What is Asparaginase?

Asparaginase is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Asparaginase is used to treat acute lymphocytic lymphoma.

Asparaginase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Asparaginase?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to asparaginase or pegaspargase (Oncaspar), or if you have a history of liver disease or pancreas problems. Tell your doctor about all other cancer medications you are receiving.

Get emergency medical help if you think you have received too much of this medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Even if you have received asparaginase without reaction in the past, you may have an allergic reaction to the medication when you receive it again.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of the following side effects during your treatment with asparaginase:

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
agitation, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions); or
urinating less than usual or not at all

Asparaginase is highly toxic and both the powder and solution must be handled with care. Avoid inhaling vapors from the medicine, or allowing the medicine to come into contact with your skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medicine gets on your skin, wash the area right away with soap and water. If the medicine gets into your eyes, rinse them for at least 15 minutes with water, saline, or other irrigating solution and seek emergency medical attention.

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Asparaginase?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to asparaginase or pegaspargase (Oncaspar), or if you have a history of pancreas problems.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

liver disease
gout
diabetes (asparaginase can raise blood sugar); or
if you are being treated with other cancer medications

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether asparaginase is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether asparaginase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Asparaginase Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Asparaginase?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Even if you have received asparaginase without reaction in the past, you may have an allergic reaction to the medication when you receive it again.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
increased thirst or urination
agitation, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions)
tremors, muscle stiffness; or
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all

Less serious side effects may include:

mild skin rash or itching
depression, drowsiness
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss
stomach cramps; or
headache, feeling tired or irritable

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Asparaginase Interactions

What other drugs affect Asparaginase?

Before receiving asparaginase, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar)
prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, and others); or
methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex, Trexall)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with asparaginase. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Asparaginase?

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Asparaginase Dosage

How should I take Asparaginase?

Asparaginase is given as an injection through an IV needle placed into a vein, or as a shot into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The IV medicine must be given slowly, and it can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

Before you receive your first treatment with this medication, you may need a skin test to make sure you are not allergic to asparaginase.

Asparaginase can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain thyroid tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are receiving asparaginase.

What happens if I overdose on Asparaginase?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, flu symptoms, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, urinating less than usual or not at all, and seizure (convulsions).

What happens if I miss a dose of Asparaginase?

Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your asparaginase injection.

Edited from everydayhealth.com

Asparaginase