Generic Name: asparaginase (as PAR a jin ase)
Brand Names: Elspar
What is Elspar (asparaginase)?
Asparaginase is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Asparaginase is used to treat acute lymphocytic lymphoma.
Asparaginase may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Elspar (asparaginase)?
Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to asparaginase or pegaspargase (Oncaspar), or if you have a history of liver disease or pancreas problems. Tell your doctor about all other cancer medications you are receiving. Get emergency medical help if you think you have received too much of this medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Even if you have received asparaginase without reaction in the past, you may have an allergic reaction to the medication when you receive it again.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of the following side effects during your treatment with asparaginase:
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
agitation, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions); or
urinating less than usual or not at all.
Asparaginase is highly toxic and both the powder and solution must be handled with care. Avoid inhaling vapors from the medicine, or allowing the medicine to come into contact with your skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medicine gets on your skin, wash the area right away with soap and water. If the medicine gets into your eyes, rinse them for at least 15 minutes with water, saline, or other irrigating solution and seek emergency medical attention.
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving Elspar (asparaginase)?
Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to asparaginase or pegaspargase (Oncaspar), or if you have a history of pancreas problems.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
liver disease;
gout;
diabetes (asparaginase can raise blood sugar); or
if you are being treated with other cancer medications.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether asparaginase is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether asparaginase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is asparaginase given?
Asparaginase is given as an injection through an IV needle placed into a vein, or as a shot into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The IV medicine must be given slowly, and it can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Before you receive your first treatment with this medication, you may need a skin test to make sure you are not allergic to asparaginase.
Asparaginase can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain thyroid tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are receiving asparaginase.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your asparaginase injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fever, chills, flu symptoms, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, urinating less than usual or not at all, and seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while receiving Elspar (asparaginase)?
Asparaginase is highly toxic and both the powder and solution must be handled with care. Avoid inhaling vapors from the medicine, or allowing the medicine to come into contact with your skin, eyes, nose, or mouth. If the medicine gets on your skin, wash the area right away with soap and water. If the medicine gets into your eyes, rinse them for at least 15 minutes with water, saline, or other irrigating solution and seek emergency medical attention.
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Elspar (asparaginase) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Even if you have received asparaginase without reaction in the past, you may have an allergic reaction to the medication when you receive it again. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
increased thirst or urination;
agitation, hallucinations, seizure (convulsions);
tremors, muscle stiffness; or
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild skin rash or itching;
depression, drowsiness;
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
stomach cramps; or
headache, feeling tired or irritable.
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 Elspar (asparaginase)?
Before receiving asparaginase, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar);
prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, and others); or
methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex, Trexall).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with asparaginase. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Elspar resources
- Elspar Side Effects (in more detail)
- Elspar Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Elspar Drug Interactions
- Elspar Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Elspar - Add your own review/rating
- Elspar Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Elspar Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Elspar Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Elspar MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Elspar with other medications
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Where can I get more information?
- Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about asparaginase.
See also: Elspar side effects (in more detail)
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