What is Pegaspargase?
Pegaspargase can be utilized in conjunction with other drugs to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Pegaspargase can also be utilized to manage allergic reactions to a different cancer medication called asparaginase.Pegaspargase can also be employed for other purposes that are not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Pegaspargase
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic reaction such as asthma, hives, and swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face,
Pegaspargase could cause severe adverse effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Simple bleeding, unusual red or purple spots on the skin
- Low white blood cell count low white blood cell counts; fever; mouth sores; open sores on the skin; irritation of the throat; cough; difficulty breathing;
- Indications of pancreas or liver problems: Weight loss symptoms of pancreas or liver problems include stomach pain, nausea (that could be aggravated by back pain), nausea or vomiting, and a fast heart dark urine; yellowing of the eyes (yellowing in the eyes or skin);
- Blood sugar levels are high—increased thirst, more frequent urine production, a dry mouth or breath that smells of fruit
- Indications of a blood clot: sudden weakness or numbness, issues in speech or vision, swelling, or redness on the leg or arm.
The treatment for cancer may be delayed or discontinued permanently when you experience certain negative side effects.
Common adverse effects of pegaspargase could include:
- Symptoms of blood clots;
- An allergic reaction
- Liver issues or pancreas;
- High blood sugar levels;
- Low white blood cell count.
It's not a comprehensive listing of all possible adverse reactions, as other reactions could be experienced. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar or related drugs
Blincyto, methotrexate, imatinib, doxorubicin, mercaptopurine, Sprycel, and Gleevec
Warnings
It is recommended not to use pegaspargase when you have an allergy to asparaginase or in the event that you've ever had asparaginase that resulted in pancreatitis, severe bleeding, or the formation of a blood clot.
Before you take this drug
This medication is for you if you have an allergy to pegaspargase or asparaginase or if you've had asparaginase in the past and it resulted in any of the following symptoms:
- A blood clot
- Pancreatitis;
- Severe bleeding,
- An extremely allergic reaction that is severe.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- A pancreas disorder;
- The liver condition;
- Diabetes;
- Bleeding issues;
- Any allergies
- A stroke or blood clot.
It is possible that you will need to take a pregnancy test that is negative prior to beginning this treatment.Pegaspargase could cause harm to an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication and for at least three months after the last dose. Inform your doctor in the event that you discover you are pregnant.
Pegaspargase can make hormone birth control more ineffective, such as birth control pills, injections, skin patches, and vaginal rings. To avoid pregnancy when using pegaspargase, use a barrier method of birth control such as a diaphragm, condom, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge.Don't breastfeed while taking this medication or for a minimum of 3 months following your last dose.
How to take Pegaspargase?
Pegaspargase is injected into a muscle or injected as an infusion into veins. The healthcare professional will provide the injection.You will be closely monitored for at least an hour to ensure that there isn't an allergic reaction.
Pegaspargase could lower blood cell counts. Your blood needs to be checked frequently. The treatment for cancer may be delayed based on the results.Your liver function could also require a check.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:
Between the ages of 18 and 21:
2500 international units/m2 in IM or IV, not more often than once every 14 days.
21 years old and older:
2000 units of international unit/m2 IM or IV not more often than every 14 days
Comments:
Monitoring patients at least every week by monitoring bilirubin and transaminase sugar and physical examinations to ensure that they are recovering from the therapy cycle.
Use: Part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen to treat patients suffering from chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and hypersensitivity to native forms L-asparaginase
Usual Pediatric Dose for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:
1 year or older:
2500 international units per m2 IM, or IV, not more often than once every 14 days.
Comments:
IM: At one injection site, volumes administered must be restricted to 2 mL.If the amount to be administered is more than 2 mL, multiple injection sites must be employed.
IV Infusions are given over a period of between 1 and 2 hours with 100 milliliters of sodium chloride or dextrose injection 5% by infusions that are already in operation.
Monitor patients at least once a week by monitoring bilirubin and transaminases. and clinical exams until recovery from the treatment cycle
Use: Part of a multi-agent chemotherapy regimen to treat patients suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) as well as hypersensitivity L-asparaginase
What happens If I miss a dose?
Consult your physician for the proper treatment. If you do not make an appointment to receive an injection of pegaspargase,
What happens if I overdose?
Pegaspargase is administered by a medical expert in a medical environment, so it is highly unlikely for an overdose to be a problem.
What should be avoided?
Avoid activities that increase the chance of injury or bleeding. Make sure you take extra precautions to prevent bleeding while shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drugs
Other drugs can also influence pegaspargase, such as prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor your current medications as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.
