The treatment of the sucrase deficiency associated with Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID) consists of lifelong adherence to a strict sucrose-free diet. It is also sometimes necessary for some of you with CSID to adhere to a starch-free or low-starch diet when a sucrose-free diet does not provide adequate relief of gastrointestinal symptoms.
However, given the sucrose content of Western diets, your compliance with a sucrose-free diet is, at best, difficult. For both these reasons, those with CSID often experience continued chronic gastrointestinal symptoms despite attempts to restrict their diet. At the same time, some struggle to maintain their body weight.
Sucraid® (sacrosidase) Oral Solution is a sucrase enzyme replacement therapy that breaks down sucrose into glucose and fructose, allowing these simple sugars to be absorbed by the small intestine into the bloodstream.
Enzyme replacement therapy with Sucraid® offers a pharmacologic alternative to strict sucrose-free diets. Sucraid® is an effective option for the management of CSID symptoms. The medication may reduce or eliminate both the need for sucrose dietary restrictions and the symptoms of CSID associated with sucrase deficiency in the majority of treated individuals.
What Does Sucraid® Do?
CSID is a genetic disorder that occurs due to the absence or low levels of sucrase, the enzyme that plays a role in the body’s breakdown of sucrose (table sugar). Enzyme replacement therapy with Sucraid® acts as a substitute for the missing sucrase and can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of CSID when taken as directed.
Although Sucraid® provides replacement therapy for deficient sucrase, it does not provide specific replacement therapy for deficient isomaltase. Therefore, restricting starch in the diet may still be necessary to help reduce gastrointestinal symptoms as much as possible in individuals with CSID. The need for dietary starch restriction for those using Sucraid® should be evaluated under the care of a physician and a registered dietitian.
How Do I Get Access to Sucraid®?
Sucraid® is a prescription enzyme replacement medication that is available through a specialty pharmacy. Ask your physician if Sucraid® would be appropriate for you or your child. If insurance issues make it difficult to access Sucraid®, support programs are available.
