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Overview: Elelyso is used to treat type 1 Gaucher disease. It works by replacing an enzyme that helps break down a substance in the body called glucocerebroside. Common side effects include headache, joint pain, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness. Serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions. Elelyso is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider.

Uses

What is Elelyso used for?

Elelyso (taliglucerase alfa) is commonly used to treat type 1 Gaucher disease. Gaucher disease is a rare genetic condition that can cause symptoms such as weak bones, tiredness, and easy bruising. There are three main types of Gaucher disease, and type 1 is the most common.

Elelyso may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Elelyso work (mechanism of action)?

People with Gaucher disease do not have enough of an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase, which helps break down a fatty substance in the body called glucocerebroside. This causes a buildup of glucocerebroside, especially in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Elelyso is an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). It works by replacing this enzyme, which helps break down glucocerebroside in the body.

How is Elelyso supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Elelyso

Dosage forms and strengths

Elelyso is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Elelyso?

Elelyso is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Elelyso?

The most common side effects of Elelyso are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach pain
  • Itching 
  • Flushing
  • Hives
  • Pain in the arms, legs, hands, or feet

There may be other side effects of Elelyso that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Elelyso?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Elelyso are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Elelyso may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Allergic reactions can happen at any time during treatment with Elelyso, including early in treatment or after you have already had many doses. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Flushing or redness of your face and neck
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Elelyso?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should talk to their health care provider before using Elelyso.

  • Elelyso
  • Taliglucerase alfa
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Elelyso.

What should I know about Elelyso before using it?

Elelyso is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a health care setting. You will be closely monitored during your infusion. Keep all appointments for infusions, follow up, and blood work. 

Your health care provider may prescribe other medicines for you to take before each dose of Elelyso. Follow all instructions closely to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Elelyso can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Elelyso affects you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Elelyso?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Elelyso is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Elelyso could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Elelyso passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Elelyso while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Elelyso?

For more information about Elelyso, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.elelyso.com or call them at 800-438-1985.

Interactions

Does Elelyso interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Elelyso and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Elelyso. The risk of dizziness or other side effects may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Elelyso.

Does Elelyso interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Elelyso and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Elelyso?

If you or someone else has used too much Elelyso, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Elelyso?

Elelyso is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will tell you when to schedule your appointments for infusions. If you miss an appointment to get your Elelyso infusion, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.