Is Cerdelga affected by genetics?

Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.

Relevant genes: CYP2D6

Cerdelga is affected by pharmacogenetics through the CYP2D6 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Cerdelga, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Strong, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.

What's in Cerdelga

eliglustat affected by CYP2D6

Affected by CYP2D6 · FDA · Strong evidence

Read the full eliglustat genetics guide →

Eliglustat phenotype recommendations

Published guidance from FDA on how eliglustat should be dosed or substituted based on your CYP2D6 phenotype.

Phenotype	What it means	Recommendation	Evidence
Ultrarapid Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body breaks down eliglustat too quickly, which may prevent the drug from reaching levels needed to be effective. Your doctor may need to consider alternative dosing or treatment.	FDA Avoid use of eliglustat as adequate therapeutic concentrations may not be achieved. Consider an alternative treatment for Gaucher's disease.	Strong
Normal Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body processes eliglustat at a normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected.	FDA Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose per FDA labeling.	Strong
Intermediate Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body breaks down eliglustat slightly slower than normal, which changes how much drug is in your system. Your doctor will adjust your dose and certain drug combinations should be avoided due to heart rhythm risks.	FDA Adjust dose per FDA labeling. Coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated. Monitor for QT prolongation.	Strong
Poor Metabolizer CYP2D6	Your body breaks down eliglustat much more slowly than normal, causing higher drug levels and an increased risk of heart rhythm problems. Your doctor will adjust your dose and certain drug combinations must be avoided.	FDA Adjust dose per FDA labeling. Coadministration with strong CYP3A inhibitors is contraindicated. Monitor closely for QT prolongation and adverse reactions.	Strong
Indeterminate CYP2D6	The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown	FDA Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—
Not available CYP2D6	The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown	FDA Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.	—

Source: FDA

The gene behind the guidance

CYP2D6 Cytochrome P450 2D6

CYP2D6 is the most clinically important pharmacogene. It metabolizes around a quarter of all prescription drugs, including many antidepressants, opioids, and stimulants. The gene is unusually variable: roughly 7 percent of people are poor metabolizers (they barely activate CYP2D6), and another 1 to 3 percent are ultrarapid metabolizers (their enzyme is overactive).

For most CYP2D6 drugs, poor metabolizers feel stronger effects and more side effects at standard doses, while ultrarapid metabolizers may feel almost nothing. For prodrugs like codeine, the relationship flips: poor metabolizers feel less effect because they can't activate the drug.

See all drugs affected by CYP2D6 →

Related medications

Find out how your genetics affect Cerdelga

This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.

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Informational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.