Hamsyl Injection 5 ml is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It is also used with other chemotherapy drugs to treat a certain type of ALL in people who have had allergic reactions to medications similar to pegaspargase, such as asparaginase.

Hamsyl Injection 5 ml contains Pegaspargase, an enzyme that breaks down asparagine, an important building block of proteins without which cells cannot survive. Hamsyl Injection 5 ml lowers the asparagine levels in blood cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing.

In some cases, Hamsyl Injection 5 ml may cause side effects such as tiredness, dizziness, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects may not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. Do not be reluctant to talk with the doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen.

Do not receive Hamsyl Injection 5 ml if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid driving or using machines as Hamsyl Injection 5 ml may cause drowsiness, tiredness, and confusion. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.

Hamsyl Injection 5 ml is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). It is also used with other chemotherapy drugs to treat a certain type of ALL in people who have had allergic reactions to medications similar to pegaspargase, such as asparaginase. Hamsyl Injection 5 ml contains Pegaspargase, an enzyme that breaks down asparagine, an important building block of proteins without which cells cannot survive. Normal cells can make asparagine for themselves, while some cancer cells cannot. Hamsyl Injection 5 ml lowers asparagine levels in blood cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Diarrhoea
• Tiredness
• Dizziness

Do not use Hamsyl Injection 5 ml if you are allergic to any of its components if you have severe liver disease, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or if you have ever had severe bleeding or blood clots following asparaginase therapy. Inform the doctor if you have had serious allergic reactions to other forms of asparaginase, if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or have had serious blood clots, if you get a fever if you have poor liver function, diabetes, stroke or abdominal pain. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of osteonecrosis (pain in the knee, back or hip), liver or pancreas problems (loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, fast heart rate, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes), low blood cell count (fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing), blood clot (sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, swelling or redness in an arm or leg), high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odour) or if you notice unusual bleeding, easy bruising, or purple/red spot under the skin.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, dipyridamole, aspirin), live vaccines, anti-cancer (methotrexate, cytarabine), glucocorticoids, steroids (prednisolone), or pain killers (ibuprofen, naproxen). 

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have severe liver disease, inflammation of the pancreas, bleeding disorders, or diabetes.

• WARFARIN
• HEPARIN
• DIPYRIDAMOLE
• ASPIRIN
• METHOTREXATE
• CYTARABINE
• PREDNISOLONE
• IBUPROFEN
• NAPROXEN

• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
• Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugar.
• Get optimal sleep; rest well.
• Drink enough water and eat fibre-rich foods, vegetables and fruits.

• Women of reproductive potential must use reliable contraception during treatment with Hamsyl Injection 5 ml and for six months after the last dose.
• Men should use effective contraception while they or their partners are on treatment with Hamsyl Injection 5 ml.
• Your doctor may advise tests for monitoring blood and urine sugar levels, as well as liver and pancreatic function.
• If you are undergoing immunisation with live vaccines, inform the doctor.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): ALL is a white blood cell cancer in which certain immature white cells called lymphoblasts start growing out of control, thus preventing the production of functional blood cells. It occurs when an error develops in the bone marrow cell. Symptoms include bruising, enlarged lymph nodes, bone pain, fever, frequent infections, and bleeding from the gums.