L-asparaginase
(el a-SPIR-a-ji-nase)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Additional information | Contact us
What is L-asparaginase (Elspar")?
L-asparaginase is a medicine used to treat certain types of cancer. It is available as an injectable medication that can be given intramuscularly (into the muscle) or intravenously (IV).
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Special Instructions
- Allergic reactions are common with this medication. Your child's doctor may want to observe your child in the hospital after giving this medication to make sure that he/she is not having a reaction to the drug.
- Allergic reactions are associated more with IV delivery of the medication. The intramuscular administration is preferred.
- If your child experiences an allergic reaction to L-asparaginase the doctor may want to change your child to a different but similar medication to complete the course of chemotherapy.
- Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
- If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
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Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Drowsiness
- Sores that are not healing
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Increased thirst, appetite, or urination
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Rash
- Confusion
- Fever, chills
- Easy bruising, bleeding
- Difficulty breathing
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Additional information
This medication is not administered unless a nurse or doctor is present because of the risk for severe allergic reactions. Signs of an allergic reaction may include fever, chills, rash, itching, hives, puffy face and difficulty breathing.
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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PEP 5019 V 3/01
Rev. 9/05, 9/07
