A medication used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)!
Pegaspargase (Oncaspar)
Product Description: Pegaspargase is a prescription medicine used to treat:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in combination with other chemotherapy drugs
- Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) in combination with other chemotherapy drugs
Composition: Pegaspargase is a pegylated form of L-asparaginase, an enzyme that breaks down the amino acid asparagine.
Mechanism of Action: Pegaspargase works by depleting the body of asparagine, a crucial amino acid for the growth and survival of certain cancer cells. By depleting asparagine, pegaspargase:
- Inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells
- Induces apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells
Dosage: The recommended dose of pegaspargase is:
- 2500 IU/m² administered as an intramuscular injection every 14 days
- May be adjusted based on patient response and tolerability
Uses: Pegaspargase is approved for the treatment of:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in combination with other chemotherapy drugs
- Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) in combination with other chemotherapy drugs
Side Effects: Common side effects of pegaspargase include:
- Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching, hives)
- Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction)
- Hyperbilirubinemia (elevated bilirubin levels)
- Hypofibrinogenemia (low fibrinogen levels)
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
Recommendation: Pegaspargase should be prescribed by a healthcare professional experienced in the treatment of cancer.
Important Note:
- Pegaspargase can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
- Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to L-asparaginase or pegaspargase should not receive pegaspargase.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not receive pegaspargase.
- Men who are taking pegaspargase should use effective contraception to avoid fathering a child.
It’s essential to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before starting pegaspargase therapy.
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