pegademase bovine Health Article

Generic name(s):

pegademase bovine

Brand name(s):

Adagen

What is the most important information I should know about pegademase bovine?

Do not administer an injection if you are unsure how to properly do so, how much to inject, or how often to inject the medication. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to go over the instructions with you. Contact your doctor if you develop a fever; chills; sore throat; congestion; or redness, pain, or swelling around a wound or sore while using pegademase bovine. These may be signs of infection.

What are pegademase bovine?

Pegademase bovine is the enzyme called adenosine deaminase (ADA). Without ADA, certain proteins accumulate that harm white blood cells. White blood cells are important for protecting the body from infection.

Pegademase bovine is used to replenish ADA which allows an increase in white blood cells and decreases the risk of infection in conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID).

Pegademase bovine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using a pegademase bovine?

Before using pegademase bovine, tell your doctor if you

• are undergoing radiation or receiving chemotherapy; or

• have a bleeding disorder.

You may not be able to use pegademase bovine or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pegademase bovine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether pegademase bovine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use pegademase bovine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pegademase bovine will be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use pegademase bovine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use pegademase bovine?

Use pegademase bovine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Pegademase bovine is given by intramuscular (IM) injection. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject the medication.

Do not administer an injection if you are unsure how to properly do so, how much to inject, or how often to inject the medication. Call your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to go over the instructions with you.

Pegademase bovine is usually administered once every 7 days.

Do not inject a pegademase bovine that is discolored or that has particles in it.

Properly store and discard all syringes and needles.

Your doctor may want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests while using pegademase bovine to monitor effectiveness and possible side effects of the medication.

Do not stop taking pegademase bovine without talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks to 6 months to be fully effective. Stopping pegademase bovine may cause your immune system to become less effective and serious infections may occur.

Store pegademase bovine in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) away from light, moisture, and the reach of children. Avoid freezing the medication. Do not use this product if there are any indications that it may have frozen.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you miss a dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a pegademase bovine overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while using pegademase bovine?

There are no restrictions regarding foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with pegademase bovine unless otherwise directed by your doctor.