Brand Names: Oncaspar

Generic Name: pegaspargase (Pronunciation: peg ah SPAR jase)

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

What is pegaspargase (Oncaspar)?

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

Pegaspargase is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Pegaspargase may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of pegaspargase (Oncaspar)?

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;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• increased thirst or urination; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• 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.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

What is the most important information I should know about pegaspargase (Oncaspar)?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to pegaspargase, or if you have ever been treated with asparaginase (Elspar) and had a severe allergic reaction or developed a stroke, blood clot, or pancreas problems.

Before receiving pegaspargase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have diabetes or a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

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

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 pegaspargase:

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pain or swelling in one or both legs;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• increased thirst or urination; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).