U.S. Brand Names

Adagen®

Canadian Brand Names

Adagen®

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection.

Pharmacologic Category

Enzyme

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to pegademase bovine or any other part of this medicine.

• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• Not if your child is having a bone marrow transplant.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to treat adenosine deaminase deficiency in certain persons with a weakened immune system.

How does this medicine work?

• Pegademase bovine acts as an enzyme replacement.

How is this medicine given?

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• It may take 6 months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Call healthcare provider for appointment.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• If your child has a low platelet count, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Short-term discomfort after use.

• Headache.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• For the occurrence of side effects.

• Your child will be monitored closely by healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.

• If your child shows any signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

• If your child develops a rash.

• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• This medicine will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.

• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.

• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.

• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Created: 2005-04-07 17:07:31.0

Modified: 2008-05-28 15:30:55.0

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