Generic drug: sebelipase alfa
Brand name: Kanuma
What is Kanuma (sebelipase alfa), and how does it work?
Kanuma (sebelipase alfa) injection is a hydrolytic lysosomal cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol-specific enzyme indicated for the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) deficiency.
What are the side effects of Kanuma?
Common side effects of Kanuma include:
- diarrhea,
- vomiting,
- nausea,
- fever,
- runny or stuffy nose,
- low levels of iron in the blood (anemia),
- cough,
- sore throat,
- hives,
- headache,
- weakness,
- constipation, and
- nausea.
What is the dosage for Kanuma?
Patients With Rapidly Progressive LAL Deficiency Presenting Within The First 6 Months Of Life
The recommended starting dosage is 1 mg/kg administered once weekly as an intravenous infusion. For patients who do not achieve an optimal clinical response, increase to 3 mg/kg once weekly.
Pediatric And Adult Patients With LAL Deficiency
The recommended dosage is 1 mg/kg administered once every other week as an intravenous infusion.
Preparation Instructions
Kanuma is for intravenous infusion only. Prepare Kanuma using the following steps.
Table 1: Total Infusion Volumes*
| Weight Range (kg) | 1 mg/kg dose | 3 mg/kg dose† |
| Total Infusion Volume (mL) | Total Infusion Volume (mL) | |
| 1 to 10.9 | 10 | 25 |
| 11 to 24.9 | 25 | 50 |
| 25 to 49.9 | 50 | 100 |
| 50 to 99.9 | 100 | 250 |
| 100 to 120.9 | 250 | 500 |
| *The infusion volume should be based on the prescribed dose and should be prepared to a final
Kanuma concentration of 0.1 mg/mL to 1.5 mg/mL. †For patients with LAL deficiency presenting within the first 6 months of life who do not achieve an optimal clinical response with a dose of 1 mg/kg. | ||
- Determine the number of vials needed based on the patient's weight and the recommended dose of 1 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg, using the following calculations (a-b):
- Total dose (mg) = Patient's weight (kg) x Recommended dose (mg/kg)
- Total number of vials = Total dose (mg) divided by 20 mg/vial
- Round to the next whole vial and remove the required number of vials from the refrigerator to allow them to reach room temperature.
- Volume (mL) of calculated total dose = Total dose (mg) divided by the 2 mg/mL concentration
- Volume (mL) of 0.9% Sodium Chloride for dilution = Total infusion volume (mL) for patient's weight (see Table 1) - Volume (mL) of calculated total dose
- Mix gently by inversion. Do not shake the vials or the prepared infusion.
- The solution should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The solution should be a clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to slightly colored solution. Thin, translucent particles or fibers may be present in the vials or diluted solution. Do not use if the solution is cloudy or if other particulate matter is observed.
- Vials are for single-use only. Discard any unused product. Do not freeze.
Administration Instructions
Administer the diluted solution as an intravenous infusion using a low-protein binding infusion set with an in-line, low-protein binding 0.2 micron filter.
Infuse over at least 2 hours. Consider further prolonging the infusion time for patients receiving the 3 mg/kg dose or those who have experienced hypersensitivity reactions. A 1-hour infusion may be considered for those patients receiving the 1 mg/kg dose who tolerate the infusion.
Storage Of Diluted Solution
Kanuma contains no preservatives; therefore, product should be used immediately after dilution. If immediate use is not possible, the diluted product may be stored up to 24 hours in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze or shake. Protect from light.
Is Kanuma safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
- There are no available data on Kanuma in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risk.
- There are no data on the presence of sebelipase alfa in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
- It is not known if sebelipase alfa is present in animal milk.
- The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Kanuma and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from sebelipase alfa or from the underlying maternal condition.
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More Health News »Summary
Kanuma (sebelipase alfa) injection is a hydrolytic lysosomal cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol-specific enzyme indicated for the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of Lysosomal Acid Lipase (LAL) deficiency, a rare inherited disorder. Common side effects of Kanuma include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, runny or stuffy nose, low levels of iron in the blood (anemia), cough, sore throat, hives, headache, weakness, constipation, and nausea.
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