In this Article

• What is asparaginase (Elspar)?
• What are the possible side effects of asparaginase (Elspar)?
• What is the most important information I should know about asparaginase (Elspar)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving asparaginase (Elspar)?
• How is asparaginase given (Elspar)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Elspar)?
• What happens if I overdose (Elspar)?
• What should I avoid while receiving asparaginase (Elspar)?
• What other drugs will affect asparaginase (Elspar)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Elspar)?

Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your asparaginase injection.

What happens if I overdose (Elspar)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, flu symptoms, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, urinating less than usual or not at all, and seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while receiving asparaginase (Elspar)?

Asparaginase is highly toxic and both the powder and solution must be handled with care. Avoid inhaling vapors from the medicine, or allowing the medicine to come into contact with your skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medicine gets on your skin, wash the area right away with soap and water. If the medicine gets into your eyes, rinse them for at least 15 minutes with water, saline, or other irrigating solution and seek emergency medical attention.

Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

What other drugs will affect asparaginase (Elspar)?

Before receiving asparaginase, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar);
• prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, and others); or
• methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex, Trexall).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with asparaginase. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about asparaginase.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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