ASPARAGINASE
Background and Date of Approval
Asparaginase is an antitumor enzyme belonging to the hydrolase class of medicines. It received approval on 30 June 2021 for the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Uses
Asparaginase is used to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (a type of cancer of the white blood cells).
How is it administered?
It will be given to you by your health care professional. Do not self-administer. Your physician will decide the dose and duration of your treatment based on the disease severity and other factors.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Asparaginase are nausea, muscle pain, weight loss, infections (fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, or a rash), difficulty breathing, inflammation of the digestive tract, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, discomfort, headache, tiredness. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
This medicine should not be used if you have severe problems with your pancreas or you may be allergic to any of the ingredients of this medicine. Talk to your physician if you are a diabetic patient as this medicine contains glucose. The common side effects of Asparaginase Injection are muscle pain, nausea, infections, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Precautions
Use effective birth control during the treatment with this Injection and for at least three months after the last dose. Women should use contraception methods other than oral contraceptives.
Word of Advice
This injection must be administered by a healthcare professional. Inform your doctor if you have any allergic reactions, blood pressure abnormalities, kidney or liver disorders, or are taking medications for other medical conditions. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medication. Avoid driving while taking this medication, as it may cause dizziness. Avoid operating heavy machinery, as you may experience difficulty concentrating.
References
Porton Biopharma Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on June 2021] [ Accessed on 6th April 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12340.pdf Merck & Co., Inc., US Food and Drug Administration, [Issued on 2000] [ Accessed on 6th April 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2002/aspamer080102LB.pdf Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Cytotoxic agents, 12th edition, 2011, 1720. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Anticancer drugs, 7th edition, 2013, 869.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Asparaginase Injection affect blood glucose levels?
Yes, this medication can increase blood glucose levels as it contains glucose. Blood glucose levels should be monitored regularly while taking this medication.
Whether Asparaginase Injection be self-administered?
No, this injection should be administered only by the doctor or nurse and not self-administered. Wrong injection techniques can lead to complications.
Can I use Asparaginase Injection while driving?
Avoid driving and handling heavy machinery while taking this medication, as it causes dizziness and lack of concentration.
Is it safe to use Asparaginase Injection during breastfeeding?
It is unsafe to use this medication during breastfeeding, and inform the doctor before taking this medication.
Is Asparaginase Injection a chemotherapy medication?
Yes, it is a chemotherapy medicine that is used to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (cancer of white blood cells).