Starting Cerdelga (eliglustat)Your first 90 days with gaucher disease: the steps, the dates and who to call

How you take it

One 84mg capsule once or twice a day, as your doctor prescribed. Swallow it whole, with or without food. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

Before your first dose

• A gene test, called a CYP2D6 test, done from a blood draw. It shows whether Cerdelga can be used and how often you take it.
• A full medicine check. Bring every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin and herbal supplement, because some can raise or lower Cerdelga levels.
• A talk with your doctor about any heart, liver or kidney problems.
• A lab test or a genetic test that confirms Gaucher disease. Your insurance may ask for the report.
• Your insurance approves the medicine. CareConnect, the drugmaker's support program, can help. Call 1-800-745-4447 and press 3.

The first 90 days

1. Before the prescriptionGene test (CYP2D6) before the prescription
2. With the test resultYour doctor checks your medicines, liver, kidneys and heart history
3. Once approvedInsurance approval and the first carton
4. Day 1First capsule
5. Day 29First refill if you take it twice a day
6. Day 57Refill, or first refill if you take it once a day
7. Day 85Third refill at twice a day