Type of medicine: enzyme; antimetabolite
Generic and brand names: rasburicase, injection; Elitek
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to keep uric acid from building up in the blood during chemotherapy for leukemia, lymphoma, and some other kinds of cancer.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or if you 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.
This medicine is given by a healthcare provider once a day by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein). It may be given for several days. Chemotherapy is usually started after the first dose of this medicine.
It is important to follow the treatment schedule exactly as your healthcare provider has instructed.
You will need to have blood tests regularly while receiving this medicine. Keep all appointments for these tests.
If while receiving this medicine you develop any allergic reactions (hives, itching, rash, tightness in the chest, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing), alert the healthcare provider giving the infusion immediately.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist that you have received this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, this 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 reaction (hives; itching; rash; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue or throat; trouble breathing).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Chest pain; fast or irregular heartbeat; trouble breathing; fever; severe tiredness or weakness; seizures; sore throat that does not go away; fainting; bluish colored lips, fingernails, or skin; swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands.
Other: Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, nausea, headache, anxiety, stomach pain, mouth sores; pain, burning or swelling at the infusion site.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all healthcare 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 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.
