asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi

What is the most important information I should know about asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What is asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is a cancer medicine.

Erwinase is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults and children at least 4 months old who have become allergic to other forms of asparaginase such as Elspar, Oncaspar or Rylaze.

Rylaze is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma in adults and children at least 1 month old who have become allergic to other forms of asparaginase such as Elspar, Oncaspar or Erwinase.

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

• a serious allergic reaction;
• serious pancreas problems;
• a life-threatening blood clot; or
• serious bleeding problems.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• problems with your liver or pancreas;
• bleeding problems;
• a blood clot; or
• diabetes.

How should I use asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi is injected into a muscle or into a vein. Erwinase is usually given every 48 hours. Rylaze can be given every 48 hours or given 3 times per week.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with the medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.

Your healthcare provider will show you where to inject asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.

Do not shake the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Your blood will need to be tested often and your dose or medication schedule may be changed based on the results.

Doses are based on body surface area (height and weight). Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight or if you are still growing.

Throw away a vial (bottle) after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Follow all storage instructions provided with asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi. Your pharmacist can provide more information about how to store this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while using asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• any bleeding that will not stop;
• blisters or ulcers in your mouth, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
• signs of liver or pancreas problems --severe stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea or vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of a blood clot --sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, chest pain, feeling short of breath, pain or swelling in an arm or leg;
• low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough; or
• high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• liver or pancreas problems;
• bleeding or blood clots;
• high blood sugar;
• stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• fever, headache, tiredness, mouth sores;
• bone pain, muscle or joint pain;
• allergic reaction, skin rash; or
• abnormal liver function tests.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi?

Other drugs may affect asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi.