Elaprase (Idursulfase) belongs to the class of medications called enzyme replacement therapies (ERT). It is used to help improve walking capacity for people with Hunter syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS II).

Hunter syndrome is a genetic condition where the body does not produce enough of the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. This causes the buildup of substances called glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in cells and tissues. Elaprase (Idursulfase) works by increasing the amounts of enzyme, which then helps to remove GAG and reduce the accumulation of GAG in the body.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Elaprase (Idursulfase) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Elaprase (Idursulfase) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Elaprase (Idursulfase) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Elaprase (Idursulfase), speak to your doctor. Do not stop receiving Elaprase (Idursulfase) without consulting your doctor.

The usual dose of Elaprase (Idursulfase) is based on body weight at 0.5 mg per kg. It is given every week by intravenous (into a vein) infusion, usually over 1 to 3 hours. Elaprase (Idursulfase) is always prepared and given by a health care professional.

It is important to receive Elaprase (Idursulfase) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you cannot keep an appointment to receive your medication, contact your doctor for advice.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are receiving the medication without consulting your doctor.

Elaprase (Idursulfase) is stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C and should be kept out of the reach of children. Do not freeze or shake Elaprase (Idursulfase).

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Elaprase (Idursulfase). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Elaprase (Idursulfase) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Acne
• Diarrhea
• ear problems
• Eczema
• heartburn
• increased tear production
• joint pain
• nausea
• sore throat
• tremor
• upper abdominal pain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• dizziness
• Fever
• infusion reactions (e.g., headache, rash, itching, flushing redness, Hives, high blood pressure)
• increased blood pressure
• skin rash
• swelling at the place of injection
• swelling of the feet, ankles, or hands

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• abnormal heart rhythm(skipped or extra heartbeats)
• bluish skin colour (e.g., lips)
• chest pain
• seizures
• signs of a blood clot in the lung (e.g., difficulty breathing, cough, chest pain, increased breathing rate)
• signs of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., hives; difficulty breathing; wheezing; dizziness; seizure; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Elaprase (Idursulfase).

Each single use vial of sterile, aqueous, clear to slightly opalescent, colourless solution contains a 2 mg per mL of solution of Elaprase (Idursulfase) protein (6 mg in an extractable volume of 3 mL). The concentrate must be further diluted. Nonmedicinal ingredients: polysorbate 20, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic (heptahydrate), sodium phosphate monobasic (monohydrate), and water for injection.

Elaprase (Idursulfase) should not be used by anyone who is allergic to Elaprase (Idursulfase) or to any of the ingredients of the medication or the container.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.