Type of medicine: enzyme inhibitor
Generic and brand names: miglustat, oral; Zavesca
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat the symptoms of Gaucher's disease.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
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.
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.
If you miss a dose, 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.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
This medicine may cause nerve problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any burning, tingling, or numbness in your hands, arms, legs, or feet, or if you have new or worsening hand tremors. Your healthcare provider may check your nervous system before and during treatment with this medicine. You may need blood tests or other tests 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 and weight loss are common side effects when you take this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about medicine to help with the diarrhea. Your provider may also suggest changes to your diet. Follow your provider's instructions about diet.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
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.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (contact your healthcare provider right away): Numbness, pain, or burning sensation in hands or feet; new or worsening tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding, severe or constant diarrhea; vision problems.
Other: Diarrhea, nausea, gas, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, constipation, muscle cramps, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, change in menstrual periods, dry mouth, back pain, heartburn, memory problems.
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:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. 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.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
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.
