Cerezyme Infusion Therapy

See why thousands of patients choose our centers as their preferred destination for ongoing care, including Cerezyme Infusion treatments.

 

Cerezyme is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

  • pediatric and adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following conditions:
    • anemia
    • thrombocytopenia
    • bone disease

What is Cerezyme?

Cerezyme (imiglucerase) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion. Cerezyme has been used to treat Gaucher Disease for over twenty years. 

How Cerezyme Works  

People with Gaucher disease type 1 may not have acid beta-glucocerebrosidase, the enzyme that breaks down a fatty substance called glucosylceramide (GL-1). This deficiency can cause a buildup of GL-1 in organs such as the spleen and liver as well as in the bones. 

Cerezyme works by acting like the missing enzyme, breaking down GL-1 into its more basic elements—glucose and ceremide, which can be naturally removed from the body. 

Cerezyme Infusion Dosage & Administration

Patients receive infliximab intravenously. Treatment time for a Cerezyme infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts from one to two hours. 

Dosage and Frequency 

Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of infliximab, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight and condition severity. 

Infusion frequency will also depend on the patient’s dosage and condition severity. Frequency can range anywhere from three times per week to once every two weeks. 

Administering Cerezyme via IV Infusion  

  1. The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle. 
  2. Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape. 
  3. The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication. 

Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals.

Cerezyme Side Effects

As with all medications, side effects are possible. 

Possible side effects include: 

  • Dizziness 
  • Headache 
  • Rapid heart rate 
  • A bluish discoloration of skin due to diminished oxygen 
  • Flushing 
  • Low blood pressure 
  • Cough 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Pneumonia 
  • High blood pressure in the lungs 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting  
  • Serious allergic reaction 
  • Hypersensitivity 
  • Accumulation of fluid under the skin 
  • Itching  
  • Rash 
  • Hives 
  • Back pain or chest discomfort 
  • Fever or chills 
  • Fatigue 
  • Infusion site burning, discomfort, and/or swelling 

These side effects range in prevalence and many are rare. 

Preparing for Your Cerezyme Infusion

Follow these steps to prepare for your Cerezyme Infusion:

Consult Your Healthcare Provider

  • Medical History Review: Ensure your healthcare provider has a complete and up-to-date medical history, including any allergies, current medications, and past reactions to Infusion.
  • Pre-Infusion Testing: Complete any required blood tests or other pre-Infusion tests as recommended by your healthcare provider.

Pre-Infusion Medications

  • Prescription Pre-Medications: Your Cerezyme Infusion may require pre-medications to reduce the risk of a reaction or adverse event. Your referring provider will include any pre-medications when sending in your prescription order.
  • Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these medications, including the timing and dosage. Take these medications about 30-60 minutes before the Infusion as directed.

Hydration and Nutrition

  • Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your Infusion to ensure you are well-hydrated.
  • Eat Light: Have a light meal before your Infusion to help maintain your energy levels during the procedure.

Prepare for Comfort

  • Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms for the Infusion site.
  • Entertainment: Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, tablet, or music, as your treatment or observation period may take several hours.

Plan for Transportation

  • Arrange a Ride: Depending on the medication and your reaction to the Infusion, you might not feel well enough to drive yourself home. Consider arranging for someone to drive you or use a ride service.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your Cerezyme Infusion is as safe and comfortable as possible. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare team.

How to Get a Referral for Cerezyme

Every Cerezyme Infusion referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment.

Patient information should include:

  • Name
  • Current address
  • Home and mobile phone number
  • Insurance information

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for therapy:

  • Patient’s name and DOB
  • Order date
  • Diagnosis
  • Physician’s name and NPI#
  • Office address, phone, and fax numbers
  • Provider’s signature

Clinical documentation from the physician should include information to support a diagnosis for one or more of the following:

  • pediatric and adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Type 1 Gaucher disease that results in one or more of the following conditions:
    • anemia
    • thrombocytopenia
    • bone disease

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Cerezyme treats, IVX Health would be honored to provide your care. To find an IVX Health center near you, please click here.

Patients choose IVX Health for ongoing Cerezyme treatments because:

  • ALL private suites
  • Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
  • Evening & weekend appointments
  • Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
  • Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks

Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?

Cerezyme Financial Assistance Programs

Information about financial assistance programs coming soon.

Cerezyme Related Blog Posts

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The infusion experience is a tough one. So to create this serene, peaceful environment means more than you will ever know.

Jennifer, Patient at IVX Health

Interested?

IVX Health would love to learn more about your care needs. If you’re interested in switching your infusion services – or if you just want to learn more – let us know.

An IVX Health team member giving a blanket to a patient