Generic Name: pegaspargase (peg ah SPAR jase)
Brand Names: Oncaspar
What is pegaspargase?
Pegaspargase is a cancer medication that interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.
Pegaspargase is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Pegaspargase may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about pegaspargase?
Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to pegaspargase, or if you have ever been treated with asparaginase (Elspar) and had a severe allergic reaction or developed a stroke, blood clot, or pancreas problems.
Before receiving pegaspargase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have diabetes or a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
While receiving pegaspargase, avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Get emergency medical help if you think you have received too much of this medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of the following side effects during your treatment with pegaspargase:
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
pain or swelling in one or both legs;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
increased thirst or urination; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving pegaspargase?
Do not receive this medication if you are allergic to pegaspargase, or if you have ever been treated with asparaginase (Elspar) and had:
a serious allergic reaction;
a stroke or blood clot; or
problems with your pancreas.
Before receiving pegaspargase, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
diabetes (pegaspargase can raise blood sugar); or
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive pegaspargase, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pegaspargase passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How is pegaspargase given?
Pegaspargase is given as an injection through an IV needle placed into a vein, or as a shot into a muscle. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The IV medicine must be given slowly, and it can take up to 2 hours to complete.
After receiving this medication, your doctor may want to observe you for at least 1 hour to make sure the medication does not cause harmful side effects.
Before you receive your first treatment with this medication, you may need a skin test to make sure you are not allergic to pegaspargase.
Pegaspargase can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain thyroid tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are receiving pegaspargase.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if you miss an appointment for your pegaspargase injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a pegaspargase overdose may include easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
What should I avoid while receiving pegaspargase?
Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Pegaspargase side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
pain or swelling in one or both legs;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
increased thirst or urination; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
mild skin rash or itching;
depression, drowsiness;
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
stomach cramps; or
headache, feeling tired or irritable.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pegaspargase Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:
2500 international units/m2 IV or IM no more frequently than every 14 days
Usual Pediatric Dose for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia:
1 year or older: 2500 international units/m2 IV or IM no more frequently than every 14 days
What other drugs will affect pegaspargase?
Before receiving asparaginse, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar);
prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, and others); or
methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex, Trexall).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to receive pegaspargase, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect pegaspargase. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
More pegaspargase resources
- Pegaspargase Side Effects (in more detail)
- Pegaspargase Dosage
- Pegaspargase Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Pegaspargase Drug Interactions
- Pegaspargase Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Pegaspargase - Add your own review/rating
- pegaspargase Intramuscular, Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Pegaspargase Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Pegaspargase Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Pegaspargase MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Oncaspar Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare pegaspargase with other medications
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has information about pegaspargase written for health professionals that you may read.
See also: pegaspargase side effects (in more detail)
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