This medication is used for long-term treatment of a
certain rare genetic problem (Gaucher's disease). Eliglustat works by
decreasing the amount of a certain natural fatty substance
(glucosylceramide) that builds up due to this condition. This can improve
symptoms of Gaucher's disease, such as bruising, tiredness, pain in the
joints/bones, and a swollen liver/spleen.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking eliglustat and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. The manufacturer
directs to swallow the capsules whole, preferably with water, and not to
open, crush, or dissolve the capsules before swallowing. However, other
similar drugs (immediate-release capsules) can be opened, and the contents
may be sprinkled on or mixed in food. Follow your doctor's directions on
how to take this medication. If you are also using enzyme replacement
treatment (such as imiglucerase, velaglucerase alfa, or taliglucerase
alfa), you may take this medication 24 hours after your dose of the enzyme
replacement treatment.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice
while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may
do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, lab tests, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure
to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use
(including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Nausea, upset stomach, abdominal pain, gas/bloating,
diarrhea, headache, back pain, arm/leg pain, dizziness, or weakness may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking eliglustat, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- liver problems
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Eliglustat may cause a condition that affects the heart
rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely
fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe
dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right
away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have
certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT
prolongation. Before using eliglustat, tell your doctor or pharmacist of
all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following
conditions:
- certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT
prolongation in the EKG)
- family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in
the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may
also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you
use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have
conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Other medications can affect the removal of eliglustat
from your body, which may affect how eliglustat works. Examples include
azole antifungals (such as fluconazole, ketoconazole), HIV protease
inhibitors (such as indinavir), macrolide antibiotics (such as
erythromycin, clarithromycin), rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin),
paroxetine, ritonavir, St. John's wort, drugs used to treat seizures (such
as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), among others.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
liver/spleen measurements, a certain liver enzyme test-CYP2D6 genotype)
should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are
taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.