Uses

Asparaginase is used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It works by starving tumor cells of needed nutrients and slowing tumor cell growth.

How to use Elspar Vial

This medication is given by injection into a muscle, or under the skin, or into a vein, by a health care professional, usually in a hospital setting. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Your doctor will give you pre-medication to help prevent allergic reactions.

Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while using this medication.

Side Effects

Pain or swelling at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, headache, lack of energy, or drowsiness may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe, and in some cases you may need anti-nausea drugs. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve nausea and vomiting. Changes in diet, such as eating several small meals, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: severe stomach pain with nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes, tremor, muscle stiffness, joint pain, swelling of hands/feet/lower legs, yellowing of the eyes/skin, unusual bleeding/bruising (such as nose bleeds, black or bloody stools), signs of high blood sugar (such as unusual thirst, frequent urination).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: vision changes, fainting, severe headache, severe dizziness, seizures, chest pain.

This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, or sores in mouth or on lips.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before receiving asparaginase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis, liver disease.

This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Tell your health care professional that you are using asparaginase before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

Use caution with sharp objects like razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using asparaginase. Asparaginase may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of non-hormonal birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm with spermicide) while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if asparaginase passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts, liver function, amylase levels, blood sugar) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Storage Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.