Does Medicare cover Fabrazyme?
Treatment with Fabrazyme is a covered benefit under most major insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs.
What is Fabrazyme used for?
Fabrazyme is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with confirmed Fabry disease. One goal in the treatment of Fabry disease is to clear and prevent future buildup of a fatty substance called GL-3, which can accumulate in key organs and cause organ damage.
How do you administer Fabrazyme?
Fabrazyme should be administered as an intravenous infusion. The initial infusion rate should be no more than 0.25 mg/min (15 mg/hour) to minimise the potential occurrence of infusion-associated reactions. After patient tolerance is established, the infusion rate may be increased gradually with subsequent infusions.
What does Fabry disease do to a person?
When you have Fabry disease, a certain type of fatty substance builds up in the cells of your body. It narrows your blood vessels, which can hurt your skin, kidneys, heart, brain, and nervous system.
What is Fabrazyme made of?
What is Fabrazyme? Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta) is a man-made form of the naturally-occurring alpha-galactosidase A enzyme. A deficiency of this enzyme is called Fabry disease. Agalsidase beta reduces deposits of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in the kidneys and certain other cells in the body.
What type of drug is Fabrazyme?
Drug details Fabrazyme is an enzyme replacement therapy. Its active ingredient is an enzyme (a type of protein) called agalsidase beta. The drug works by replacing a certain enzyme that either isn’t produced by your body, or that doesn’t work correctly.
How long is Fabrazyme infusion?
Because Fabrazyme doses are based on an individual’s weight, the time needed for an infusion of the therapy varies. At the initial recommended dosage and infusion rate, it usually takes from three to seven hours. Undergoing such long infusions regularly can be burdensome for patients.
Is Fabrazyme a biologic?
Fabrazyme is a biologic medication that’s only available in brand-name form. Instead of generic forms, biologic drugs may have approved biosimilar forms.
Who makes Fabrazyme?
Sanofi Genzyme is investigating Fabrazyme in a number of ongoing trials as well. One is called the Registry study (NCT00196742). It involves doctors treating patients who are in a Fabry disease registry as the need arises. The goal is to evaluate its long-term safety and effectiveness.