asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi

What is the most important information I should know about asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

You should not receive asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi if you are allergic to it, or if you have received asparaginase (Elspar) in the past and it caused you to have serious pancreas problems, a blood clot, or serious bleeding problems.

Some people develop a life-threatening allergic reaction to asparaginase. You will need to receive this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe pain in your upper stomach, nausea and vomiting, easy bruising or bleeding, increased thirst of urination, sudden numbness or severe headache, warmth or swelling in your legs, or sudden problems with your vision, speech, or balance.

What is asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Asparaginase is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is used to treat acute lymphocytic lymphoma.

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

You should not receive asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi if you are allergic to it, or if you have received asparaginase (Elspar) in the past and it caused you to have:

• serious pancreas problems;
• a blood clots; or
• serious bleeding problems.

To make sure you can safely use asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• diabetes;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia;
• a history of blood clots; or
• a history of pancreas problems.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi.

How should I take asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is injected into a muscle.

Some people develop a life-threatening allergic reaction to asparaginase. You will need to receive this medicine in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while taking asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• any bleeding that will not stop;
• fever;
• seizure (convulsions);
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood;
• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs; or
• high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss).

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea;
• diarrhea; or
• mild stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

There may be other drugs that can interact with asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi.