DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Pegademase Bovine (peg-A-de-mase BO-vine)
Brand Name: Adagen

Adagen is used for:

Treating severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) in certain patients with adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency.

Adagen is a modified enzyme. It works by correcting the levels of ADA in the body, which improves immune system function.

Do NOT use Adagen if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Adagen
• you have a severely low blood platelet level

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Adagen :

Some medical conditions may interact with Adagen . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have bleeding, other blood conditions (eg, low blood platelets), or purpura

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Adagen . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• 2'-deoxycoformycin because it may decrease the effectiveness of Adagen
• Vidarabine because its effectiveness may be decreased by Adagen

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Adagen may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Adagen :

Use Adagen as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Adagen is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Adagen at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Adagen contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Continue to use Adagen even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Adagen , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Adagen .

Important safety information:

• LAB TESTS, including plasma ADA activity and blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Adagen , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Adagen during pregnancy. It is unknown if Adagen is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Adagen , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Adagen :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Headache; pain at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Adagen :

Adagen is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Adagen at home, store Adagen as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Adagen out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Adagen , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Adagen is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Adagen . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.