Pegaspargase injection

What is this medicine?

PEGASPARGASE (peg AS par jase) is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is given as an infusion into a vein or an injection into a muscle. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age 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

• severe headache

• severe stomach pain

• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose

• signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as chest pain; shortness of breath; pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; fruity breath; nausea; stomach pain; increased hunger; or fast, irregular heartbeat

• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; or 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):

• sweating

• weight loss

What may interact with this medicine?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• cytarabine

• methotrexate

• oral contraceptives

• vincristine

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

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

• an unusual or allergic reaction to pegaspargase, L-asparaginase, E. coli proteins, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for at least 3 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for at least 3 months after stopping it.