L-Asparaginase (Elspar) For the Treatment of Cancer

Description

It is chemotherapy given for the treatment of cancer.

 

How It Is Given

It is injected into a vein or into a muscle.

 

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of appetite.
• Flu-like symptoms occur in most patients and may get worse with each added dose.
• Fever.
• Skin rash.
• Sore arm muscle.

 

Less Common Side Effects

• Temporary effect on liver function.
• High blood sugar.
• Drowsiness.
• Excessive bleeding or blood clotting.
• Allergic reaction.

 

Call Your Health Care Provider if You Develop

• Hives or a skin rash.
• Arm soreness that lasts more than 1 day.
• Fevers that do not go away when acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is used.
• Temperature over 100.8°F.
• Problems with coordination or balance.

 

Special Concerns

• Some patients have a severe drug reaction that consists of hives, chills, fever, facial redness, lowered blood pressure, and shortness of breath.  This happens shortly after the drug is given. 
• Premedication is often given before receiving asparaginase.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/07/2007

Reproduced with permission from the 1989-2007 United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. Printed in 4/2007 by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, Department of Nursing, Madison WI. UWH #5570

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