Asparaginase
Trade Name:
Elspar
Type of Drug:
Asparaginase is an enzyme chemotherapy drug. It is used to treat acute leukemia.
How Drug Works:
Asparaginase interferes with the growth of cancer cells, especially leukemia cells. Normal cells are unharmed.
How Drug Is Given:
Asparaginase is given by infusion into a vein over at least 30 minutes, or by injection into the muscle. The dose and frequency of asparaginase treatment depends on your size, liver function tests, and treatment plan.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.

Before taking this drug, tell your doctor:

  • If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. This drug may cause birth defects if either the male or female is taking it at the time of conception or during pregnancy. Men and women who are taking this drug need to use some kind of birth control. However, do not use oral contraceptives (“the pill”) without checking with your doctor.

  • If you think you may want to have children in the future. Many chemotherapy drugs can cause sterility.

    If you have any of the following medical problems: chickenpox or exposure to chickenpox, gout, heart disease, congestive heart failure, shingles, kidney stones, liver disease, or other forms of cancer.

  • If you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medicines, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medicines may interact with other drugs, causing harm. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medicine—prescription or nonprescription—without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, food, or other medicines. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
Do not take aspirin or any over-the-counter medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Asparaginase can cause a severe allergic reaction. Your doctor and nurse will be prepared to give you special medicine(s) if you have an allergic reaction when you receive the drug. You will probably receive a test dose before your first dose of the drug.
Tell your nurse or doctor if you feel short of breath, pain in your back, lightheaded or dizzy, or any sensation that is different.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
Side Effects:
More Common Side Effects
  • Mild nausea
  • Mild vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Drowsiness
  • Depression
  • Increased liver function blood levels
  • Allergic reaction ranging from mild (most) to severe and life-threatening
Less Common Side Effects
  • Increased blood sugar level
  • Mild anemia
Rare Side Effects
  • Inflammation of the pancreas
  • Decreased white blood cell count with increased risk of infection
  • Decreased platelet count with increased risk of bleeding
Side Effects / Symptoms of the Drug

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have increased thirst, increased hunger, or increased urination (related to increased blood sugar).

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any unusual bruising or bleeding.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have a fever (higher than 100.5°F).
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
FDA Approval: This drug is approved for cancer treatment.