Asparaginase Erwinia Chrysanthemi (By injection)
as-PAR-a-jin-ase er-WIN-ee-ah kri-SAN-them-ee
Treats acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is used together with other cancer medicines to treat a certain type of blood cancer called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This medicine is used in patients who have had an allergic reaction to E. coli-derived asparaginase.
Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi belongs to the group of medicines known as antineoplastic agents. It interferes with the growth of the cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by this medicine, other effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor.
Before you begin treatment with Erwinaze®, you and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle or through a needle placed a vein.
You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, or if you had bleeding problems, blood clots, or pancreas problems from prior treatment with asparaginase.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have liver disease, bleeding or blood clotting problems, or diabetes.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Pancreatitis Bleeding or blood clotting problems Increased blood sugar levelsYour doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Chest pain, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
Dry mouth, increased hunger, thirst, or urination
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body, pain or swelling in your calf
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Erwinaze
There may be other brand names for this medicine.