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Olipudase alfa-rpcp (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2022.

Intravenous route(Powder for Solution)

Hypersensitivity Reactions Including AnaphylaxisPatients treated with olipudase alfa-rpcp have experienced hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Appropriate medical support measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment, should be readily available during olipudase alfa-rpcp administration. If a severe hypersensitivity reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) occurs, olipudase alfa-rpcp should be discontinued immediately and appropriate medical treatment should be initiated. In patients with severe hypersensitivity reaction, a desensitization procedure to olipudase alfa-rpcp may be considered .

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

  • Xenpozyme

Available Dosage Forms:

  • Powder for Solution

Therapeutic Class: Enzyme Replacement

Pharmacologic Class: Olipudase Alfa

Uses for olipudase alfa-rpcp

Olipudase alfa-rpcp injection is used to treat non-central nervous system symptoms of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD). ASMD is a genetic disease that affects many organs (eg, liver, lungs, spleen, blood, stomach) and can worsen over time.

Olipudase alfa-rpcp is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using olipudase alfa-rpcp

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

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to olipudase alfa-rpcp or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of olipudase alfa-rpcp injection in children. Safety and efficacy have been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of olipudase alfa-rpcp injection have not been performed in the geriatric population.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with 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 healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of olipudase alfa-rpcp

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you or your child olipudase alfa-rpcp in a medical facility. It is given through a needle that is placed into one of your veins.

Olipudase alfa-rpcp must be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 20 minutes. It is usually given every 2 weeks.

You may also receive medicines (eg, allergy medicine, fever medicine, steroids) to help prevent possible unwanted effects during the injection.

Missed dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Precautions while using olipudase alfa-rpcp

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure that olipudase alfa-rpcp is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using olipudase alfa-rpcp while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using olipudase alfa-rpcp to make sure you are not pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with olipudase alfa-rpcp and for at least 14 days after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using olipudase alfa-rpcp, tell your doctor right away.

Olipudase alfa-rpcp may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have chest tightness, cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, or skin rash, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Olipudase alfa-rpcp may cause infusion-related reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a fever, chills or shaking, dizziness, trouble breathing, itching or rash, lightheadedness or fainting after receiving olipudase alfa-rpcp.

Olipudase alfa-rpcp side effects

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.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

  • Blurred vision
  • body aches or pain
  • chest tightness
  • confusion
  • cough
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • dryness or soreness of the throat
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • fever
  • hives, itching, or skin rash
  • hoarseness
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • sweating
  • tender, swollen glands in the neck
  • trouble breathing
  • trouble in swallowing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • voice changes

Incidence not known

  • Back pain
  • chills
  • headache
  • large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • nausea and vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • Diarrhea
  • difficulty in moving
  • flushing, redness of the skin
  • lack or loss of strength
  • muscle or joint pain
  • redness of the eye
  • sneezing
  • throat irritation
  • unusually warm skin

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.