Asparaginase
Details of the Drug
- Generic Name:
- Asparaginase
- Pronunciation:
- a-SPARE-a-gin-ase
- Drug Type:
- Enzyme that prevents cancer cells from surviving
- How the Drug is Given:
Intravenously (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection
- Names:
- Asparaginase
Indications and Usage
Asparaginase is FDA approved in combination with chemotherapy to treat people who have acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Side effects needing medical attention
Difficulty in breathing; joint pain; puffy face; rash or itching; stomach pain (severe) with nausea and vomiting; fever or chills; inability to move arm or leg; unusual bleeding or bruising; confusion; drowsiness; lower back or side pain; hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there); depression; nervousness; sores in the mouth or on lips; swelling of feet or lower legs; tiredness; unusually frequent urination; unusual thirst; seizures; severe headache.
For information on how to manage the costs of drug therapy, please see Financial Support, or to speak with an Information Specialist, call (800) 955-4572.