Pegaspargase injection

What is this medication?

PEGASPARGASE (peg AS par jase) is a chemotherapy drug. This medicine is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Oncaspar

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bleeding disorders
• diabetes or other problems with blood sugar
• history of blood clots
• history of pancreatitis
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pegaspargase, L-asparaginase, E. coli proteins, other chemotherapy agents, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This drug is given as an infusion into a vein or an injection into a muscle. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

• cytarabine
• dexamethasone
• methotrexate
• oral contraceptives
• vincristine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

This medicine may cause serious infusion reactions or allergic reactions. To reduce the risk, your health care provider may give you other medicines to take before receiving this one. Be sure to follow the directions from your health care provider.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 3 months after stopping it. Women must use a non-hormonal form of birth control while taking this medicine. There is a potential for serious harm to an unborn child. Tell your health care provider right away if you think you might be pregnant. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 1 month after stopping it.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• severe headache
• severe stomach pain
• signs and symptoms of bleeding such as bloody or black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; spitting up blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds; red spots on the skin; unusual bruising or bleeding from the eyes, gums, or nose
• signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as chest pain; shortness of breath; pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg
• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; or yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• sweating
• weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.