Skip to main content

Myozyme Injection

Generic name: alglucosidase alfa (injection) [ AL-gloo-KOE-si-dase-AL-fa ]
Brand name: Myozyme /i>
Drug class: Lysosomal enzymes

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Sep 25, 2023.

What is Myozyme?

Myozyme contains an enzyme that naturally occurs in the body in healthy people. Some people lack this enzyme because of a genetic disorder. Alglucosidase alfa helps replace this missing enzyme in such people.

Myozyme is used to treat a glycogen storage disorder called Pompe disease, (also called GAA deficiency) in adults and children.

Myozyme has been shown to improve ventilator-free survival in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease.

Warnings

Some people receiving Myozyme have had serious allergic reactions 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 itching, rash. redness or tingling, severe headache, feeling like you might pass out, fast or slow heart rate, wheezing, trouble breathing, pale skin, and blue lips or fingernails.

Before receiving Myozyme, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, lung disease or a breathing disorder, or if you are allergic to mice, hamsters, or drug products made with "murine" proteins.

Before each injection, tell your doctor if you have recently been sick with a cold, flu, or other illness. Some people receiving an injection of Myozyme have had a reaction to the infusion. This type of reaction can occur when the medicine is injected into the vein, or as long as 3 hours after the injection.

Before taking this medicine

To make sure Myozyme is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Babies who develop Pompe disease in the first year of life may need specialized medical tests to improve treatment with Myozyme treatment.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed within 24 hours after receiving Myozyme. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

Your name may be listed on the Pompe Registry. This is to track the progress of your disease and the outcome of your treatment with Myozyme.

How is Myozyme given?

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

Myozyme must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take up to 4 hours to complete.

This medicine is usually given once every 2 weeks.

Before each injection, tell your doctor if you have recently been sick with a cold, flu, or other illness.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Myozyme.

Myozyme can have long lasting effects on your body. Your blood will need to be tested every 3 months for 2 years and then once every year after that.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Pompe disease:

20 mg/kg via IV infusion every 2 weeks

Comments:
-Total volume of infusion is determined by patient's body weight and should be infused over about 4 hours.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Pompe disease:

20 mg/kg via IV infusion every 2 weeks

Comments:
-Total volume of infusion is determined by body weight and should be infused over about 4 hours.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Myozyme?

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

Myozyme side effects

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

Some allergic reactions may occur during the injection, or as long as 3 hours afterward. Tell your caregivers or get emergency medical help right away if you have:

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

Common Myozyme side effects may include:

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 Myozyme?

Other drugs may interact with alglucosidase alfa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.01.

More about Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa)

Patient resources

Other brands

Lumizyme

Professional resources

Other brands

Lumizyme

Related treatment guides

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