Asparaginase Injection (ERWINIA ASPARAGINASE - INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

This medicine may cause serious bleeding problems in patients taking blood thinner medications. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to monitor your blood lab tests if you are on blood thinners.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

There is an increased risk of bleeding while on this medicine, please tell your doctor or nurse if you notice any excessive bleeding or bruising.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 3 months after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women of childbearing age should have a negative pregnancy test before starting this medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Men with a female partner who is of childbearing age must use reliable birth control during sexual activity while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• decreased appetite
• lack of energy and tiredness
• headaches
• high blood sugar
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• red or swollen abdomen
• bleeding that is severe or takes longer to stop
• wheezing or difficulty breathing
• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• cough that does not go away
• nosebleeds
• fainting
• fever or chills
• severe or persistent headache
• pain in the joints
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• mouth sores or irritation
• tight or rigid muscles
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• severe stomach pain that spreads to the back
• bloody or dark, tarry stools
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• excessive thirst
• increased urinary frequency
• waking up at night to urinate
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.