Elspar
FDA Approves Stivarga for Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors »
"The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved use of Stivarga (regorafenib) to treat patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that cannot be surgically removed and no longer respond to other FDA-approved t"...
Read the FDA Approves Stivarga for Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors article »
Elspar
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.
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 weakness;
- fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
- sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
- increased thirst or urination;
- agitation,...
Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Elspar »
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....
Last reviewed on RxList: 10/10/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
Additional Elspar Information
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Cancer
Get the latest treatment options.
Updated & New
