Print | Search | Send-to-Friend | Health Library Home

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi

(as par' a jin ase)

• Brand Name(s): • WHY is this medicine prescribed? • HOW should this medicine be used? • Are there OTHER USES for this medicine? • What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow? • What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose? • What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause? • What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Brand Name(s):

Erwinaze^®

WHY is this medicine prescribed? TOP

AsparaginaseErwinia chrysanthemiis used with other chemotherapy medications to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL; a type of cancer of the white blood cells). It is used in patients who have had some types of allergic reactions to medications similar to asparaginaseErwinia chrysanthemisuch as (asparaginase [Elspar] or pegaspargase [Oncaspar]). AsparaginaseErwinia chrysanthemiis an enzyme that interferes with natural substances necessary for cancer cell growth. It works by killing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

HOW should this medicine be used? TOP

AsparaginaseErwinia chrysanthemicomes as a powder to be added to fluid and injected into a muscle by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. It is usually given three times a week.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine? TOP

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow? TOP

Before taking asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi powder. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), blood clots, or severe bleeding, especially if these happened during treatment with asparaginase (Elspar) or pegaspargase (Oncaspar). Your doctor probably will not want you to receive asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow? TOP

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose? TOP

If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of asparaginaseErwinia chrysanthemi, call your doctor right away.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause? TOP

AsparaginaseErwinia chrysanthemimay cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

nausea
vomiting
fever

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

hives
rash
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
ongoing pain that begins in the stomach area, but may spread to the back
extreme thirst
frequent urination
extreme hunger
weakness
blurred vision
headache
arm or leg swelling
shortness of breath
chest pain
unusual bleeding
yellowing of the skin or eyes
pain in the upper right part of the stomach
dark colored urine
loss of appetite
lack of energy
seizure

AsparaginaseErwinia chrysanthemimay cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking 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).

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know? TOP

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to asparaginaseErwinia chrysanthemi.

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: December 15, 2012.

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.