Calaspargase pegol-mknl is used with other chemotherapy drugs to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells) in infants, children, and young adults aged 1 month to 21 years old. Calaspargase pegol-mknl is an enzyme that interferes with natural substances necessary for cancer cell growth. It works by killing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Calaspargase pegol-mknl comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over 1 hour by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital. It is usually given once every 3 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends treatment.
Your doctor may need to slow down your infusion, delay it, or stop your treatment with calaspargase pegol-mknl injection, or treat you with other medications if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with calaspargase pegol-mknl.
Calaspargase pegol-mknl may cause serious or life-threatening allergic reactions that are most likely to happen during the infusion or within 1 hour after the infusion. A doctor or nurse will monitor you during the infusion and for one hour after your infusion is finished to see if you are having a serious reaction to the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes; flushing; hives; itching; rash; or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving calaspargase pegol-mknl injection,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Calaspargase pegol-mknl injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately:
Calaspargase pegol-mknl may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site ) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to calaspargase pegol-mknl injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: April 15, 2019.