MedlinePlus Drug Information: Miglustat

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Miglustat

mig' loo stat

Brand name(s): Zavesca®

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow?	What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Miglustat is used to treat Gaucher disease (a condition in which a certain fatty substance is not broken down normally in the body and instead builds up in some organs and causes liver, spleen, bone, and blood problems). Miglustat is in a class of medications called enzyme inhibitors. It works by preventing the body from producing the fatty substance so that less of it will build up in the body and cause symptoms.

How should this medicine be used?

Miglustat comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food and with plenty of water up to three times a day. To help you remember to take miglustat, take it at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take miglustat exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Miglustat controls Gaucher disease but does not cure it. Continue to take miglustat even if you feel well. Do not stop taking miglustat without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking miglustat,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to miglustat, any other medications, or soy products.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention imiglucerase (Cerezyme). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a tremor (shaking of your hands that you cannot control); pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet; any disease that affects your nervous system; or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking miglustat. If you become pregnant while taking miglustat, call your doctor immediately. Miglustat may harm the fetus.
you should know that miglustat may damage sperm. Men who are taking miglustat should use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months afterward.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Miglustat may cause diarrhea and weight loss. If you experience these side effects, your doctor will tell you how to change your diet to improve your symptoms. You may be told to avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates. Follow these instructions carefully.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Miglustat may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
stomach pain or bloating
gas
loss of appetite
weight loss
upset stomach
vomiting
constipation
indigestion
dry mouth
weakness
muscle cramps, especially in the legs
feeling of heaviness in the arms or legs
unsteadiness when walking
back pain
dizziness
nervousness
headache
memory problems
difficult or irregular menstruation (period)

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

pain, burning, numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
shaking hands that you cannot control
changes in vision
easy bruising or bleeding

Miglustat may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

pain, burning, tingling , or numbness in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
dizziness

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 07/01/2004

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer