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Brand Names: VPRIV

Generic Name: velaglucerase alfa (Pronunciation: VEL a GLOO ser ase AL fa)

• What is velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?
• What are the possible side effects of velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?
• What is the most important information I should know about velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?
• How is velaglucerase alfa given (VPRIV)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (VPRIV)?
• What happens if I overdose (VPRIV)?
• What should I avoid while receiving velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?
• What other drugs will affect velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?

Velaglucerase is a man-made form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body. It is used as an enzyme replacement in people with Type I Gaucher disease.

Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain fatty materials (lipids). Lipids can build up in the body, causing symptoms such as easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, anemia, bone or joint pain, enlarged liver or spleen, or weakened bones that are easily fractured.

Velaglucerase may improve the condition of the liver, spleen, bones, and blood cells in people with Type I Gaucher disease. However, velaglucerase is not a cure for this condition.

Velaglucerase may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people receiving a velaglucerase alfa injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Most infusion reactions have been mild. However, tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, itchy, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing during the injection.

Less serious side effects may include:

• headache;
• low fever;
• dizziness, tired feeling;
• nausea, stomach pain;
• knee pain, back pain; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about velaglucerase alfa (VPRIV)?

You should not use velaglucerase alfa if you are allergic to it.

Some people receiving a velaglucerase alfa injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Most infusion reactions have been mild. However, tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, itchy, short of breath, or have a fast heartbeat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing during the injection.

Velaglucerase is not a cure for Gaucher disease.

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