Elaprase Side Effects

Generic name: idursulfase

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 12, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Elaprase Side Effects associated with idursulfase. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Elaprase.

Applies to idursulfase: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, presenting as respiratory distress, hypoxia, hypotension, urticaria, and/or angioedema of throat or tongue have occurred in some patients during and up to 24 hours after idursulfase infusions, regardless of duration of the course of treatment.

Closely observe patients during and after idursulfase administration and be prepared to manage anaphylaxis.

Inform patients of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and have them seek immediate medical care should symptoms occur.

Patients with compromised respiratory function or acute respiratory disease may be at risk of serious acute exacerbation of their respiratory compromise due to hypersensitivity reactions, and require additional monitoring.

Serious side effects of Elaprase

Along with its needed effects, idursulfase (the active ingredient contained in Elaprase) 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 while taking idursulfase:

More common side effects

• bone or muscle pain
• chest pain
• chills
• cough
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• headache
• hives or welts
• itching
• rash
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• redness of the skin
• sneezing
• sore throat
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• sweating

Incidence not known

• difficulty with swallowing
• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• heart stops
• irregular breathing
• no breathing
• no pulse or blood pressure
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• unconscious
• weight gain

Other side effects of Elaprase

Some side effects of idursulfase 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 side effects

• change in hearing
• diarrhea
• ear drainage
• earache or pain in the ear

Less common side effects

• nausea
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to idursulfase: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported adverse effects in all clinical trials were hypersensitivity reactions and included rash, urticaria, pruritus, flushing, pyrexia, and headache.

The most frequently reported adverse effects following treatment were hypoxia, pyrexia, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, musculoskeletal pain, headache, pruritus, and urticaria.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very common (10% or more): Hypersensitivity reaction
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reaction
• Postmarketing reports: Late-emergent anaphylactoid reaction^[Ref]

In clinical trials, the most common adverse effects were hypersensitivity reactions and included rash, urticaria, pruritus, flushing, pyrexia, and headache. Most reactions were resolved with slowing the infusion rate or temporarily stopping the infusion, with or without additional treatments including antihistamines and/or corticosteroids prior to or during infusions.^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Antidrug antibody development (50%), neutralizing antibody development (24.3%)^[Ref]

In clinical trials, 32 out of 63 patients 5 years and older tested positive for antidrug antibodies at least 1 time; of the 32 patients, 23 tested positive for antidrug antibodies 3 or more times. The incidence of hypersensitivity reactions was higher in positive antidrug antibody patients than those who tested negative. Out of 32 antidrug antibody positive patients, 13 also tested positive for neutralizing antibodies. There was no clear relationship between presence of either type of antibody and therapeutic response.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 65.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, tremor^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (up to 34.4%), pruritus (up to 31.3%), urticaria (up to 16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Erythema^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Infusion-related reaction (68.8%), pyrexia (up to 62.5%), chest pain (up to 15.6%), infusion site swelling (12.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Face edema, peripheral edema^[Ref]

The most serious infusion-related reactions included anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions. The most common infusion-related reactions included cutaneous reactions (rash, pruritus, urticaria), pyrexia, headache, hypertension, flushing, wheezing, hypoxia, dyspnea, abdominal pain, nausea, dyspepsia, chest pain, and infusion site swelling. Treatment/amelioration of infusion-related reactions included slowing the infusion rate, interrupting the infusion, or drug therapy (e.g., antihistamines, antipyretics, low-dose corticosteroids [prednisone, methylprednisolone], beta-agonist nebulization).^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Musculoskeletal pain (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (up to 53.1%), nausea (up to 28.1%), dyspepsia (12.5%), vomiting, diarrhea
• Common (1% to 10%): Swollen tongue^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (up to 25%), flushing (15.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cyanosis, arrhythmia, tachycardia, hypotension
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiac failure, cardiorespiratory arrest^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Wheezing (15.6%), dyspnea (up to 12.5%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Cough, bronchospasm, tachypnea, hypoxia
• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary embolism
• Postmarketing reports: Respiratory failure, respiratory distress, pneumonia^[Ref]

Further information

Elaprase side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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