Idursulfase

(eye dur SUL fase)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Unsafe allergic effects may happen.
• Your child will be closely watched while taking this drug.
• If your child has lung disease, talk with the doctor. He/she may be more sensitive to this drug's effects.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to idursulfase or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to treat Hunter syndrome.

How does this drug work?

• Idursulfase acts as an enzyme.

How is this drug given?

• It is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.
• Diphenhydramine may be given before this drug to lower itching.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take up to 12 months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• If your child has lung disease, talk with the doctor. He/she may be more sensitive to this drug.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Headache.
• High blood pressure. Have your child's checked before starting this drug.
• Muscle pain.
• Blurred eyesight. Have your child use care when doing tasks that call for clear eyesight.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Short-term pain after use.
• Unsafe allergic effects may rarely happen.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has very bad itching.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• This drug will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.