ERWINIA ASPARAGINASE - INJECTION

ERWINIA ASPARAGINASE - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (erwin-E-a as-PAR-a-jin-ase)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Erwinaze

GENERIC NAME(S): asparaginase (Erwinia chrysanthemi)

Uses

USES: Erwinia asparaginase is used with or without other anticancer (chemotherapy) drugs to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It works by starving tumor cells of needed nutrients and slowing tumor cell growth.


How to use ERWINIA ASPARAGINASE - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication may be given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. Some brands may also be given by injection under the skin or into a vein by a health care professional, usually in a hospital setting. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor will give you pre-medication to help prevent allergic reactions. Unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, drink plenty of fluids while using this medication.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Pain or swelling at the injection site, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, headache, lack of energy, or drowsiness may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe, and in some cases you may need anti-nausea drugs. Not eating before your treatment may help relieve nausea and vomiting. Changes in diet, such as eating several small meals, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe stomach pain with nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes, tremor, muscle stiffness, joint pain, swelling of hands/feet/lower legs, yellowing of the eyes/skin, unusual bleeding/bruising (such as nose bleeds, black or bloody stools), signs of high blood sugar (such as unusual thirst, frequent urination). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: abnormally high fever, vision changes, fainting, severe headache, severe dizziness, seizures, chest pain. This medication can lower the body's ability to fight an infection. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as fever, chills, sores in mouth or on lips, or persistent sore throat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before receiving erwinia asparaginase, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: pancreatitis, liver disease. This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine for flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Use caution with sharp objects like razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. If used in the first trimester, erwinia asparaginase may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Women of child-bearing age should use an effective form of birth control while using this medication. Discuss the risks, benefits and any other concerns with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for ERWINIA ASPARAGINASE - INJECTION

Erwinia asparaginase injection is used in combination with chemotherapy to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in patients who have developed an allergic reaction to the E. coli-derived asparaginase.

Erwinia asparaginase is an enzyme that works by breaking down the amino acid asparagine, which leukemia cells need to grow and survive. By depleting asparagine in the body, Erwinia asparaginase helps kill the leukemia cells.

Erwinia asparaginase injection is administered as a shot into the muscle (intramuscular) or into a vein (intravenous) by a healthcare professional. The injection site may vary depending on the specific instructions provided by your doctor.

Common side effects of Erwinia asparaginase injection may include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, fever, headache, dizziness, muscle pain, and changes in blood cell counts. It is important to inform your doctor about any side effects you experience.

Before starting treatment with Erwinia asparaginase injection, it is important to inform your doctor about any allergies you may have, especially to other asparaginase medications. Your doctor should also be aware of any other medications or supplements you are taking, as they may interact with Erwinia asparaginase.

Yes, there can be serious side effects associated with Erwinia asparaginase injection, including allergic reactions, pancreatitis, blood clotting or bleeding problems, liver toxicity, and central nervous system toxicity. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

The safety of Erwinia asparaginase injection during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not well established. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

The dosing schedule for Erwinia asparaginase injections will be determined by your healthcare provider. It can vary depending on factors such as your age, weight, and overall health, as well as the specific chemotherapy regimen being used.

Missing a dose of Erwinia asparaginase injection may affect the effectiveness of the treatment. It is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and notify your healthcare provider if you are unable to receive a scheduled dose.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.