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asparaginase - injection, Elspar

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GENERIC NAME: ASPARAGINASE - INJECTION (as-PAR-a-jin-ase)

BRAND NAME(S): Elspar

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Asparaginase is used with or without other anticancer (chemotherapy) drugs to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It works by starving tumor cells of needed nutrients and slowing tumor cell growth.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle, or under the skin, or into a vein, by a health care professional, usually in a hospital setting. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Your doctor may give you a skin test before your first treatment and if a long time has passed since your last dose of asparaginase. Skin testing cannot always prove that you will not have an allergic reaction to this drug, but your doctor may still use it to lower the risk of such a reaction. If you have a reaction to the test dose, your doctor may decide not to treat you with asparaginase or to give you small, slowly increasing doses while monitoring you for allergic reactions until you reach the full treatment dose. Your doctor will give you pre-medication to help prevent allergic reactions.Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while using this medication.

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain or swelling at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, headache, lack of energy, or drowsiness may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe, and in some cases you may need anti-nausea drugs. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve nausea and vomiting. Changes in diet, such as eating several small meals, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe stomach pain with nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes, tremor, muscle stiffness, joint pain, swelling of hands/feet/lower legs, yellowing of the eyes/skin, unusual bleeding/bruising (such as nose bleeds, black or bloody stools), unusual thirst, frequent urination, change in the amount of urine.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: abnormally high fever, vision changes, fainting, severe headache, severe dizziness, seizures, chest pain.This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, sores in mouth or on lips, or persistent sore throat.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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