Glucosylceramide Synthase InhibitorPrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Cerdelga
ELIGLUSTAT
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CERDELGA is indicated for the long-term treatment of adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), or poor metabolizers (PMs) as detected by an FDA-cleared test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . CERDELGA is a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor indicated for the long-term treatment of adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate m...
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Brand names:Cerdelga
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGlucosylceramide Synthase Inhibitor
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- ELIGLUSTAT
- Medicine class
- Glucosylceramide Synthase Inhibitor
- Brand names
- Cerdelga
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- Half-life
- half-life was approximately 6
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Cerdelga?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CERDELGA is indicated for the long-term treatment of adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), or poor metabolizers (PMs) as detected by an FDA-cleared test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . CERDELGA is a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor indicated for the long-term treatment of adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate m...
Cerdelga (ELIGLUSTAT) belongs to the Glucosylceramide Synthase Inhibitor class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Cerdelga. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Cerdelga with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Cerdelga is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE CERDELGA is indicated for the long-term treatment of adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), or poor metabolizers (PMs) as detected by an FDA-cleared test [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] .
CERDELGA is a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor indicated for the long-term treatment of adult patients with Gaucher disease type 1 who are CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizers (IMs), or poor metabolizers (PMs) as detected by an FDA-cleared test.
( 1 ) Limitations of Use : CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers may not achieve adequate concentrations of CERDELGA to achieve a therapeutic effect.
( 1 ) A specific dosage cannot be recommended for CYP2D6 indeterminate metabolizers.
( 1 ) Limitations of Use : Patients who are CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers (URMs) may not achieve adequate concentrations of CERDELGA to achieve a therapeutic effect [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .
A specific dosage cannot be recommended for those patients whose CYP2D6 genotype cannot be determined (indeterminate metabolizers) [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Patient Selection ( 2.1 ) : Select patients using an FDA-cleared test for determining CYP2D6 genotype. Recommended Dosage Based on CYP2D6 Metabolizer Status ( 2.2 ) : EMs and IMs: 84 mg orally twice daily. PMs: 84 mg orally once daily. See the Full Prescribing Information for dosing recommendations in patients receiving CYP2D6 and/or CYP3A inhibitors, or with renal or hepatic impairment. ( 2.2 , 4 , 7.1 , 8.6 , 8.7 ) Administration ( 2.4 ) : Swallow capsules whole, do not crush, dissolve or open capsules. ( 2.4 ) Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Select patients with Gaucher disease type 1 based on their CYP2D6 metabolizer status. It is recommended patient genotypes be established using an FDA-cleared test for determining CYP2D6 genotype [see Indications and Usage (1) ] . 2.2 Recommended Adult Dosage The recommended dosage of CERDELGA in adults is based on the patient's CYP2D6 metabolizer status. Table 1: Rec
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions (≥10%) are: fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, pain in extremities, and upper abdominal pain.
- ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Genzyme Corporation at 1-800-745-4447 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
- 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
- The most common adverse reactions to CERDELGA (occurring in ≥10% of the 126 GD1 patients treated with CERDELGA across Trials 1 and 2) were fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, back pain, pain in extremities, and upper abdominal pain.
- The adverse reaction profile of CERDELGA is based on two controlled studies, Trials 1 and 2 [see Clinical Studies (14.1 , 14.2) ] .
- Table 3 presents the profile from the 9-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 40 treatment-naive patients (Trial 1).
- Patients were between the ages of 16 and 63 on the date of the first dose of study drug, and included 20 males and 20 females.
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ECG Changes and Potential for Cardiac Arrhythmias : Not recommended in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease, long QT syndrome, and concomitant use of Class IA and Class III antiarrhythmics.
- ( 5.1 ) 5.1 ECG Changes and Potential for Cardiac Arrhythmias CERDELGA is predicted to cause increases in ECG intervals (PR, QTc, and QRS) at substantially elevated eliglustat plasma concentrations and may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Use of CERDELGA is contraindicated, to be avoided, or requires dosage adjustment in patients taking CYP2D6 or CYP3A inhibitors, depending on CYP2D6 metabolizer status, type of inhibitor, or degree of hepatic impairment [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) , Contraindications (4) , Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .
- Use of CERDELGA in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions has not been studied during clinical trials.
- Avoid use of CERDELGA in patients with: pre-existing cardiac disease (congestive heart failure, recent acute myocardial infarction, bradycardia, heart block, ventricular arrhythmia) long QT syndrome in combination with Class IA (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic medications [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ]
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ECG Changes and Potential for Cardiac Arrhythmias : Not recommended in patients with pre-existing cardiac disease, long QT syndrome, and concomitant use of Class IA and Class III antiarrhythmics. ( 5.1 ) 5.1 ECG Changes and Potential for Cardiac Arrhythmias CERDELGA is predicted to cause increases in ECG intervals (PR, QTc, and QRS) at substantially elevated eliglustat p
How Cerdelga Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Gaucher disease is caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid β-glucosidase. Acid β-glucosidase catalyzes the conversion of the sphingolipid glucocerebroside into glucose and ceramide. The enzymatic deficiency causes an accumulation of glucosylceramide (GL-1) primarily in the lysosomal compartment of macrophages, giving rise to foam cells or "Gaucher cells." The clinical features of this lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) are reflective of the accumulation of Gaucher cells in the reticuloendothelial system (liver, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs). The accumulation of Gaucher cells in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow leads to organomegaly and skeletal disease. Presence of Gaucher cells in the bone marrow and spleen leads to clinically significant anem
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption The oral bioavailability of eliglustat was less than 5% in CYP2D6 EMs following a single 84 mg dose of CERDELGA
Half-Life
half-life was approximately 6
Metabolism
Metabolizer Status EMs (n=96) IMs (n=1) PMs 84 mg twice daily is not the recommended dosage in PMs [see Dosage and Administration (2
Excretion
Excretion After oral administration of radiolabeled eliglustat, the majority of the administered dose is excreted in urine (42%) and feces (51%), mainly as metabolites
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Cerdelgawhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at 68°F–77°F (20°C–25°C) with excursions permitted between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Frequently Asked Questions
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Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Cerdelga
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.