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pegaspargase - injection, Oncaspar

GENERIC NAME: PEGASPARGASE - INJECTION (peg-ASP-are-gace)

BRAND NAME(S): Oncaspar

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

USES: This medication is usually used with other anti-cancer (chemotherapy) drugs to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), especially in patients who are allergic to L-asparaginase. It works by starving tumor cells of a certain amino acid (asparagine), causing the tumor cells to die.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or a muscle by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your body size and response to treatment.Avoid getting the medication on the skin or in the eyes, mouth, or nose. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water and tell your doctor immediately.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, weakness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, or pain/swelling/redness at injection site may occur. If any of 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 you have any serious side effects, including: severe stomach/abdominal pain, signs of an infection (e.g., fever), increased thirst/urination, easy bruising/bleeding, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, pain/redness/swelling/numbness/tingling of the arms or legs, change in the amount of urine.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, seizures, slurred speech, confusion, vision changes, weakness on one side of the body.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug can occur. 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.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.