Elspar (Asparaginase) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 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 Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ASPARAGINASE - INJECTION

(as-PAR-a-jin-ase)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Elspar

USES: Asparaginase is used with or without other anticancer (chemotherapy) drugs to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It works by starving tumor cells of needed nutrients and slowing tumor cell growth.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a muscle, or under the skin, or into a vein, by a health care professional, usually in a hospital setting. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Your doctor may give you a skin test before your first treatment and if a long time has passed since your last dose of asparaginase. Skin testing cannot always prove that you will not have an allergic reaction to this drug, but your doctor may still use it to lower the risk of such a reaction. If you have a reaction to the test dose, your doctor may decide not to treat you with asparaginase or to give you small, slowly increasing doses while monitoring you for allergic reactions until you reach the full treatment dose. Your doctor will give you pre-medication to help prevent allergic reactions.

Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while using this medication.