Drugs & Vitamins

L-Asparaginase Active Ingredients: L-Asparaginase Representative Names: Elspar What is L-asparaginase injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with L-asparaginase? What side effects may I notice from receiving L-asparaginase? What should I watch for while taking L-asparaginase? Where can I keep my medicine? What is L-asparaginase injection? (Back to top) L-ASPARAGINASE (Elspar®) is an enzyme used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia in combination with other chemotherapy agents. Generic L-asparaginase injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bleeding disorders •diabetes or other problems with blood sugar •gout •history of pancreatitis •liver disease •an unusual or allergic reaction to L-asparaginase, bacterial proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) L-Asparaginase is for infusion or slow injection into a vein, or for injection into a muscle. It is usually administered in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. Contact your prescriber or healthcare provider if you cannot keep your appointment. It is very important to receive all your treatment as directed to achieve the best results. What drug(s) may interact with L-asparaginase? (Back to top) •cytarabine, ARA-C •methotrexate •vaccines •vincristine •warfarin Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines: •aspirin •acetaminophen •ibuprofen •ketoprofen •naproxen Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving L-asparaginase? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion, agitation, or hallucinations •difficulty breathing, wheezing •dizziness, fainting spells •fever or chills, cough or sore throat •headache •increased thirst •increased or decreased amount of urine passed •lower back or side pain •seizures (convulsions) •severe nausea or vomiting •skin rash, hives, itching •stomach pain or swelling •swelling of the feet and ankles •swollen face •tremors Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •loss of appetite •nausea, vomiting •sweating •weight loss What should I watch for while taking L-asparaginase? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional at regular intervals to check on your progress. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you get a severe headache or have a severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting. L-Asparaginase may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon because L-asparaginase affects good cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects as above, but continue your course of medicine even though you feel ill, unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to stop. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself. Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®), or ketoprofen (Orudis® KT) products as these may hide a fever, unless instructed to by your prescriber or health care professional. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will only receive this medication in a hospital or clinic setting. Last Updated:04/02/2001 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.