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Agalsidase beta Injection

(a gal' si dase be' ta)

Brand Name(s): Fabrazyme®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Agalsidase beta injection is used to treat Fabry disease (an inherited condition in which a type of fatty substance builds up in the body, resulting in nerve and organ damage) in adults and children 2 years of age and older. Agalsidase beta injection is in a class of medications called enzymes. It works by replacing an enzyme normally produced by the body that helps prevent the build up of the fatty substance in the body.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Agalsidase beta comes as a powder to be mixed with a liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare provider. Agalsidase beta injection is usually infused (injected slowly) intravenously over a period of at least 90 minutes once every 2 weeks.

Agalsidase beta injection may cause serious adverse reactions, including allergic reactions during an infusion and for 24 hours afterwards. A doctor or nurse will monitor you carefully while you are receiving the medication. You may be given other medications to treat or prevent reactions to agalsidase beta injection. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately or seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms during or shortly after your infusion: nausea; vomiting; skin redness; rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; difficulty breathing or swallowing; shortness of breath; fever; headache; chest pain; feeling hot or cold; diarrhea; stomach pain; dizziness; sleepiness; nasal congestion; fast or slow heartbeat; numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet; or muscle, arm, or leg pain.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving agalsidase beta injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to agalsidase beta, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in agalsidase beta injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney problems.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving agalsidase beta injection, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of agalsidase beta injection, call your doctor right away.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Agalsidase beta injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • cough, sore throat, runny nose, or other signs of infection
  • fatigue
  • back pain
  • ringing in the ears
  • hearing loss
  • repeatedly picking or scratching skin
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • hot flashes
  • falling

Agalsidase beta injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary