Brand Name(s): Elspar
Generic Name L-Asparaginase
What is L-asparaginase injection?
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?
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?
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?
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?
•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?
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?
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?
This does not apply. You will only receive this medication in a hospital or clinic setting.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:04/02/2001 |
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