What is Calaspargase pegol?
Calaspargase Pegol is used for the treatment of acute leukaemia among children and young adults aged 1 month up to 21 years. Calaspargase Pegol can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Calaspargase pegol
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical attention: hives; itching; redness; feeling of lightheadedness; wheezing; difficulty breathing; swelling on your face, lips, or tongue; or swelling in your throat. After each injection, you will be closely monitored for at least one hour to ensure that there is no allergic reaction.
Calaspargase pegol may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- High sugar; increased thirst; increased urination; dry mouth; fruity breath smell;
- Pancreatitis: severe pain spreading from your upper stomach to your back. Nausea, and vomiting.
- If you have liver problems, such as dark urine, abdominal pain, or jaundice (yellowing on the skin or in the eyes),
- Signs of a blood clot include headaches, sudden numbness, weakness, or blurred vision. Chest pain. Swelling or redness on an arm or leg.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be discontinued or delayed.
Some of the common side effects associated with calaspargase include:
- Pancreatitis;
- Blood clotting disorders;
- Abnormal liver function tests
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects. For additional advice or medical help regarding adverse reactions. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Methotrexate, Imatinib, doxorubicin, Gleevec, Mercaptopurine, and Sprycel
Warnings
If you've ever had pegaspargase that caused an allergic response, a blood clot, or pancreatitis and bleeding, then you should avoid using calaspargase.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to calaspargase or if any of the following apply:
- You have liver disease.
- You have experienced a severe allergic reaction to pegaspargase.
- You have suffered a blood clot or pancreatitis due to using asparaginase.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Pancreatitis;
- Heart problems
- A blood clot
- Liver disease
Use effective contraception during the time you use this medication and for 3 months following your last dose.
Calaspargase Pegol can interact with birth-control pills. Use a non-oral birth control method (injections, skin patches, vaginal rings, implants) in conjunction with a barrier birth control method (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges). Do not breastfeed if you are using this medication or for 3 months following your last dose.
How to take Calaspargase pegol?
Calaspargase Pegol is administered as an intravenous infusion. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. Calaspargase is normally given every 21 days. Your doctor will decide how long you should be treated with calaspargase. Calaspargase Pegol dosages are determined by body surface area. You may need to adjust your dose if you lose or gain weight, or if you are still growing. Medical tests will be required frequently.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia:
18–21 years old:
No more than 21 days a year, 2500 units/m2 IV in 60 minutes
Use: This drug is indicated as part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen for adults aged 18 to 21 with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
The usual paediatric dose for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is:
One month old and older
No more than 21 days a year, 2500 units/m2 IV in 60 minutes
Use: This drug is indicated as part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen for treating acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in paediatric patients aged 1 month or older.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment for a calaspargase injection, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies, may also affect calaspargase. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
