Asparaginase Description

Generic Name: ASPARAGINASE

Pronunciation: (a spare' a gi nase)

Trade Name(s): Leucoginase, Leunase, Elspar, OncasparErwinase

Why it is prescribed: This is not a drug that one uses at home.Your doctor has ordered the drug asparaginase to help treat your illness.The drug will be injected into a large muscle or a vein. Asparaginase resembles normal cell nutrients needed by cancer cells to grow, so that the cancer cells take up asparaginase by mistake. Once in these cells, asparaginase interferes with their growth. In addition to asparaginase, your doctor may measure the effectiveness of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations.

When it is to be taken: The drug will be injected into a large muscle or a vein. It general, the length of treatment depends on the types of drugs you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.

How it should be taken: 1. The purpose of chemotherapy is to control your illness so that your own body can aid in your recovery.
2. It is important to build up your body's defense system, and a balanced diet is needed to build a healthy body.
3. Ask your doctor for advice on your diet.

Special Instruction: 1. Methotrexate is another common anti-tumor drug. Asparginase and methotrexate work against each other and hence should be administered at least 48 hours apart.
2. The use of asparagines has been associated with pancreatitis.
3. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-substitute products without medical advice. If you notice any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
4. Swelling in your feet or ankles, abdominal pain, difficult or frequent urination, constant thirst, sore throat, and unusual bleeding or bruising.
5. You should not assume that you cannot get pregnant or get someone else pregnant just because you are on chemotherapy.
6. You should not plan to have children while receiving chemotherapy or for a while after treatments. Use a reliable form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

Side Effects:

Other Precautions: 1. Ammonia is a by-product released by this drug. In patients with compromised liver function, the transient high levels of ammonia in the blood could pose a toxic problem.
2. It is administered only under the supervision of the doctor.

Storage Conditions: This is not a drug that one uses at home.