pegaspargase

Brand name(s):

Oncaspar

What is the most important information I should know about pegaspargase?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to pegaspargase, or if you have ever been treated with asparaginase (Elspar) and had a severe allergic reaction or developed a stroke, blood clot, or pancreas problems.

Before receiving pegaspargase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have diabetes or a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.

While receiving pegaspargase, avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

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.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of the following side effects during your treatment with pegaspargase:

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
pain or swelling in one or both legs;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
increased thirst or urination; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What is pegaspargase?

Pegaspargase is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Pegaspargase is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Pegaspargase may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving pegaspargase?

Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to pegaspargase, or if you have ever been treated with asparaginase (Elspar) and had:

a serious allergic reaction;
a stroke or blood clot; or
problems with your pancreas.

Before receiving pegaspargase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

diabetes (pegaspargase can raise blood sugar); or
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive pegaspargase, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pegaspargase 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.

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