Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer)
Generic and brand names: asparaginase, injection; Elspar
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) or injection (shot in the buttock, arm, or thigh) to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia. It is usually given along with other drugs. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
The infusions of this medicine, other anticancer drugs, and steroids are given by your healthcare provider. Treatment is usually given in a hospital or clinic to provide for emergency treatment if you have an allergic reaction to the medicine.
You will have lab tests to check how the medicines are affecting you. Keep all your appointments for these treatments and tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you have received this medicine.
You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
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 healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare 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); seizures.
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unexplained fever; hallucinations; stomach pain; yellowing of the eyes and skin; pale stools; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; depression; increased thirst; increased urination; tiredness; wheezing; severe headache; sudden loss of speech or understanding people; sudden weakness on one side of the body.
Other: Weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, shakiness, restlessness, joint or muscle pain, sore throat, hoarse voice, weight gain.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Occasionally you may receive treatments at home or may keep the medicine at home. The medicine should be kept in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the medicine. You will be given a special container to place used anticancer medicine, bags, bottles, tube, needles, and syringes. Keep he special container away from children and pets.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare 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.
