For treating cancer.
Brand Name(s): Oncaspar
Generic Name: Pegaspargase
Instructions
This medicine is given as an injection.
This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
This medicine is usually combined with another medicine to treat your condition.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.
Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.
This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
This medicine may cause serious bleeding problems in patients taking blood thinner medications. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to monitor your blood lab tests if you are on blood thinners.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.
Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.
Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 1 month after stopping treatment.
This medicine can cause birth defects. Speak with your doctor about birth control methods that should be used while on this medicine.
Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.
Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- pain, redness, swelling near injection
- nausea and vomiting
- weakness
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- red or swollen abdomen
- pain in the abdomen
- bleeding or bruising
- fever or chills
- numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- severe or persistent headache
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
- excessive thirst
- increased urinary frequency
- dark urine
- sudden change or loss of vision
- yellowing of eyes or skin
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about PEGASPARGASE - INJECTION
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Selected from data included with permission and copyright by First DataBank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
