What is this medicine?
L-ASPARAGINASE (L- a SPARE a gi nase) is used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It is used in combination with other chemotherapy agents.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- breathing problems
- feeling faint or lightheaded
- confusion, agitation, or hallucinations
- fever or chills, cough or sore throat
- increased thirst
- increased amount of urine passed
- severe abdominal pain
- severe and sudden headache
- seizures (convulsions)
- severe nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling in a leg
- swelling of any other parts of the body
- tremors
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- sweating
- weight loss
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I use this medicine?
This drug is for infusion or slow injection into a vein. It is sometimes injected into a muscle. It will be given in a hospital or clinic by a trained health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. Contact your doctor or clinic if you cannot keep your appointment. It is very important to receive all your treatment as directed to achieve the best results.
What may interact with this medicine?
Talk to your doctor or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
- aspirin
- acetaminophen
- ibuprofen
- ketoprofen
- naproxen
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Who should NOT use this medication?
- Known hypersensitivity to asparaginase or any ingredient in the formulation.
- Pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.
Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.
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 disorder
- diabetes or other problems with blood sugar
- gout
- history of pancreatitis
- liver disease
- take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
- an unusual or allergic reaction to L-asparaginase, e-coli proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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