Eliglustat: what it treats, how to take it, side effects
Last updated September 7, 2026.
**Eliglustat is a prescription glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor used to treat Gaucher disease type 1 in eligible adults.** It reduces production of a fatty substance that builds up in your organs. Your genetic test result and other medicines must be checked because excessive drug levels can cause abnormal heart rhythms.
What does it treat?
You may receive eliglustat, sold as Cerdelga, for long-term treatment of confirmed Gaucher disease type 1, which can cause an enlarged liver or spleen, anemia, low platelets, and bone problems. Your specialist uses CYP2D6 genetic testing to determine whether this treatment suits you.
How do you take it?
You take 84 mg capsules: usually one twice daily if you are a CYP2D6 extensive or intermediate metabolizer, or one daily if you are a poor metabolizer. The highest recommended total is 168 mg daily; interactions or liver problems can require 84 mg daily or prevent use. Swallow capsules whole with water, with or without food; do not open, crush, or dissolve them. Avoid grapefruit. Skip a missed dose and resume at your usual time without doubling. Hold further doses and call your doctor immediately for palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.
Side effects to know
- Common: You may experience fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, or pain in your abdomen, back, arms, or legs.
- Serious: Stop taking eliglustat and get prompt medical help for a racing or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. Call 911 for collapse, breathing trouble, or swelling of your tongue or throat.
Who should not take it?
Review your full medication list and any heart, liver, or kidney disease before treatment. Some liver conditions and drug combinations prohibit use depending on your CYP2D6 result; heart rhythm conditions can also make it unsuitable. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding before treatment because human safety information is limited. The label gives no specific alcohol limit; ask your clinician what is appropriate for your liver health.
When is it an emergency?
For an overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even without symptoms. Watch for severe dizziness, loss of balance, slow heartbeat, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 for collapse or breathing trouble, including a possible severe allergic reaction with throat swelling.
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Common questions
What is the maximum daily dose?
The highest recommended dose is 84 mg twice daily, totaling 168 mg. Your personal limit may be 84 mg daily. Follow your prescription and never increase it yourself.
Can I drink alcohol?
The FDA label does not specify an alcohol limit. That does not establish that drinking is safe for you. Ask your clinician for guidance based on your liver health and other medicines.
What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Contact your specialist to review treatment. Available pregnancy data cannot establish the drug's risks, and human milk data are unavailable. Do not change treatment yourself because controlling Gaucher disease also matters during pregnancy.
Should I take it with food?
You can take it with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.
What are overdose signs?
You may develop dizziness, poor balance, a slow heartbeat, nausea, or vomiting. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately after an overdose. Call 911 for collapse or breathing trouble.
How do I check for interactions?
Give your pharmacist every prescription, nonprescription medicine, and supplement you use. Include St. John's wort and any recent medication changes. Ask for an interaction check before starting, stopping, or changing another medicine.