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Elspar®
(asparaginase) For injection, intravenous or intramuscular
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.
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:
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of 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....
Last reviewed on RxList: 10/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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