Zavesca ^*

This text is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication. 

Read the information leaflet that comes with the medication.

Zavesca may cause a few serious side effects, including:

• Peripheral neuropathy resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands or feet
• Hand tremors or shaky movements

See a doctor immediately if these side effects are noticed.

Most people who use Zavesca do not experience any negative side effects. Doctors prescribe Zavesca because they assess that the benefits that such treatment yields outweigh any likely unwanted effects.

Some of the other side effects that have been reported include:

• Diarrhea 
• Weight loss 
• Low platelet count 
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Dry mouth
• Memory loss
• Indigestion and bloating
• Loss of appetite

Not all side effects are listed here. If these or other unlisted symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Zavesca is used to treat two inherited conditions: type 1 Gaucher disease and Niemann-Pick type-C disease. These conditions affect the mechanisms involved in the metabolism of fat, resulting in the buildup of fatty compounds known as glycosphingolipids in the body.

Symptoms commonly seen in Gaucher disease include an enlarged liver and/or spleen, low red blood cell levels, decreased platelet counts, and bone abnormalities. Platelets play a role in clotting, so individuals with low platelet levels may experience bleeding issues. Gaucher disease has three forms, categorized based on the presence or absence of neurological complications. Inheritance of all forms follows a recessive pattern.

Niemann-Pick disease type-C (NPC) affects both psychiatric functions, as well as various internal organs. Symptoms can manifest at different times and progress independently. Visceral symptoms are commonly observed in younger individual while neurological and psychiatric symptoms tend to develop gradually over time, becoming more noticeable in older age groups.

Not all affected individuals experience all the symptoms. Some children may face life-threatening complications early on while others might have a milder form of the disease that goes unnoticed until adulthood.

When NPC emerges during adolescence or adulthood, it may present with neurological features, as seen in childhood onset cases. However, the progression rate is typically slower in these cases. While specific manifestations can vary, they may include conditions like cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, cognitive issues and movement disorders such as dystonia or tremors.