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How it is administered
Asparaginase is given as an intramuscular injection. The medication comes as a sterile, clear to slightly yellow solution, and is injected into a muscle by a healthcare professional. The dose and schedule depend on your body size and the specific treatment plan your doctor prescribes. It is not given intravenously.
The injection is usually given every 48 hours or on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule, depending on the regimen. The total number of doses may vary based on whether it is replacing another asparaginase product.
How it works
Asparaginase is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acid L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Certain cancer cells, especially those in lymphoblastic lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), cannot make enough asparagine on their own and rely on the supply in the bloodstream.
By breaking down asparagine, asparaginase starves these cancer cells, preventing them from growing and multiplying. Normal cells can usually make their own asparagine, so they are less affected by this treatment. This targeted approach helps to kill cancerous cells while sparing most healthy cells.
Common side effects
- Abnormal liver tests (increased liver enzymes or bilirubin)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Infections
- Fever (pyrexia)
- Bleeding or bruising
- Mouth sores (stomatitis)
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Drug hypersensitivity (rash, allergic reactions)
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Diarrhea
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Low potassium (hypokalemia)
Serious side effects can include severe allergic reactions, pancreatitis, blood clots, severe bleeding, and liver problems. Always report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Who Should take it
Asparaginase is used as part of a multi-drug chemotherapy regimen for treating lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in both children and adults who are at least 1 month old. It is specifically indicated for patients who have developed an allergy or hypersensitivity to asparaginase derived from E. coli.
If you or your child have LBL or ALL and have had a reaction to E. coli-derived asparaginase, your doctor may recommend asparaginase as a replacement to continue effective treatment.
Who should not take it
You should not take asparaginase if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to asparaginase or similar products. It is also not recommended for people who have had serious pancreatitis, blood clots, or severe bleeding events during previous asparaginase therapy.
Additionally, patients with severe liver impairment should not receive asparaginase. Always tell your doctor about your full medical history before starting this medication.
Commonly used with
Asparaginase is almost always used as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen. It is not used alone. Other medications commonly given with asparaginase include vincristine, corticosteroids (like prednisone or dexamethasone), methotrexate, and other chemotherapy agents.
Your doctor will tailor the combination of drugs based on your specific diagnosis and treatment protocol.
Commonly tested with
Asparaginase is tested in combination with other chemotherapy agents in clinical trials for lymphoblastic lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These may include drugs like vincristine, methotrexate, cytarabine, and corticosteroids.
The effectiveness and safety of asparaginase are evaluated as part of multi-agent regimens, especially in patients who have had hypersensitivity to E. coli-derived asparaginase.
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