PEGADEMASE (Systemic)†

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Adagen

Other commonly used names are PEG-ADA and PEG-adenosine deaminase .

† Not commercially available in Canada.

• Enzyme, adenosine deaminase, replenisher

Pegademase (peg-A-de-mase) contains an enzyme called adenosine deaminase (ADA). It is used to treat children who do not have a properly developed immune system because of a lack of ADA in the body.

Pegademase is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor. It is available in the following dosage form:

• Parenteral
• Injection (U.S.)

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For pegademase, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to pegademase. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving pegademase, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of pegademase. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Blood clotting problems—Injection may cause bleeding

Dosing—The dose of pegademase will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of pegademase.

• For injection dosage form:
  • For treatment of lack of ADA:
    • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 10 to 20 Units per kilogram (kg) (4.55 to 9.09 Units per pound) of body weight, injected into a muscle once a week. If you are receiving pegademase at home, follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . If you have any questions about the proper dose of pegademase, ask your doctor.

If you miss getting a dose of this medicine, get it as soon as possible.

It is very important that you continue to receive treatment with pegademase. Treatment must be continued for life. Do not stop treatment with pegademase without checking with your doctor. If regular treatment is not continued, the immune system will break down and serious infections may occur.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Pegademase does not usually cause any side effects. However, check with your doctor if pain at the place of injection occurs and continues or is bothersome.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Revised: 09/01/1990

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