Pronunciation: peg-AS-par-jase
Generic Name: Pegaspargase
Brand Name: Oncaspar
Pegaspargase is used for:
Treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in certain patients. It is used along with other cancer medicines.
Pegaspargase is an antineoplastic agent. It works by decreasing the amount of asparagine in the body, which kills certain leukemia cells.
Do NOT use Pegaspargase if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Pegaspargase
- you have chickenpox, shingles, or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- you have ever had serious blood clots, serious bleeding, or inflammation of the pancreas after using Pegaspargase or L-asparaginase
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Pegaspargase:
Some medical conditions may interact with Pegaspargase. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have liver problems, bone marrow problems, diabetes, or an infection
- if you have a history of bleeding problems or blood clots
- if you are undergoing radiation therapy
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Pegaspargase. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, dipyridamole, heparin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because the risk of side effects such as bleeding may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Pegaspargase may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Pegaspargase:
Use Pegaspargase as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Pegaspargase is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
- Do not shake Pegaspargase.
- Do not use Pegaspargase if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
- Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
- Pegaspargase is usually not used more often than every 14 days. Do not use Pegaspargase more often than every 14 days without first checking with your doctor.
- If you miss a dose of Pegaspargase, contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Pegaspargase.
Important safety information:
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Pegaspargase before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
- Pegaspargase may reduce the ability of your blood to clot. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Pegaspargase may raise your blood sugar. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
- Lab tests, including blood clotting tests or blood glucose, may be performed while you use Pegaspargase. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Pegaspargase should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 1 year old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Pegaspargase can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Pegaspargase while you are pregnant. It is not known if Pegaspargase is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Pegaspargase.
Possible side effects of Pegaspargase:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. No COMMON side effects have been reported with Pegaspargase. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; trouble swallowing); blurred vision or other vision changes; calf or leg pain or swelling; chest pain; confusion; coughing up blood; dizziness; one-sided weakness; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; severe headache; shortness of breath; severe stomach pain; slurred speech; swelling of an arm or leg; symptoms of high blood sugar (eg, increased thirst, hunger, or urination; drowsiness; flushing; rapid breathing; fruit-like breath odor); unusual bleeding or bruising; yellowing of skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Pegaspargase side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include rash.
Proper storage of Pegaspargase:
Pegaspargase is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Pegaspargase at home, store Pegaspargase as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Pegaspargase out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Pegaspargase, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Pegaspargase is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Pegaspargase. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Pegaspargase resources
- Pegaspargase Side Effects (in more detail)
- Pegaspargase Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Pegaspargase Drug Interactions
- Pegaspargase Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Pegaspargase - Add your own review/rating
- Pegaspargase Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Pegaspargase Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- pegaspargase Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
- pegaspargase Intramuscular, Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Oncaspar Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare Pegaspargase with other medications
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
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