Zavesca

Zavesca

Generic Name: miglustat (MIH glue stat)

Brand Names: Zavesca

What is Zavesca?

Zavesca may reduce the formation of the protein glucosylceramide in the body. Individuals with type 1 Gaucher disease (a hereditary disorder) are missing an enzyme to break down glucosylceramide in the body. Therefore, it may build up in the tissues and cause problems. Untreated Gaucher disease may result in anemia (low level of red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low level of platelets), bone disease, hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), or splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen).

Zavesca is used in the treatment of mild to moderate type 1 Gaucher disease by people who cannot receive enzyme replacement therapy.

Zavesca may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

What is the most important information I should know about Zavesca?

Nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, and tremor (shaking) of the hands have been reported by some people taking Zavesca. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsening numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, arms, legs, or feet or tremor in the hands.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Zavesca?

Before taking Zavesca, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, any other medical conditions, or if you take any other medicines. You may not be able to take Zavesca, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Zavesca is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that Zavesca is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take this medicine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Use of birth control is recommended for women during treatment with this medicine. Because Zavesca can also affect sperm, birth control is also recommended for men during, and for three months following, treatment with Zavesca. It is not known whether miglustat passes into breast milk and if it will affect a nursing baby. Do not take Zavesca without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Zavesca?

Take Zavesca exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take Zavesca at the same time or times each day as directed by your doctor.

Swallow each capsule whole with a full glass of water.

Zavesca can be taken with or without food.

It is important to take Zavesca regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have neurological tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Zavesca to monitor progress and side effects.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Zavesca dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Zavesca, skip the missed dose and only take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a Zavesca overdose are not well known but may include dizziness, numbness and tingling, and blood problems.

What should I avoid while taking Zavesca?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity during treatment with this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Zavesca side effects

Nerve problems such as numbness, tingling, and tremor (shaking) of the hands have been reported by some people taking Zavesca. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsening numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands, arms, legs, or feet or tremor in the hands. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction to Zavesca including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zavesca and talk to your doctor if you experience:

diarrhea;

decreased appetite or weight loss;

gas or abdominal pain;

constipation;

muscle cramps or weakness;

headache;

dizziness; or

vision problems.

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.

See also: Zavesca side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Zavesca?

Zavesca is not intended for use with imiglucerase (Cerezyme), another treatment for type 1 Gaucher disease.

There are no known interactions between Zavesca and other medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with this medication.

More Zavesca resources

Zavesca Side Effects (in More Detail)

Zavesca Dosage

Zavesca Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Zavesca Drug Interactions

Zavesca Support Group

0 Reviews for Zavesca - Add your own review/rating

Zavesca Prescribing Information (FDA)

Zavesca MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Zavesca Monograph (AHFS DI)

Zavesca Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Miglustat Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Zavesca with other medications

Gaucher Disease

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about Zavesca written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Miglustat is available with a prescription under the brand name Zavesca. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Zavesca 100 mg-white capsules