DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Aldurazyme

† Not commercially available in Canada.

Category

• Enzyme replenisher

Description

Laronidase (liar-OH-ni-days) is used to treat Hurler and Hurler-Schele syndrome forms of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS I) disease caused by the lack of a certain enzyme called [alpha ]-L-iduronidase in the body.

Laronidase is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

• Parenteral
• Injection (U.S.)

Before Receiving This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of receiving the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For laronidase the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to laronidase. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Laronidase has not been studied in pregnant women. However, laronidase has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether laronidase passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children—This medicine has been tested in children 5 years of age and older, and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than is does in adults. It is not know if children under 5 respond differently from older children.

Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of laronidase in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—The dose of laronidase will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders The following information includes only the average doses of laronidase:

• For Mycopolysaccharidosis I:
  • For injection dosage form:
    • Adults and children—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 0.58 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg), (0.26 mg per pound) given once weekly. It is injected slowly into a vein over three to four hours.

Precautions While Receiving This Medicine

Regular visits: If you will be taking this medicine for a long time, it is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 04/09/2004

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