Pegaspargase

Description

Pegaspargase is an anti-cancer medicine which is used in combination with other cancer medications for the treatment of a specific type of blood cancer where the bone marrow produces cancerous and immature lymphoblasts in large quantities. It is used in patients who are hypersensitive to asparaginase.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Pegaspargase

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Skin rash
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal or stomach pain
  • Tiredness
  • Sweating
  • General feeling of discomfort
  • Dizziness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Indigestion
  • Headache
  • Numbness
  • Blood in urine
  • Black or Tarry stools
  • Pinpoint red spots on skin

Uses of Pegaspargase

What is it prescribed for?

  • Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The amount of time required for this medicine to deplete the asparagine levels is within 4 days.
  • Duration of effect
    This medicine remains active in the body for up to 21 days after intramuscular administration and 2 to 4 weeks after intravenous administration.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
  • Is it habit forming?
    No habit-forming tendencies were reported.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.

Allergy

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to pegaspargase or any other ingredients present along with it.

Pancreatitis

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with pancreatitis due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.

Thrombosis

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who had experienced serious thrombotic events during prior therapy with this medicine.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before receiving this medicine.
General warnings

Severe allergic reactions

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in some patients. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Pancreatitis

This medicine may cause pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) in some patients. Report any unusual symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. to the doctor immediately. Appropriate corrective measures, dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Glucose intolerance

This medicine may cause glucose intolerance in some patients. Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Missed Dose

Since this medicine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low. If you miss any scheduled session, contact your doctor immediately for further instructions.

Overdose

Since this medicine is administered in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very less. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

Instructions

Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine

Live attenuated vaccines and related products

Etanercept

Adalimumab

Clozapine

Warfarin

Aspirin

Disease interactions

Diabetes

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from diabetes due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.

Liver Disease

This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of liver function is necessary while receiving this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This medicine is usually administered in the clinical/hospital setting under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Follow all the instructions given by your doctor. Inform the doctor if you have a known allergy to this medicine. Report all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions to the doctor before receiving this medicine
Miscelleneous

Usage does not depend on food timings

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
This medicine works by interfering with the actions of certain natural substances that cause the cancer cells to multiply. This helps in stopping the growth and spread of cancer.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Unknown

Approved

Classification

Category

Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Schedule

Schedule H

[Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 28 December 2018]. Available from:

https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00059

[Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 28 December 2018]. Available from:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695031.html

[Internet]. Accessdata.fda.gov. 2018 [cited 28 December 2018]. Available from:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/103411s5188lbl.pdf

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Information on this page was last updated on 27 May 2019

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.