This product is used to treat certain types of cancers
(acute lymphoblastic leukemia-ALL, lymphoblastic lymphoma-LBL).
Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi works by starving tumor cells of needed
nutrients and slowing tumor cell growth.
This medication is given by injection into a muscle as
directed by your doctor. The injection is given by a health care
professional. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical
condition, body size, and response to treatment.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications(s) before
each dose to help prevent side effects (such as allergic reactions,
nausea).
To get the most benefit, do not miss any doses. To help
you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.
Pain or swelling at the injection site, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, or tiredness may occur.
Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe
medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small
meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen
some of these effects. If any of 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:
- signs of liver disease (such as stomach/abdominal pain,
yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
- swelling of the stomach/abdomen
- pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs
- muscle/joint pain
- unusual bleeding/bruising (such as nose bleeds, black or
bloody stools)
- signs of high blood sugar (such as increased thirst, frequent
urination)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- vision changes
- severe headache
- severe dizziness
- seizures
- chest pain
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
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.
Before receiving this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any asparaginase products; 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:
- bleeding/blood problems
- pancreatitis
- liver disease
Tell your health care professional that you are using
asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi before having any
immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently
received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the
nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
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 this medication.
Asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi 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 this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 1 week after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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 product may interfere with certain lab tests,
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts,
liver function, amylase/lipase levels, blood sugar) should be done while
you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
It is important to get each dose of asparaginase erwinia
chrysanthemi as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or
pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).