Elspar (Asparaginase) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Elspar

Leukemia »

Leukemia facts

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells.
While the exact cause(s) of leukemia is not known, risk factors have been identified.
Leukemias are grouped by how quickly the disease develops (acute or chronic) as well as by the type of blood cell that is affected (lymphocytes or myelocytes). The four main types of leukemia include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
People with leukemia are at significantly increased risk for developing infections, anemia, and bleeding. Other symptoms and signs include easy bruising, weight loss, night sweats, and unexplained fevers.
The diagnosis of leukemia is supported by findings of the medical history and examination, and examining blood and bone marrow samples under a microscope.
Tre...

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Elspar

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Elspar®
(asparaginase) For injection, intravenous or intramuscular

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Elspar (asparaginase) contains the enzyme L-asparagine amidohydro-lase, type EC-2, derived from Escherichia coli. Elspar (asparaginase) activity is expressed in terms of International Units according to the recommendation of the International Union of Biochemistry. One International Unit of asparaginase is defined as that amount of enzyme required to generate 1 μmol of ammonia per minute at pH 7.3 and 37°C. The specific activity of Elspar (asparaginase) is at least 225 International Units per milligram of protein. Elspar (asparaginase) is provided as a sterile, white lyophilized plug or powder. Each vial contains 10, 000 International Units of asparaginase and 80 mg of mannitol.

What are the possible side effects of asparaginase (Elspar)?

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...

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What are the precautions when taking asparaginase (Elspar)?

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. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose....

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.