VPRIV

Generic name: velaglucerase alfa [ VEL-a-GLOO-ser-ase-AL-fa ]
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 28, 2023.

What is VPRIV?

VPRIV is a man-made form of an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body in healthy people. Some people lack this enzyme because of a genetic disorder. Vvelaglucerase alfa is used as an enzyme replacement in people with Type I Gaucher disease.

Gaucher disease is a genetic condition in which the body lacks the enzyme needed to break down certain fatty materials (lipids). Lipids can build up in the body, causing symptoms such as easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, anemia, bone or joint pain, enlarged liver or spleen, or weakened bones that are easily fractured.

VPRIV may improve the condition of the liver, spleen, bones, and blood cells in people with Type I Gaucher disease, however, VPRIV is not a cure for this condition.

Warnings

Some people receiving a VPRIV injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Most infusion reactions have been mild. However, tell your caregiver right away if you experionce any of the following symptoms; headache, dizziness, fever, nausea, feeling weak or tired, and feeling like you might pass out. VPRIV is not a cure for Gaucher disease.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before receiving this medicine

You should not use VPRIV if you are allergic to velaglucerase alfa.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is not known whether velaglucerase alfa will harm an unborn baby. However, having untreated Type I Gaucher disease during pregnancy may cause complications such as miscarriage or stillbirth. Type I Gaucher disease also can get worse during pregnancy and may cause medical problems in both mother and baby. The benefit of treating this disease with velaglucerase alfa may outweigh any risks to the baby

VPRIV is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.

How is VPRIV given?

VPRIV is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

VPRIV is usually given every other week. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions.

VPRIV must be given slowly, and the infusion can take at least 1 hour to complete.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Velaglucerase alfa doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Gaucher Disease:

Starting dose for patients naive to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT): 60 units/kg IV every other week

Switching from imiglucerase to VPRIV: Patients currently being treated with stable doses of imiglucerase may switch by starting this drug at the previous imiglucerase dose 2 weeks after the last imiglucerase dose.

Comments:
-This drug should be administered as a 60-minute IV infusion under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Use: For long-term ERT for patients with type 1 Gaucher disease

Usual Pediatric Dose for Gaucher Disease:

4 years or older:
-Starting dose for patients naive to ERT: 60 units/kg IV every other week

-Switching from imiglucerase to VPRIV: Patients currently being treated with stable doses of imiglucerase may switch by starting this drug at the previous imiglucerase dose 2 weeks after the last imiglucerase dose.

Comments:
-This drug should be administered as a 60-minute IV infusion under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Use: For long-term ERT for patients with type 1 Gaucher disease

Related/similar drugs

miglustat, Cerdelga, imiglucerase, velaglucerase alfa, Cerezyme, eliglustat

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your VPRIV injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving VPRIV?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

VPRIV side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to VPRIV: hives; fever; chest discomfort, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

An allergic reaction may occur during or shortly after infusion of this medicine. Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as headache, dizziness, fever, nausea, feeling weak or tired, and feeling like you might pass out.

Common VPRIV side effects may include:

• headache;

• dizziness;

• feeling weak or tired;

• nausea, stomach pain;

• joint pain, back pain; or

• fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect VPRIV?

Other drugs may interact with velaglucerase alfa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

VPRIV Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for VPRIV.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use VPRIV only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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