Asparaginase L
Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is a cancer medicine. Erwinaze is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults and children at least 1 year old. Rylaze is used to treat lymphoblastic lymphoma in adults and children at least 1 month old who have become allergic to other forms of asparaginase such as Elspar or Oncaspar.
Introduction
Generic name: Asparaginase
Brand names: Erwinaze, Rylaze, Erwinase
Dosage forms: injectable powder for injection (10000 intl units); intramuscular solution (rywn recombinant 10 mg/0.5 mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antineoplastics
Uses
Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
Benefits
In Blood cancer (Acute lymphocytic leukemia)
Blood cancer, also called leukemia, is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, that decreases the body’s ability to fight infection. L-Aspara Injection kills or stops the growth of cancer cells and also prevents the multiplication of cancer cells. It is a potent and very toxic medicine and you should discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. You should avoid drinking alcohol while having this treatment and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Directions for use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How it works?
Asparaginase belongs to class of medications called antineoplastic agents. Asparaginase is an enzyme that interferes with natural processes necessary for cancer cell growth, thereby killing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Side effects
Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
Easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums)
Any bleeding that will not stop
Blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing
Signs of liver or pancreas problems–severe stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Signs of a blood clot–sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, chest pain, feeling short of breath, pain or swelling in an arm or leg
Low white blood cell counts–fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough
High blood sugar–increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects of asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi may include:
Liver or pancreas problems
Bleeding or blood clots
High blood sugar
Stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Fever, headache, tiredness, mouth sores
Bone pain, muscle or joint pain
Allergic reaction, skin rash
Abnormal liver function tests.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.