Brand Names: Elspar

Generic Name: asparaginase (Pronunciation: as PAR a jin ase)

• 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 is asparaginase (Elspar)?

Asparaginase is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Asparaginase is used to treat acute lymphocytic lymphoma.

Asparaginase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions);
• tremors, muscle stiffness; or
• urinating more or less than usual, or not at all.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin rash or itching;
• depression, drowsiness;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
• stomach cramps; or
• headache, feeling tired or irritable.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Elspar (asparaginase) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about asparaginase (Elspar)?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to asparaginase or pegaspargase (Oncaspar), or if you have a history of liver disease or pancreas problems. Tell your doctor about all other cancer medications you are receiving.

Get emergency medical help if you think you have received too much of this medicine, or 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 the following side effects during your treatment with asparaginase:

• 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;
• agitation, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions); or
• urinating less than usual or not at all.

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.