Miglustat, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: enzyme inhibitor

Generic and brand names: miglustat, oral; Zavesca

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat the symptoms of Gaucher's disease.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• kidney disease
• peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in your hands or feet)

Males: This medicine may harm a man's sperm. Men should use condoms during treatment and for 3 months after stopping this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. This medicine has been reported to cause birth defects. Use effective birth control. Stop taking this medicine at the first sign that you may be pregnant and contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take each dose at the same time each day. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not break, crush, or chew them. Take each dose with a full glass of water.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

You will need to have blood tests and exams regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.

This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

Diarrhea is a common side effect when you take this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about medicine to help with this. Your provider may also suggest changes to your diet. Follow your provider's instructions about diet.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (contact your healthcare provider right away): Numbness, pain, or burning sensation in hands or feet; tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding.

Other: Diarrhea, nausea, gas, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, constipation, muscle cramps, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, change in menstrual periods, vision problems.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• imiglucerase (Cerezyme)

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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