Zavesca

What is Zavesca used for?

• Zavesca is used to treat Gaucher's disease.

Before taking Zavesca, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Zavesca; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have kidney disease.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Zavesca with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Zavesca?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Zavesca. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• You may bleed more easily. Be careful and avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may cause diarrhea. If you get diarrhea, talk with your doctor about ways to lower this effect. Do not stop taking Zavesca without talking with your doctor.
• Follow the diet plan that your doctor told you about.
• This medicine may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Zavesca while you are pregnant.

How is Zavesca best taken?

Use Zavesca as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is best to take Zavesca in between meals or as you have been told by your doctor.
• Take Zavesca at the same time of day.
• Keep taking Zavesca as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of Zavesca that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe diarrhea.
• Diarrhea that will not go away.
• A big weight loss.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Weakness.
• Change in eyesight.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Memory problems or loss.
• Very bad headache.
• Shakiness.
• Trouble walking.

What are some other side effects of Zavesca?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dizziness.
• Stomach pain or heartburn.
• Weight loss.
• Diarrhea.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Gas.
• Bloating.
• Not hungry.
• Constipation.
• Dry mouth.
• Back pain.
• Leg cramps.
• Muscle cramps.
• Headache.
• Feeling of heaviness in your arms or legs.
• Period (menstrual) changes.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Zavesca?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer information use and disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Zavesca, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Zavesca or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Zavesca. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.