Pegaspargase
About Pegaspargase
Pegaspargase 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.
Pegaspargase contains Pegaspargase, an enzyme that breaks down asparagine, an important building block of proteins without which cells cannot survive. Pegaspargase lowers the asparagine levels in blood cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing.
In some cases, Pegaspargase 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 Pegaspargase if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid driving or using machines as Pegaspargase may cause drowsiness, tiredness, and confusion. Keep the doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Pegaspargase
Medicinal Benefits
Pegaspargase 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. Pegaspargase 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. Pegaspargase lowers asparagine levels in blood cancer cells and stops the cancer cells from growing.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pegaspargase
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
Drug Warnings
Do not use Pegaspargase 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 Interactions
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.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionPlease consult your doctor before consuming alcohol while on treatment with Pegaspargase as it may increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage.
Pregnancy
cautionPegaspargase belongs to pregnancy category C. The effects of Pegaspargase during pregnancy have not been studied. If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or think you may be pregnant, talk to the doctor for advice.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not known if Pegaspargase passes into breast milk. As a precautionary measure, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment and should not be re-started until after treatment with Pegaspargase has been discontinued.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery as Pegaspargase may cause tiredness, confusion, and drowsiness.
Liver
cautionPegaspargase is not recommended if you have severe liver disease. If you have a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before receiving Pegaspargase.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have a history of kidney disease, inform your doctor before receiving Pegaspargase.
Children
safe if prescribedPegaspargase is safe for use in children if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- 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.
Special Advise
- Women of reproductive potential must use reliable contraception during treatment with Pegaspargase and for six months after the last dose.
- Men should use effective contraception while they or their partners are on treatment with Pegaspargase.
- 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.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
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.
FAQs
Pegaspargase is used to treat Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Pegaspargase works by killing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
If anticoagulants are used at the same time as Pegaspargase, there may be a higher risk of bleeding disorders. Therefore, consult the doctor if you are taking anticoagulant/blood thinner medicines.
Oral contraceptive is not an effective method of contraception whilst on treatment with Pegaspargase. Ask your doctor about the best contraceptive to use.
Pegaspargase may cause osteonecrosis (bone damage), especially when taken concomitantly with glucocorticoids. If you experience any new bone pain, like pain in the hip, back or knee, inform the doctor as soon as possible.
Consult the doctor if you are undergoing immunisation with live vaccines within 3 months of completing the treatment, as it may increase the risk of severe infections.
Pegaspargase can lead to fluctuations in clotting factors and may increase the risk of bleeding and/or clotting. If you notice unusual bleeding or bruising, consult the doctor.
