaucher's disease caused by the lack of a certain enzyme, glucocerebrosidase, in the body. This enzyme is necessary for your body to use fats. Ceredase is made from human placenta tissue that is collected after a baby is born. Before it is used, the tissue is tested for hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is similar to the testing that a blood bank does on donated blood before it is given to anyone else. Ceredase is available with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form: Parenteral Injection (U.S. and Canada)

Your doctor has ordered alglucerase to help treat your illness. The drug will be added to an intravenous fluid that will drip through a needle or catheter into your vein for 1-2 hours. Your doctor will determine how often you will receive this medication. Alglucerase is an enzyme used to help treat the signs and symptoms of Type 1 Gaucher's disease. Alglucerase is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how you respond to the medication.

Brand names:
- Alglucerase
- Ceredase