GENERIC NAME: ASPARAGINASE - INJECTION (as-PAR-adge-ih-naze)

BRAND NAME(S): Elspar

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

WARNING: Severe allergic reactions (sometimes fatal) have occurred despite testing for the reaction (test dosing) and the use of preventative medications; therefore, asparaginase must be given in the hospital. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction such as rash or hives, itching, swelling or breathing problems.

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

OTHER USES: Asparaginase may also be used for other cancers like lymphomas.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by vein (intravenously-IV), into the muscle (intramuscularly-IM), or under the skin (subcutaneously-SubQ). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. 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. Though skin testing does not always correctly show that you will not have an allergic reaction to this drug, your doctor may still try to use it to help predict 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. Follow all instructions for proper mixing. When mixed in the vial this medication should be clear. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. When receiving asparaginase by vein, follow all instructions for dilution with the correct IV fluid. This medication may contain small particles after it is added to the IV solution in the IV infusion bag. It is important to use an IV filter (or "in-line" filter) while giving this solution by vein. Consult your pharmacist about the proper size (5 micron filter) and use of this filter.

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.