Rasburicase
About Rasburicase
Rasburicase is an injectable prescription medicine used to lower high levels of uric acid in the blood of patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. It is specifically prescribed for those receiving treatment for leukaemia, lymphoma, or solid tumours, where rapid cell destruction can release dangerous amounts of uric acid. By lowering these levels, this medicine prevents kidney damage and severe complications.
This treatment is given as an intravenous infusion once daily for up to 5 days, depending on your chemotherapy schedule. You can receive this medicine with or without having eaten beforehand, as food intake does not alter how the injection works. To support the treatment, it is highly beneficial to drink plenty of fluids to help your kidneys flush out dissolved wastes effectively.
Common side effects of this medicine include fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting. While these symptoms are usually mild, you must seek medical attention immediately if you experience breathing difficulties, a rapid heartbeat, or blue-tinted skin, which can indicate serious allergic or blood-related reactions.
Do not take this if you have a genetic condition known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, as the drug can trigger a dangerous breakdown of your red blood cells. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you have a history of severe allergies, asthma, or any other blood disorders.
This medicine can interfere with blood tests for uric acid, so you must inform the lab staff that you are using it. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as elderly individuals, should consult their healthcare provider before treatment, as close monitoring is required to ensure safety.
Uses of Rasburicase
Medicinal Benefits
Rasburicase provides important support during cancer treatment by rapidly reducing high uric acid levels and helping protect kidney function. The key benefits of Rasburicase include:
- Rapid Reduction of Uric Acid: This medicine rapidly reduces toxic uric acid levels in the bloodstream, preventing the severe joint pain and kidney strain associated with rapid cancer cell breakdown during chemotherapy.
- Protection of Kidney Function: By protecting kidney function during intensive chemotherapy cycles, it ensures patients can complete their cancer treatments without dangerous interruptions or the need for emergency kidney dialysis.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Rasburicase will be administered by an oncology doctor.
- Do not self-administer it
Storage
Side Effects of Rasburicase
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Stomach pain or diarrhoea
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as skin rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat)
- Bluish colour of the skin, lips, or fingernails (a sign of low oxygen in the blood)
- Unusual tiredness, pale skin, or dark-coloured urine (signs of red blood cell breakdown)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Check the solution: Before injection, the healthcare provider will inspect the vial. Do not use if the solution is discoloured or contains visible floating particles.
- Screen for G6PD deficiency: Ensure you have been tested for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency before receiving your first dose, as this medicine can cause severe blood disorders in people with this genetic trait.
- Monitor for allergic reactions: Inform your nurse immediately if you feel warm, itchy, dizzy, or short of breath during the infusion.
- Accurate lab testing: Blood samples for uric acid testing must be kept on ice and analysed quickly after collection to prevent false low readings caused by Rasburicase continuing to work in the test tube.
Drug Interactions
- Laboratory Tests: No clinically significant drug-drug interactions have been identified, but this medicine can cause false low readings in laboratory tests for uric acid. Inform your healthcare team before undergoing blood draws.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Rasburicase interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Rasburicase. You should not become pregnant while on treatment with Rasburicase.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm your infant. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Rasburicase. Your doctor may suggest you stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine.
Driving
cautionRasburicase is administered as a single dose in a hospital setting. however Rasburicase may cause dizziness; therefore, avoid driving vehicles or operating machinery until you return to normal.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Rasburicase. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Rasburicase as it may lead to kidney failure. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
safe if prescribedPlease consult your doctor. Rasburicase can be used in children if prescribed.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, as directed by your doctor. Staying exceptionally well-hydrated helps your kidneys flush out the broken-down waste products from your bloodstream.
- Avoid High-Purine Foods: Avoid consuming foods high in purines, such as red meat, seafood, and organ meats, as these can naturally increase uric acid levels in the body.
- Limit Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as alcohol can interfere with how your body processes and eliminates uric acid.
- Get Adequate Rest: Rest adequately during your treatment cycle to help your body recover from the combined effects of chemotherapy and cellular breakdown.
Special Advise
- Regular blood tests are recommended while taking Rasburicase to monitor the number and type of cells in the blood.
- Blood uric acid levels should be monitored, and be ready to utilize any supportive or pharmacologic interventions that may be required to address this condition.
- The uric acid blood samples should be collected in pre-chilled tubes containing heparin and immediately immerse and maintain the sample in an ice water bath.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is the body’s disease-fighting system. It includes lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus.
Leukaemia: Also known as blood cancer, is a cancer of blood cells or blood-forming tissues. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
FAQs
Rasburicase is used to help remove excess uric acid levels in patients with leukaemia, lymphoma, and solid tumour malignancies.
Rasburicase is known to cause severe hypersensitivity reactions, hemolysis, and methemoglobinemia in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before starting the treatment.
Rasburicase is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein by a trained healthcare professional. The process usually takes about 30 minutes. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the procedure.
There are no strict food restrictions, but it is highly recommended to avoid high-purine foods like red meat and shellfish, and to drink plenty of water to support your kidneys. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised dietary advice.
Yes, this medicine is approved for use in both adults and children who are undergoing chemotherapy and are at risk for high uric acid levels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Rasburicase remains active in blood samples at room temperature, which can cause falsely low uric acid test results. Keeping the blood tubes on ice ensures the laboratory gets an accurate reading. Talk to your doctor if you want to know more about your lab tests.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not fully established. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Yes, serious allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, can occur during or after the infusion. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely during treatment to manage any sudden reactions. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of allergies.
No, you should not receive this medicine if you have a G6PD deficiency, as it can cause a dangerous and sudden breakdown of red blood cells. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternative treatment options.
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