What is Zavesca and how do I take it?

Zavesca is a medicine that contains miglustat, a substance capable of preventing the action of an enzyme that produces glycosphingolipids, a type of fat that accumulates in the body. In this way, it is possible to alleviate the symptoms of Niemann-Pick disease, in which fats accumulate in various parts of the body.

This remedy is produced by Actelion Laboratories in the form of 100 mg capsules each.

Price and where to buy

Zavesca can be purchased at some pharmacies or purchased through the hospital after prescription, and its price is approximately 27 thousand reais, per package with 90 capsules.

What is it for

This remedy is indicated to alleviate the neurological symptoms caused by Niemann-Pick type C disease, such as seizures, loss of mental capacity or lack of coordination, for example.

In addition, this drug may still be used in the treatment of mild to moderate type 1 Gaucher disease.

How to take

The dose, schedule and duration of treatment should always be guided by a physician, according to each case. However, the general guidelines indicate:

Adults with Gaucher disease type 1 : initial dose of 100 mg 3 times daily, which may be appropriate by the physician according to the effects;
Adults and children over 12 years of age with Niemann-Pick type C disease : 200 mg, 3 times daily;
Children with Niemann-Pick disease and less than 12 years :

Body surface area	Recommended dose
> 1, 25 m²	200 mg, 3 times per day
> 0.88 to 1.25 m²	200 mg twice daily
> 0.73 to 0.88 m²	100 mg, 3 times per day
> 0.47 to 0.73 m²	100 mg twice daily
<0.47	100 mg, 1 times per day

Possible side effects

Some of the most common side effects of zavesca use include weight loss, decreased appetite, depression, insomnia, decreased libido, tremors, amnesia, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, excess intestinal gas, vomiting, nausea, belly, tiredness and chills.