Voraxaze (glucarpidase) is used in patients who develop kidney failure while receiving high doses of methotrexate (a chemotherapy drug).
Voraxaze is an enzyme that breaks down methotrexate in the body so the drug can be easily eliminated when the kidneys are not working properly.
Voraxaze may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
If possible before you receive Voraxaze, tell your doctor if you are also being treated with leucovorin. In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers about your health conditions. Make sure any doctor caring for you afterward knows you have received Voraxaze.
Tell your caregiver right away if you have any symptoms of a reaction to the Voraxaze injection: severe dizziness or weakness, severe nausea, cold sweat, itching, numbness or tingly feeling, sudden headache, fast heartbeats, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or if you feel like you might pass out.
Before receiving Voraxaze
If possible before you receive Voraxaze, tell your doctor if you are also being treated with leucovorin.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Voraxaze will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether glucarpidase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Voraxaze without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
In an emergency situation it may not be possible to tell your caregivers if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Make sure any doctor caring for your pregnancy or your baby knows you have received this medication.
How is given?
Voraxaze is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Voraxaze is usually given as a single injection. The IV infusion will take about 5 minutes to complete.
Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while you are using Voraxaze. Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink.
To make sure Voraxaze is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Voraxaze is used as a single dose, it does not have a daily dosing schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Since Voraxaze is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid?
Follow your doctor"s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Voraxaze side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Voraxaze: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Some people receiving a Voraxaze injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein).
Tell your caregiver right away if you have:
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severe dizziness or weakness;
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severe nausea, feeling like you might pass out;
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cold sweat, itching, numbness or tingly feeling;
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sudden headache;
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fast heartbeats, chest tightness; or
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trouble breathing.
Common Voraxaze side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Voraxaze?
Other drugs may interact with Voraxaze, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, especially leucovorin.
