Asparaginase, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: asparaginase, injection; Elspar

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia. It is usually given along with other drugs.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your health care provider if you have ever had a reaction to this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How should I use it?

The infusions of this medicine, other anticancer drugs, and steroids are given by your health care provider. Treatment is usually given in a hospital to provide for emergency treatment if you have an allergic reaction to the medicine.

What should I watch out for?

If you develop an allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing) after you leave the hospital, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.

You will have frequent blood tests and other tests to determine how the medicines are affecting you. If you are not staying overnight in the hospital, be sure to keep all your appointments for these treatments and tests.

Depression, drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, and hallucinations may occur during treatment. These side effects usually go away when treatment is stopped.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you are unable to reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reactions (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing.)

Serious: Most of the serious side effects of this medicine are detected by frequent blood tests and other tests. These effects include damage to the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Your health care provider will work to reduce or avoid these side effects. Follow your health care provider's instructions.

Other: Weight loss, loss of appetite, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chills, fever.

What products might interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with other drugs used to treat cancer. Your health care provider will work to reduce any problems they may cause.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.