L ASPARAGINASE belongs to the class of medicines called antineoplastic (anticancer) agents used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (a type of blood and bone marrow cancer). Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. It is a type of blood cancer which causes excessive production of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) by the bone marrow.
L ASPARAGINASE contains L Asparaginase which works by lowering asparagine levels in the body, which is necessary for the survival of cancer cells. Thus, L ASPARAGINASE stops the cancer cells from dividing and growing.
L ASPARAGINASE will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Sometimes, L ASPARAGINASE may cause common side effects such as nausea, weight loss, generalised pain or muscle pain, infections or a decrease in normal blood content. Most of these side effects of L ASPARAGINASE do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to L asparaginase or other medicines, please tell your doctor. You are recommended to avoid breastfeeding during treatment with L ASPARAGINASE as there may be a risk to the feeding child. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, please inform your doctor before receiving L ASPARAGINASE. Also, you are recommended to use effective contraceptive methods before and for at least 3 months after treatment with L ASPARAGINASE to prevent pregnancy. L ASPARAGINASE is given to children in doses as advised by the doctor, depending on the age. Avoid driving after receiving L ASPARAGINASE as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
L ASPARAGINASE contains L Asparaginase, an anticancer agent used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (a type of blood and bone marrow cancer). It lowers the levels of asparagine in the body, which is necessary for the survival of cancer cells. Thus, L ASPARAGINASE stops the cancer cells from dividing and growing.
If you are allergic to L asparaginase or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. You are recommended to avoid breastfeeding during treatment with L ASPARAGINASE as there may be a risk to the feeding child. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, please inform your doctor before receiving L ASPARAGINASE. Also, you are recommended to use effective contraceptive methods before and for at least three months after treatment with L ASPARAGINASE to prevent pregnancy. L ASPARAGINASE is given to children in doses as advised by the doctor, depending on the age. Avoid driving after receiving L ASPARAGINASE if you experience drowsiness or dizziness. L ASPARAGINASE may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, consult your doctor if you notice any signs of infection and avoid contact with people having viral infections. If you experience any significant bleeding during treatment with L ASPARAGINASE, inform your doctor immediately, as L ASPARAGINASE may affect your body’s ability to prevent excessive bleeding.
Drug-Drug Interaction: Inform your doctor if you are taking other anticancer drugs (cytarabine, methotrexate, vincristine), corticosteroids (prednisone) and oral contraceptives.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: L ASPARAGINASE is not given if you have or previously had severe pancreatitis.
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while on treatment with L ASPARAGINASE as it may worsen your condition.
Limited data available on the effect of L ASPARAGINASE on pregnant women. Hence, if you are pregnant, or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving L ASPARAGINASE. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
You are recommended to avoid breastfeeding during treatment with L ASPARAGINASE as there may be a risk to the child.
L ASPARAGINASE may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience any such side effects, avoid driving or operating machinery.
If you have pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving L ASPARAGINASE. Your doctor may recommend regular tests to monitor liver function while receiving L ASPARAGINASE.
If you have pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving L ASPARAGINASE. Your doctor may recommend regular tests to monitor kidney function while receiving L ASPARAGINASE.
The dosage for children is recommended based on their age, body weight and condition of the child.
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): It is a type of blood cancer which causes excessive production of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) by the bone marrow. It is the most common childhood cancer. The symptoms include bleeding from gums, weakness, bone pain, joint pain, bruises, extreme tiredness, paleness, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, groin region or under the arms, fever or shortness of breath. The risk factors include exposure to high levels of radiation, viral infections, inherited syndromes, smoking, prolonged exposure to certain chemicals or chemotherapy drugs or even diesel.