Elaprase Infusion Therapy

Elaprase is a biologic therapy that is indicated to treat:

• Patients with Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis II, MPS II)

What Is Elaprase?  

Elaprase (idursulfase) is a prescription medication administered for patients in all IVX Health centers via IV infusion. Elaprase is an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) that has been approved by the FDA for over 15 years. 

How Elaprase Works  

Elaprase is a formulation of an enzyme called iduronate-2-sulfate which is missing or deficient in people with Hunter syndrome. Elaprase works by breaking down glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that accumulate in people with Hunter syndrome. 

What Is Elaprase Used For?  

Doctors order idursulfase to treat:  

• Hunter syndrome 

Elaprase Infusion Dosage and Administration  

Patients receive idursulfase intravenously. Treatment time for an Elaprase infusion at a medical clinic like IVX Health usually lasts for around three hours. 

Dosage and Frequency  

Before receiving their first intravenous infusion of idursulfase, the ordering physician determines the patient’s dose. This dose depends on the patient’s weight as well as the severity of the condition for which he or she is receiving treatment. 

Elaprase infusion occurs weekly. 

Administering Elaprase via IV Infusion 

1. The nurse prepares the patient’s arm by using rubbing alcohol to sterilize the location that is being used to insert the IV needle. 
2. Following needle insertion, the IV line is held in place with tape. 
3. The nurse attaches the patient’s IV line to the line coming down from the bag of medication. 

Every half-an-hour, the patient’s nurse takes his or her vitals.  

Elaprase Infusion Side Effects  

As with all medications,  side effects are possible.  

Common side effects of Elaprase include: 

• Headache 
• Itching 
• Muscle and bone pain 
• Hives 
• Diarrhea 
• Cough 
• Fever 
• Vomiting 
• Rash  

If patients experience an allergic reaction during or after Elaprase treatment, they should notify their healthcare provider.

How To Prepare for an Elaprase Infusion  

It is essential that patients inform their physician if they currently have, or have had, any of the conditions listed below: 

• Serious genetic mutations 
• Breathing problems 
• Respiratory illness 
• Heart problems 
• Susceptibility to fluid overload 

Before treatment, patients should get a good night’s sleep. In addition, they need to drink an adequate amount of fluid and eat a meal before their Elaprase IV infusion treatment at IVX Health. 

How to Get a Referral for Elaprase IV Infusions  

Every Elaprase referral must be accompanied by a physician’s order for treatment. 

• Patient information should include: 
• Name 
• Current address 
• Home and mobile phone number 
• Insurance information 

Information the physician must include on the patient’s order for Elaprase IV therapy: 

• Patient’s name and DOB 
• Order date 
• Diagnosis 
• Physician’s name and NPI# 
• Office address, phone, and fax numbers 
• Provider’s signature 

Supporting clinical documentation from the physician should include: 

• Office notes with presence of clinical signs and symptoms of the disease and Molecular genetic testing for deletion or mutations in the iduronate 2-sulfatase gene 

If you or someone you care about has one of the conditions that Elaprase infusions treat, you may want to learn more about IV infusion treatments with idursulfase. To find an IVX Health infusion center near you, please click here. 

Patients chose IVX Health to receive their ongoing Elaprase treatments because:

• ALL private suites
• Comfortable recliners, with chairs for guests
• Evening & weekend appointments
• Friendly clinical staff deliver personal service
• Big screen TVs, high-speed WiFi, free snacks