Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zavesca (Miglustat).
Bleeding: Zavesca (Miglustat) may cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, notify your doctor as soon as possible.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a very common side effect of Zavesca (Miglustat). If you experience diarrhea, taking Zavesca (Miglustat) between meals may help. If the diarrhea is bothersome, contact your doctor.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Zavesca (Miglustat) commonly causes dizziness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Zavesca (Miglustat) affects you.
Kidney Disease: Zavesca (Miglustat) is removed from the body by the kidneys and its elimination may be reduced in people with kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, discuss with your doctor how Zavesca (Miglustat) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zavesca (Miglustat), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Severe Gaucher disease: The safety and effectiveness of Zavesca (Miglustat) have not been evaluated for people with severe Gaucher disease. Zavesca (Miglustat) is used for mild-to-moderate type 1 Gaucher disease.
Pregnancy: Zavesca (Miglustat) should not be used by women during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. Both men and women should use a reliable method of contraception. Men should not father a child while they are taking Zavesca (Miglustat) and for 3 months after stopping the medication. If you become pregnant while you are taking Zavesca (Miglustat), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Zavesca (Miglustat) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Zavesca (Miglustat), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Zavesca (Miglustat) for type I Gaucher disease have not been established for children under 18 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of using Zavesca (Miglustat) for Niemann-Pick type C disease have not been established for children under 4 years of age.