Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi solution for injection

What is this medicine?

ASPARAGINASE ERWINIA CHRYSANTHEMI (er win e uh as PAR a jin ase) is used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It is used in combination with other chemotherapy agents.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• chest pain

• increased hunger or thirst

• increased urination

• right upper belly pain

• severe headache

• shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in a leg

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• cytarabine, ARA-C

• methotrexate

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• vaccines

• vincristine

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Contact your doctor or clinic if you cannot keep your appointment. It is very important to receive all your treatment as directed to achieve the best results.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders

• diabetes or other problems with blood sugar

• history of blood clots

• history of pancreatitis

• liver disease

• take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots

• an unusual or allergic reaction to asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat. Do not treat yourself.