Alglucerase
Alglucerase is an enzyme replacement therapy used to treat Type 1 Gaucher disease, a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. By replacing this deficient enzyme, alglucerase helps break down accumulated glucocerebroside in various organs, reducing symptoms such as anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and bone abnormalities. It is administered via intravenous infusion.
Alglucerase is an enzyme replacement therapy for Type 1 Gaucher disease that helps reduce symptoms by breaking down accumulated glucocerebroside.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A16AB01
- RxNorm
- 46049
- Generic
- Alglucerase
- Class
- atc-a16
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse with caution
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse with caution
continue therapy if needed for disease management
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse with caution
continue therapy as needed for Gaucher disease
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
decision to breastfeed should be made considering benefits and unknown risks
monitor infant for any adverse effects
pediatric_age
pediatricweight-based dosing
dosing based on body weight, typically 60 units/kg every 2 weeks
regular monitoring of growth, development, and disease parameters
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment, individualize dose
use standard dosing with close monitoring
monitor renal and hepatic function, cardiovascular status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
renal impairmentuse with caution, monitor closely
no specific dose adjustment recommended but monitor renal function
regular renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic impairmentuse with caution, monitor closely
no specific dose adjustment recommended but monitor hepatic function
regular hepatic function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approved alglucerase in 1994 for Gaucher disease treatment
Drug class
Recombinant human glucocerebrosidase for enzyme replacement therapy
Common uses
Treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease characterized by glucocerebrosidase deficiency
Mechanism of action
Recombinant glucocerebrosidase replaces deficient enzyme in Gaucher disease patients
Alglucerase is indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy for patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease, particularly those with symptomatic non-neuronopathic disease who show signs of anemia, thrombocytopenia, bone disease, or organomegaly.
Alglucerase is a modified form of the human enzyme glucocerebrosidase (imiglucerase). It works by providing exogenous enzyme that is taken up by macrophages, where it hydrolyzes accumulated glucocerebroside into glucose and ceramide, thereby reducing substrate storage in affected organs.
Alglucerase is administered by intravenous infusion, typically over 1-2 hours. Patients may experience infusion-related reactions such as flushing, chills, or discomfort. Treatment should be supervised by physicians experienced in managing Gaucher disease. As a biological product, it may carry risks of immunogenic reactions.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy